Take the Gloom Out of Gray

Tone variation of the brush strokes on "Positano in Graphite" by Amanda Nisbet look as though someone actually hand painted the silk ground.  This fabric would make very chic pillows.

A new client of mine likes the soothing sophistication of gray for her beach house living room but still wants the room to feel fresh and cheerful.  The key to achieving gray without gloom is to pick the clearest grays without any beige or green undertones.  We decided to layer gray in fun prints on a warm toned sisal rug with grass cloth walls.  Here are a few new happy gray fabrics that I discovered while scheming the room!

The clear white ground lends crispness to "Bengal Bazaar in Graphite" by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa.

Kravet's "Dotkat in Mineral" has the feel of an ikat on a smaller scale.  I would use this on chair seats with solid gray piping.  It is also soil resistant and echo friendly.

"Renishaw" by Travers is a nice durable upholstery fabric without the heavy duty look. 

Inconsistent free hand dots on Sister Parish's "Chou Chou in Gray" lend a whimsical air.

Classic ticking is upgraded when printed on Rogers & Goffigon's high quality linen (Montana in Ash shown above).

Quadrille recently launched several gray color ways.  "Veneto in Gray on Tinted Linen" would upholster well on club chairs or make for punchy pillows. 

Highs and lows meld seamlessly with Galbraith & Paul's "Fern in Cadet Blue"; the pattern is casual but the colors are slightly metallic, providing a hint of glamour.  You can do just about anything with this fabric.  It would make gorgeous curtain panels, upholstery or pillows and is versatile enough for the city or country.