Blake Lively Revives the Timeless Gray Paint Trend with a Modern Twist
The conversation around gray paint in home decor is heating up. While often deemed 'timeless', some interior designers argue that traditional gray is losing its appeal. Yet, not every shade of gray is outdated.
If you're curious about what colors are set to take gray's place, one answer lies in an evolved gray hue that is becoming popular—especially in the stylish home of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.
In a recent post, Blake showcased a stunning blue-gray wash on the walls of her elegant country home in Pound Ridge, New York. This background caught our attention even as she prepared for a Tiffany & Co. event in Manhattan. While Tiffany Blue is always a favorite, Blake's unique mottled gray-blue walls are equally captivating.
This particular finish offers a fresh and modern approach to gray, demonstrating that this classic color can indeed be revitalized, proving that trends often circle back over time.
It wouldn't be surprising if Blake and Ryan sparked a resurgence of this color trend. However, experts point out that this shade has already gained traction among decor enthusiasts.
'We are witnessing a shift from muted grays and “greiges” towards blue-grays and cooler tones,' remarks Paige NeJame, owner of CertaPro Painters in Boston.
Paige NeJame leads CertaPro Painters near Boston and South Shore. An authority in the painting industry, she writes about color trends for various publications while engaging with clients to spot consumer preferences.
Although we admire this color in Blake and Ryan's home, Paige notes that gray-blue is also becoming a popular choice for exterior projects. If this vibrant hue doesn't suit your interior, consider using it for an outdoor refresh. For indoor spaces, we recommend trying this nearly perfect match from Backdrop below.
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Characterized as a 'clean, crisp, cool blue with a hint of gray', this soothing color is Backdrop's twist on baby blue. We appreciate that it's easy to apply and environmentally friendly, making it a more sustainable choice.
Designers are buzzing about Blake's gray-blue paint choice.
'Gray-blue could become the next standout color trend in interior design. This versatile shade complements numerous styles, from classic to modern. Its calming nature fosters a peaceful atmosphere in your home,' says Artem Kropovinsky, an interior designer and founder of Arsight, based in New York City.
(Image credit: GettyImages)
But what makes gray-blue so desirable right now? Artem highlights its capacity to create 'various aesthetics' as a key factor in its success. 'For instance, you can achieve a coastal vibe by combining gray-blue with white and natural wood,' he explains. 'Alternatively, pair it with black and white for a more contemporary look.'
'No matter the style chosen, gray-blue brings an air of sophistication to your space and is likely to stand the test of time.'
Regarding the revival of color washing techniques, the Editor in Chief commented: 'Color washing has a long history, but it last gained popularity in the 1980s when it seemed every wall had some kind of paint effect. For me, color washing has always been the most elegant of these techniques, and I’ve noticed it re-emerging in beautifully curated homes. It's been effectively applied on both walls and ceilings in many projects.
'It's easy to replicate yourself, and quite affordable, so you can easily imitate Blake and Ryan's wall: simply apply a base coat in your chosen shade, allow it to dry, then use a natural sea sponge (like these from Amazon) to randomly apply a new, water-diluted, more translucent layer in the same color—just one tone different, either lighter or darker than the base coat. Make sure to practice first!
We’ll take that as our inspiration.