Thursday, March 18, 2010

top 5 greys


Although yesterday was a terrible St. Patrick's Day, today felt like Christmas morning! My in-laws arrived in Dubai to visit for 2 weeks, and they were bearing many gifts! The most needed gifts were my Benjamin Moore paint decks. I hadn't planned on needing them when we left the states 6 months ago, but once I got here I quickly realized that they do not have BM anywhere and I've been struggling without it! {fyi- the online color-viewer is not accurate}
On that note, I've received several emails asking for recommendations on paint, and while I can't offer specific selections for everyone that emails me {unless of course you hire me} ~ I can give a few suggestions to the blogosphere. The most requested is a GREY... so here you go. These are my tried and tested, favorite warm-greys.


TOP 5 Benjamin Moore warm-greys

1. greystone

2. ozark shadows

3. classic grey


4. cape may cobblestone


5. edgecomb grey


TRICK OF THE TRADE- lighten any paint by having them mix it at 25% or 50% strength. Sometimes a shade lighter will do the trick!
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23 comments:

  1. KatherineMarch 18, 2010 at 10:56 PM

    Love the choices. I never thought I was a big grey person, but I love what you're showing.

    Also, I know where the uncredited picture is from!
    Pearl Street Interiors did it!

    http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/12/hack-of-all-hacks.html

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  2. Diana HulmeMarch 18, 2010 at 11:01 PM

    this is a great post! not that i'm painting anytime soon, but i will file it away. thanks!

    here's the source for #3, i was just looking at it the other day:
    http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.com/2009/09/side-table-project.html
    via little green notebook.

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  3. Diana HulmeMarch 18, 2010 at 11:02 PM

    oh just saw the post above...katherine beat me to it. :)

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  4. DebbieMarch 18, 2010 at 11:06 PM

    I painted my bedroom a color almost the same color as cape may cobblestone about 6 months ago and I'm absolutely in LOVE!

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  5. UnknownMarch 18, 2010 at 11:16 PM

    Do these greys look good in any finish or just eggshell?

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  6. AngieMarch 18, 2010 at 11:35 PM

    Getting ready to redecorate and have been kicking the idea of grey around. Thanks for your tips!

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  7. Helena - A Diary of LovelyMarch 18, 2010 at 11:43 PM

    I'd love to paint a room in one of these, unfortunately I can't paint in my apartment, maybe later though

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  8. Sara MoriartyMarch 18, 2010 at 11:43 PM

    I love the bathroom you did in greystone. So sophisticated. Classic grey is also a favorite of mine.

    Also, maybe you can answer this: is having the paint store mix at 25% or 50% different from going up (to a lighter color) on a paint deck swatch? I have always wondered this.

    Enjoy the visit from your in-laws! ~Sara

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  9. Flavia @ Estilo HomeMarch 18, 2010 at 11:49 PM

    Thank you for this! I have been looking at gray paint for my living room, and your selections are defintely useful!

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  10. UnknownMarch 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM

    Christmas indeed! Great picks for the greys!

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  11. LindseyMarch 19, 2010 at 12:38 AM

    i love the classic grey. i really just love greys!

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  12. AnonymousMarch 19, 2010 at 1:42 AM

    On hiring you to help with choosing paint colors, what would be a good first question to ask you without stumbling about trying to explain the colors that I have chosen so far? What I can see in my minds eye, doesn't always come out so good when I'm trying to explain it to someone.

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  13. Megan @ Megity's HandmadeMarch 19, 2010 at 2:07 AM

    Edgecomb gray is one of my favorites! Those other grays are beautiful too.

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  14. BritneyMarch 19, 2010 at 6:58 AM

    Wonderful to know! I'm moving and have grand plans of painting my new bathroom grey. Great to have a guide of examples to choose from. Thanks!

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  15. caitlin wilsonMarch 19, 2010 at 7:48 AM

    Thank you Katherine & Diana...just updated it!
    Suzanne- I always use MATTE finish for bedrooms and EGGSHELL finish in bathrooms. I never use semi-gloss so I couldn't tell you if it would look okay. Try it in a quart first!

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  16. J & JMarch 19, 2010 at 9:25 AM

    mmm that grey stone is just CALLING to me. "jenna...paint every wall ME." oh my gosh.. i am so excited to decorate a house one day with you by my side. ONE DAY MY LOVE!

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  17. SabinePsynopsisMarch 19, 2010 at 6:43 PM

    Your pictures make me realise that grey isn't only great for clothes but also for interior design. Beautiful!

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  18. Shan @ Design GalMarch 19, 2010 at 10:43 PM

    love me some gray! thank you!

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  19. UnknownMarch 21, 2010 at 12:47 PM

    Gorgeous greys! Have a sweet day!

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  20. AlliMarch 22, 2010 at 6:35 PM

    thanks for this post! I want to paint my living and dining room grey, and these were some perfect options! It couldn't have been posted at a more perfect time.

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  21. stephanie marieMarch 22, 2010 at 11:26 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. deliciously organizedMarch 24, 2010 at 12:41 AM

    LOVE grey. Can't get enough. Thanks for sharing your faves...

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  23. prashantMarch 31, 2010 at 12:40 AM

    I love what you're showing.
    data entry work from home

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