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Leslie McGwire: Is Gray Paint Going Out of Style? | August 10, 2022 (0 comments)
West Bloomfield, MI--I'm often asked about gray paint in the beginning stage of the design process. Overall, the consensus is that gray is still in style for 2022 and 2023. But before a jewelry store owner begins painting, the question that needs to be asked is: What types of grays should be used?
According to color experts, the feeling is that cool toned, flat mid grays are out, and the softer warmer gray colors are in for retail or jewelry stores. The neutral color can go with most any other color paint you chose for your accent color. If the gray walls or floors gets any amount of natural light, then the gray will always bring warm and comfortable feelings for your valued clients.
So, for the rest of 2022 and 2023, the cold, flat gray is out; and the rich, warm grays are in for interior design. See pictures of the gray cabinetry I designed at Occasions Fine Jewelry in Midland, Texas. I used warm gray tones throughout the store. The overall design gives clients a very welcoming feeling in the store while shopping.
[Occasions Fine Jewelry in Midland, Texas, Photo credit, Leslie McGwire]
I often tell my clients to use light grays that exhibit a relaxed positive feeling in their stores. There is no escaping the popularity of this color hue. The expectations are that shades of gray will not be going anywhere or anytime soon. However, some forward-thinking color experts are seeing an uplift in sales of warmer gray shades, which has been referred to as the “greige” colors. See pictures of Kelley Jewelers which I designed with a light gray flooring, gray lit logo sign, and shiny gray tile on the front of the POS in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
[Kelley Jewelers, Weatherford, Oklahoma, Photo credit, Leslie McGwire]
The warm gray tones are the timeless, new neutral shades that will work with a variety of other colors. Alongside, these warmers grays, there is also a trend to go bolder with our neutral’s grays. As a jewelry store owner, switching out a little to light grays can lead clients to a confident feeling in contrast to the dramatic charcoal shades. Grey, like white, will always have a place in interior design. Warm grays create a sense of calm and welcoming feeling for the employees and the customers. Some of the more popular gray paint colors are Farrow & Ball called “Elephant’s Breath”, Benjamin Moore’s top gray is “Coventry Gray”, a mid-toned color that has lots of depth. Sherwin -Williams most popular gray is called “Agreeable Gray.”
About the Author: Leslie McGwire™ has over 35 years in business development, interior design and marketing services in retail and jewelry-based businesses. Leslie has won 25 national design awards, including the prestigious Salon Today and INSTORE Jewelry Store awards. Leslie has a true passion for business, design in the retail and jewelry industries. Visit lesliemcgwire.com for more information.