Gray and its neighbor greige have become go-to hues for many designers, homeowners and stagers in recent years, and with good reason: These neutrals are subtle, sophisticated and have wide appeal. But if you’re getting a little greige fatigue, consider adding one (or more) of these equally sophisticated hues to your palette. From navy to smoky blue to buttermilk, these colors are elegant, easy to work with and sure to please.
1. Navy. You can’t get much more classic than navy. This hue is getting more play on kitchen cabinetry, a welcome departure from the all-white kitchens that have dominated in recent years. Try navy on lower cabinets in the kitchen, on built-in bookcases, as an accent wall or as an allover wall color in a compact space like the study, bath or laundry room.
Meriwether Inc, original photo on Houzz
Cabinet paint: Devine Macaw, Devine Color
2. Milk chocolate. A light brown that’s warm but not too warm, this hue looks especially sophisticated on woodwork. Milk chocolate pairs well with ivory, plum, taupe and deeper shades of brown. Try it in the living room or bedroom.
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Dina Aleksandrova, original photo on Houzz
3. Smoky blue. Like a moody sky or turbulent sea, this color is rich and dramatic. And because it’s strong without being overpowering, it works equally well as an accent or main color. Try smoky blue in the dining room, mudroom, bath or kitchen alongside crisp white, black and shades of gray.
ColeBuilt, original photo on Houzz
Blue paint: Normandy 2129-40, Benjamin Moore
4. Buttermilk. Warmer than off-white but not as cloying as full-on yellow, buttermilk is a friendly, uplifting hue. Try it in the kitchen, breakfast nook, living room or anywhere you’d like a warm, cozy atmosphere. Buttermilk looks especially at home among natural wood tones, and including some black in the design for contrast keeps the look fresh.
Chuck Mills Design, original photo on Houzz
5. Taupe. Looking for a baby step away from gray? Try taupe, which sits squarely in the middle of the neutral spectrum. It’s not too warm or too cool, making it easy to coordinate with just about any other colors or wood tones in your home.
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6. Neutral green. With both gray (cool) and brown (warm) undertones, a green like this has a timeless, historic feel that works especially well with rich woods and warm whites. Try it in the living or dining room paired with wood floors and natural wood finishes.
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