HUES YOU CAN USE: GRIZZLE GRAY

While browsing the web on Saturday night I came across this Living Room in the 2011 HGTV Green Home. Oh. My. Gawd. I've been battling the gray trend, but recently gave in when I painted my guest room, and now this...

It's been a while since I've written a Hues You Can Use post [sorry about that] and figured I'd better get it together.

Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray works so well in this room because of the abundance of natural light, the balance of stark white linen drapery panels, and the introduction of wood into the mix. Hello Yellow! Isn't it totally livable when paired with neutrals? Black, white and gray allow yellow to take center stage, yet blend harmoniously.

The designer, Linda Woodrum adds a bit of the unexpected with this orange side table to the room's citrus-y color palette. Its presence inserts charm and playfulness to the scheme, too.

When you are obsessed with fabrics like I am you immediately recognize patterns and often know where to find cost effective alternatives. Just the other day I told someone how I was over chevron patterns. The above selection made me eat my words.

a] Ty Pennington Impressions in Wave Gray (a comparable) $7.63/yd on sale now.
b] Premier Prints ZigZag Slub Texture Yellow/White $5.93/yd on sale now.
c] Thom Filicia's Prospect in Shadow $44.99/yd.

As you see below, the entire room isn't painted the same color. In fact, the dark paint and room-sized area rug cleverly distinguish the living room as a separate space in this open floor plan.

The same color combo was on trend last spring and doesn't seem to be fading anytime soon. Will gray find a place in your home this season?

HUES YOU CAN USE: OFF-BLACK

From clothing to interiors, dark hues continue to move me this season. What else can I say except for...Bring on the drama.  A high contrast array of dark walls, honey colored floors, and white cabinetry [featured in 25 Beautiful Homes, August 2006] seem to have come full circle to next year's list of hottest decor trends.

Black makes the greatest impact when paired with white. Think a black tuxedo worn with a crisp white shirt. There's nothing sexier, don't you agree? Go a step further and add a pop of color, like chartreuse, and go from traditional to trendsetting.

[via Living, Etc. February 2009]

Are you brave enough to venture to the dark side?

HUES YOU CAN USE: CHAR BROWN

Seduced by chocolate, I'm tempted to cover my dining room walls in Benjamin Moore's Char Brown. I originally earmarked the above image as inspiration for my client's dining room which we actually painted BM's Durango (equally delicious). The stark white ceiling, doors, and dining chairs seamlessly balance light and dark. The introduction of yellow/gold curtains in both images continue to warm the walls while simultaneously breaking up the sea of brown.

Coined the "Godiva Room," the above family room belongs to actress Ali Wentworth and news anchor George Stephanopoulos. At first glance the space reads quite formal, but the rich, velvety sofas provide an unspoken invitation to kick back and relax. So cozy, yet sophisticated...

How far will your obsession with chocolate lead you?

images: 1 | 2

HUES YOU CAN USE: INSIDE A JEWEL BOX

Feel like royalty in a room painted in a rich, purple hue like Benjamin Moore's Grape Gum. Purple, on the cusp of blue, it's totally strong and luxurious, yet unisex.

designed by Robert Brown Interior Design

 

Sumptuous and passionate...would you dare be this dramatic?

HUES YOU CAN USE: SIERRA NIGHT

Dark rooms really don't have to feel dark. In this renovation by Anne Turner, former Cottage Living editor, she uses muted tones to bring warmth and refinement to a cookie cutter cottage. Would you try this look in your home?

Cottage Living November/December Issue 2008.

Want to see "Hues You Can Use" as a weekly feature? Let me know in  the comments section!