Well hello there! Is it that time of the year again? Oh yes, I believe so! Just a few days ago, Benjamin Moore announced their color of the year 2019: Metropolitan AF-690. Paint colors of this sort are quite a treat for most – a neutral paint color at last, where designers don’t have to go to any length to convince anyone about its attributes! Benjamin Moore after two consecutive years of opting deep, saturated hues (Caliente for 2018 and Shadow for 2017), made a well calculated move to go for a subtle, well composed light grey.
To be honest though, at first I was a little disappointed, because it is more of an off-white hue if you ask me. I felt that there’s no real punch to it. I would have preferred another neutral color like beige, a bit bolder and more earthly than a grey. Of course, Carven Clay, the respective Sherwin Williams color of the year 2019, might be too saturated for many, yet it embodies an aesthetic that I find myself more drawn to nowadays.
Nonetheless, I have to admit that the more I gaze at this Metropolitan hue, the more I appreciate it. It is definitely easy to manipulate. It suits just about any lifestyle and interior styling, acting like a neutral backdrop. It is comforting, soothing, with an understated elegance hence, it brings out a delicate softness therefore, I thought it was only fair to look up for images with similar grey toned room interiors to share with you as inspiration. The images I’ve selected have been sourced from various brands that are not in the business of promoting this new color, but the point is that they do show clearly how an off-white or light grey hue works in a space.
A grey hue like this Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore, can’t go wrong. It’s easy going and it goes well with almost any wood tone, making it ideal for anyone who doesn’t feel too confident with color coordinating. Now, a tip to remember is that when in doubt, adding linen textiles is a super easy way to fuse everything together and make it look seamless! 😉
Due to the fact that grays are neutral shades, they can easily pair with either soft and/or bolder hues, depending on the desired outcome. The choices are endless. Moreover, since all the more people are opting for a more organic vibe with lots of wood, dried flowers and textured textiles, it makes sense to favor paint colors that compliment those elements well.
Benjamin Moore’s Metropolitan gray creates a sense of balance without the slightest effort, unlike its rival rusty color Carven Clay by Sherwin Williams that can create a feeling of uneasiness if not curated with care. More thought has to be put in when styling with such saturated colors. (Therefore, if you need some inspiration on this color, then this here should really help).
In any case, one similarity that I see distinctly between both of these paint colors is that they have a sophisticated 70’s vibe to them. They both have a worldly, down to earth appeal to them that ultimately translates in spaces that will embrace and highlight each in their own ways all the decor elements you choose to go for.
Obviously, no one really changes their wall color all that often. Trends do come and go as the seasons do. However, if you’re thinking of repainting, then both are equally good candidates. It’s really up to you to decide what you’re most comfortable with.
Take good care now, xo
