Still Mad About … Grey Paint Colours

Just when you think you’ve checked all the shades of grey paint, along comes a whole new collection. With pictures that are so stunning you feel inspired all over again.

walls in scree 227 by Little Greene

We have already looked in detail at how to choose the right grey paint. We have pored over beautiful images to inspire and we’ve definitely considered more than 50 shades.

walls in flint 236, fireplace in chocolate 124.

But then along comes Little Greene with their new collection called (no surprises there) Grey and we can gaze at another 28 shades who have just joined the party.

wall in lamp black 228, floor in shallows 223

There are four variations each in seven degrees of intensity, and, as the press release says: “the collection channels the decade’s hottest (or perhaps that should be coolest) look”.

grey shelves including dash of soot, dolphin, knightsbridge and chimney brick

It started, according to the company’s PR manager, Angela Fawcett, with the hunt for the one. The one perfect shade of grey that would eclipse all the others. It ended with a whole group. Colours for every room no matter which direction it faces. Colours for dramatic intensity and calming relaxation.

bathroom wall in grey teal

Everything is manufactured in the UK with, Little Greene claims, up to 40 per cent more pigment than ordinary paints, resulting in a deeper intensity of colour.

alcove painted in knightsbridge and window sills in chimney brick

While paint companies are notoriously reluctant to confirm sales figures and numbers, they are in agreement that there has been a definite shift away from yellow-based neutrals to a more Scandinavian palette of greys.

Ashley Spooner, of Paint and Paper , who supply all the major names, says: We’ve definitely seen “grey” paint colours becoming more and more popular. One thing to look out for is that grey (from all manufacturers) is very much influenced by light and time of day. It is definitely worth using a sample pot and painting a bit of each wall in the room and taking a look at the colour at different times of the day.”

main wall painted in grey moss with bench from rowen and wren

The only problem now is which one to choose? You can afford to be really imaginative as this image below shows and if you’re not sure about painting the walls then do something dramatic with the skirting boards.

skirting in urbane grey and lamp black

Ashley says Little Greene’s French Grey is a popular shade and adds: “Their Absolute Matt range is perfect for greys because it  is virtually sheenless. Little Greene is popular with professionals because of its quality.”

corridor wall in grey moss 234 and cool arbour 232, facing wall in wood ash 229