Some Are Calling It Greige, Yet the Color, a Combination of Grey and Beige, Is More Exciting Than It Sounds.
This October, Benjamin Moore announced its 2019 Color of the Year, and it’s one everyone can live with. Metropolitan AF-690, a hue from the Affinity Collection, exudes harmony, nuance, and easy extravagance.
The color was an unexpected choice, as historically, the chosen colors are often bold, bright, and groundbreaking. Just last year, the paint company gave the title to Caliente, a strong, fiery red that, while stunning, may not be for everyone. This year, the company switched gears to a soothing gray that’s bound to bring beauty and balance to any room. "It's a color in the neutral spectrum that references a contemplative state of mind and design. Not arresting nor aggressive, this understated yet glamorous gray creates a soothing, impactful common ground," said Ellen O'Neill, Benjamin Moore Director of Strategic Design Intelligence.
The color was chosen with the belief that, in today’s political and social climate, what people are really craving is quiet. Take a page from Benjamin Moore’s palette and start brainstorming ways to bring Metropolitan gray and a touch of tranquility into your home.
The color carries cool undertones that appear the slightest bit green in certain light and can be integrated into nearly any room. To make things even easier, Benjamin Moore released 15 harmonious hues, ranging from frothy pinks to rich blues and greens, to pair with the color.
The palette makes it clear that neutrals are more than safe—they also offer strength through versatility as they can serve as a backdrop for elegant rooms or as balancing details among bold colors. With a trendy, neutral tone like this, the options are endless. Unlike past colors (see: Caliente), Metropolitan gray works in any room of the house, whether you’re aiming to soften up a modern kitchen, create a spa-like bathroom, sleep deeper in a zen bedroom, or balance out a bold living room.
This year’s Color of the Year offers a lesson in subtley, proving that a color doesn’t have to be loud, harsh, or extreme in order to have impact. Press pause on your life, download a deep breathing app, and paint the town Metropolitan AF-690 while you recalibrate.