Light gray! Charcoal gray! Dove gray! Pewter gray! Frosted pastel gray! Seared gray! We might be 44 shades shy of 50, but our point is that gray is a cool color and a hot trend! Gray is destined to be one of the neutral shades that works well on its own and when paired up with white, yellow, pink, navy, and other shades of gray. Some color clairvoyants are saying that gray is going to be around for a long time.
The Neutral that’s a Bathroom Natural
Long before yellow metal became popular in the bath and kitchen, white metals were the obvious choice for hardware. The cooler tones of gray are a natural when working with metal finishes such as:
- Nickel
- Pewter
- Chrome
- Stainless Steel
Nickel, pewter, chrome and stainless steel have several finish options, as well, such as:
- Satin
- Bright
- Brushed
- Polished
- Hammered
When you consider these hardware material and finish options in conjunction with the array of gray cabinetry and paint choices, gray becomes quite the gregarious neutral!
Fine Cabinetry and a Weathered Appeal
Bathroom cabinetry is not locked in to any one design category. It can be sleek and modern or weathered with lots of character. The wonderful thing about the gray palette is that it transcends both design styles. Beautifully constructed wood cabinetry, stained and satin finished in charcoal gray, or roughhewn pickled gray panels with a waxy finish; they each adapt to the color without a hitch.
The Many Influences of Gray
If you’re contemplating designing your bathroom in a gray-hued scheme, you are going to be surprised at how many different ways you can go. Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing as you fall in love with gray!
- Exotic. When you pair gray-tinted glass tile with shimmery silver foil wallpaper, you’ve got exotic with a capital "E!"
- Country. Weathered gray cabinetry, deep white sink basin and soaking tub come together for a little bit of country chic that is fresh and fun!
- Contemporary. Charcoal gray, oversized subway floor tile, shiny chrome faucets and mirror-framed mirrors light up a fabulous functional bathroom.