Gray, the New Black?

Rose Gilbert
Sun, 05 Oct 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

Q: Is it my imagination, or is gray the next black? I went through three decorator show houses last month, and it seemed every other room was some shade of gray.

A: What you're saying, we're all seeing! For good — and also puzzling — reasons, gray is having its day in interiors all across the US.

Never mind that there are more than the storied 50 shades of gray. And never mind that in a rising economy (as we're told ours is) colors traditionally lighten and brighten, leaving gray to clouds and men named Dorian.
Updated: Mon Oct 06, 2014

Q: Is it my imagination, or is gray the next black? I went through three decorator show houses last month, and it seemed every other room was some shade of gray.

A: What you're saying, we're all seeing! For good — and also puzzling — reasons, gray is having its day in interiors all across the US.

Never mind that there are more than the storied 50 shades of gray. And never mind that in a rising economy (as we're told ours is) colors traditionally lighten and brighten, leaving gray to clouds and men named Dorian.

What makes today's gray so appealing is its versatility. There is a nuance for every taste. Some like it warm — edging toward tan. Some like it cold — with blue and green undertones. And some like grays that run the gamut, as in the serenely calm bedroom we show here.

From the soft gray on the faux-paneled walls to the gray patterned carpet, the palette is soporific, as befits a room for sleeping. But hardly monotonous, thanks to the interplay of various textures: dramatic tufting on the headboard, slick and shine on the satin pillows, touch-me fluffiness on the pretend fur throw.

Even the furniture itself is gray (in more ways than one — it's made by a company called Thomas & Gray, thomasandgray.com). Bed, table, and chair will make their debut later this month at the High Point Furniture Market, the world's largest for furniture and accessories.

Top manufacturers, artists and craftsmen bring their best and latest ideas to Market from around the globe. It will be interesting to see if gray keeps its hot spot on top of the color charts for 2015.

Q: Is your home stressing you out?

A: There's a good chance that what used to be home, sweet home, has become a major cause of stress for the modern American family, believes Daniel Tafoya, senior VP of Home Franchise Concepts in Orange, California.

That is, if you live like some of the families in the video Dan has been traveling around the U.S., showing to home design editors. It's Fall Cleaning Season, the perfect time to confront snarled closets, jumbled offices, impassable entryways and glutted garages, all of which, Dan warns, contribute dramatically to family STRESS!

"Homes in the U.S. have gotten bigger. And bigger just means more stuff," he points out. His company's franchise, Tailored Living, offers in-home consultations for clutter cures like custom-fit cabinetry, closet accoutrement, Murphy beds, and personal garage make-overs (PremierGarage.com), that feature organizer walls and gleaming tile floors, and could easily double as private clubs

Garage renovations run $2,500 to $5,000 on average, Dan said. But at least one inspired "Garage Guy's" sprawling, brilliant red custom creation cost $30,000 and included pool and ping-pong tables, pub-worthy bar and seating area, with ample room leftover for an impressive collection of autos and motorcycles.

"With this kind of garage," Dan smiles, "your neighbors don't mind when you leave the door open."

Gray is the antithesis of 'gloom' in an elegant bedroom that practically guarantees a good night's sleep. Photo: Courtesy Thomas & Gray.

Rose Bennett Gilbert is the co-author of "Manhattan Style" and six other books on interior design. To find out more about Rose Bennett Gilbert and read features by Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators syndicate website at www.CREATORS.com.