It's certainly not uncommon for popular neutrals to provoke conservation among designers – but none quite so much as gray.
This hue has a habit of splitting the opinion of those in the know, with some saying its day popularity has wavered, but others say it will continue to impress in new ways – starting with a green twist on the classic. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck just made a case for the latter, courtesy of their dining room, painted in a cool gray-green color. This shade has given gray, as we know it, a new lease of life – and it's a shade that's so versatile that designers have labeled it a 'new neutral.'
Jennifer and Ben exemplify this shade in their dining room (seen behind their entryway in the footage below), and it's a choice that radiates serenity and harmony in the most sociable room of their $60.9 million home.
'What sets gray apart from other colors is its inherent timelessness. Its neutrality and ability to effortlessly blend with various other colors make it a perennial favorite among designers,' comments designer Jennifer Davis.
Jennifer explains that gray, as a color, will always remain relevant, but specific tones and shades of gray will experience shifts in popularity over time. 'Color trends continuously evolve, and different undertones or variations of gray gain or lose favor as the years go by. Currently, there is a discernible shift in preferences within the gray spectrum,' Jennifer says. This is where Jennifer and Ben's green-gray hue comes into play.
'Current design trends lean towards green grays, which infuse a touch of natural serenity into spaces, are gaining popularity. These tones bring a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors, creating a harmonious and refreshing atmosphere.'
Gray-green is establishing itself as a superior new neutral, and this is only unsurprising when we consider Jennifer Lopez's (albeit unintentional) endorsement. However, it's not the only gray-infused shade currently sought-after among designers.
'Similarly, grays with brown undertones, often referred to as "greige," have also become increasingly sought after,' Jennifer says. 'Greige strikes a balance between gray and beige, offering a more versatile and warm alternative to traditional cool grays. This blend of gray and beige hues brings a sense of comfort, grounding, and earthiness to interior spaces.'
Shop our gray-green edit
Painting our dining room (or any space) is the most powerful way to tap into the look. However, we can experiment with this trending hue with our handpicked favorites below.
