Grey and neutral tones as wall paint - colour history, colour psychology and colour effect

 

When you look at the color collections of the world's leading manufacturers, you immediately notice how large the selection of gray and neutral shades is. At both Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, these make up almost half of the entire color portfolio and are extremely popular with our customers.
Amazing when you consider that gray in particular is often associated with boredom and sadness. So what is the reason for the triumph of these so-called non-colors in the houses and apartments of the world? They play a crucial role in architecture, interior design, fashion and our everyday worlds, are trendy even though they are independent of trends and reflect the spirit of our times. A phenomenon that we want to get to the bottom of.

 

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Colour used: Wood Ash No. 229 from Little Greene

 

The color history of a color "without color"

Gray has always been associated with neutrality, modesty, boredom and conformity. In the Middle Ages, it was the color of undyed wool and therefore the color most often worn by peasants and poor people. It was also worn by monks of the Franciscan Order, the Cistercian Order and the Capuchin Order as a symbol of their humility.

In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, gray already played an important role in fashion, because black - which corresponded to gray and white as achromatic colors - became a popular color of the nobility. It became even more important in fashion in the 18th and 19th centuries, as it gave the silk and satin fabrics of the upper classes a special elegance. At the same time, however, it also remained the color of the working class and the military, who wore gray clothing made from robust materials.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, gray became a symbol of industrialization and war, but also enjoyed great popularity as a color for office clothing. Due to its neutrality, it appears serious and signals elegance and distinguished restraint. Qualities that also make it increasingly popular as a color for living spaces.

 

Colour used: Lamp Room Gray No. 88 from Farrow & Ball

 

The color gray in color psychology - an underestimated companion

Gray is generally considered an emotionless color that most people are indifferent to. As a mixture of the primal contrasts black and white, gray is perceived as neutral and impartial, as a color of transition or shading. Gray and other neutral colors find their counterpart in nature, in the color formations of sand, overcast skies, stones, pebbles and earth. They stand for introversion, are colors that remain in the background and do not impose themselves, respect boundaries and unite contrasts.

When used in fashion, interior design, architecture or wall design, gray seems to convey anonymity and security. Above all, however, it is a color that harmonizes with all other colors and can set them in scene. That's why gray tones have always been colors that exude a calm, contemporary mood and are associated with reliability, objectivity, seriousness and elegance.

 

Colour used: Ammonite No. 274 from Farrow & Ball

 

Gray and neutral wall colors - simple, soft and the perfect combiners

Neutral and gray wall colors radiate calm and serenity and always work - even beyond all trends. In their unobtrusiveness, they convey an absolute feel-good atmosphere and harmonize not only with each other, but also with all other colors and materials. And not only that, because they usually really set the scene. Gray in particular is therefore the perfect background color, because its timeless beauty and restrained elegance make the color and haptic qualities of its surroundings shine.

Gray and neutral walls are the perfect foundation and can simply do anything: Together with colors, objects and materials in their surroundings, they can warm a room, make it appear cozy or cool, feminine or masculine, puristic or opulent. They are the ideal starting point for your new wall and living design.

Try it out. We will be happy to advise you.