Don't you just love zinc? Pre-Haussmann architecture in Paris is full of oeil de boeuf windows and roof finials or fleurons. Although Paris is known for it's dismal, grey exteriors, grey can be a good thing for interiors!
Neutrals in a room allow the eye to rest. They provide quiet statements that balance the stronger elements in the composition.
I love using greys , especially zinc, to balance an environment, indoors or out.
Can't you see a collection of zinc urns across a mantel or in a bookcase?
These fleurons would be great outdoors or simply as an architectural piece inside.
Grey has been on my mind probably because last week I painted these walls for a client's dining room.....
....washes of subtle color mimicking old plaster....
Look at how the lithograph sets off the collection of gilded candlesticks and urn.
They sit back quietly and let the stronger colors sing! When planning a room, keep your focal points to a minimum filling the remaining space with lots of neutrals and greys.
22 comments:
You gave a great explanation on the hows and whys of having a good balance of colors in a room. Gray happens to be one of my very faves. Your room is gorgeous, Theresa -- and I want to bring those fleurons home...
my studio/office is dark grey; the former owner had painted it this color ostensibly for a home theatre. i love it. it's neutral and cozy, and conducive to writing. i would never have thought to make it this color myself.
Thanks Regina! Those fleurons ARE to die for, aren't they? I am lucky to have clients that let me "run wild " with my ideas sometimes!
Kitty,
I bet the dark grey is PERFECT for writing....it is a color that allows the brain to stay focused and not distract. I would love to see photos!
Theresa-I have no gray in my house, but my living room and dining room walls are a celadon that has a lot of gray in it. The walls you did are stunning. This post is making me rethink gray for myself. Really lovely and calming.
Funny about color. I am not a gray lover, but your plaster walls are so very beautiful. Lucky client!
Beth,
You can cheat with the celadon! It is all about balance of strong and subtle tones.
HBD-(wish I knew your name!) It is nice to rethink colors we might normally shy away from....grey can be a little "institutional'! I just wanted to give it a fair deal...it seems to me it is interpreted very differently in Europe than the states. It is used with more flair in Europe and not viewed as "drab" as it can be in the U.S.
Hi Theresa,
I just discovered your wonderful site through Trouvais and what a delight it is. Have spent a while going through past posts but will return later to enjoy the rest. Beautiful eye you have as well as talent in the execution ~ love those dining room walls you just did.
~Jermaine~
Thank you so much Jermaine! Nice to have you stop by.
theresa, i'd love to send photos of my dark gray office and studio, but everyone would think i had posted a still from the show, hoarders! but you're right about the gray being conducive to writing!
Great post! I love architectural salvage. I agree about the grays. I am planning to paint my master bedroom a nice gray/blue with a silvery blue focal wall. I wish some of my clients would learn that brown and beige are not the only neutrals
Hi Theresa. Gorgeous. Love gilt offset by zinc. Been using a lime paint from Australia on a kitchen fireplace (it was brick, I plastered over). Looking for a large zinc frieze for so I can tie in colors.Will probably layer in darker grays. Love the wall you did. Merci. Trish
Rachel,
You will be setting the trend for your clients by painting your master bedroom! Show them that "grey is ok"!
Trish,
It sounds pefect....what is the brand of lime from Australia?
Oooo I love grey just about anywhere - inside, outside, on me especially..I'm afraid to wear color :(
But grey-easy-peasy
Lovely pics
Carol,
Well, I live in black most of the time! I understand...I put colors on walls,,,not on me!
FAB items! Love the grey tones too!
Merci, Fifi!
I've just found your blog. It is a true gem in the cyber world. I leave a small Swedish footprints behind me. I will be back!
Greetings from Sweden & Agneta
Thank you for the comments Sinnlighet!
Love love love grays; I avoid bluish grays in quantity, but warm gray of any intensity is always calming, you are so right. Love the marbling, would love to try; I surely will. Great post; comme toujours!
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