Greys are here to stay

Shortly after starting a bathroom remodel while reviewing the colour and style choices made by the homeowners, it dawned on me that most clients seem to have similar tastes lately. A quick review of my photo diary confirmed what I had suspected — everyone seems to enjoy the shades of grey, these days. Of the last dozen or so flooring installations during larger room remodels, all have been variations of grey tones which begs the question — why has grey become so popular?

Do you recall the mint-green or pastel-pink bathroom sink and matching toilet at your grandparents’ house? That must have been the trend back then. And although those unfortunate colours seem to have fallen out of favour, a few still remain in yet-to-be remodelled houses. When those bathroom amenities are finally slotted for replacement, it is highly unlikely I’ll get a request for the latest model of high-efficiency toilet in such a dated colour option — most are available only in white, anyway. And although sinks and countertops are offered in a variety of styles and colours, I’ve yet to come across a ‘new’ sink that’s pink. No matter, trends do change with the times.

Beyond the varied choices for new kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, tub and shower stalls, as well as all the other subjective items chosen to populate a space during a remodel, the most popular and consistent choice for colour by far has been grey. For flooring, a grey wood-tone, vinyl plank has been extremely prevalent in recent remodels with walls painted slightly lighter than the hue of the chosen flooring. I used to joke about painting walls grey. Following drywall installation, and the many subsequent hours spent taping and mudding multiple coats before sanding the surfaces in preparation for primer and paint, a grey colour choice felt like regression – reverting to the drywall stage.

I must admit however, greys have made more sense to me recently — the neutral approach to finishing a space. There is an inherent purity to a room with a white ceiling, light grey walls with white baseboards and casings against grey wood-grain flooring. This combination is truly unobtrusive — a safe approach that easily caters to the majority, without offending any sensibilities. Although some may consider variations of only greys slightly dull, the cohesiveness of that narrow palette often outweighs the risk of mistakenly choosing the wrong colour, one that over time may induce a sense of regret and require change.

There is solace in neutrality, I reckon. Should the greys in any particular space become too underwhelming and bland, adding a splash of colour can be achieved with very little effort: a vibrant area rug, cheerful wall paintings, bold couch cushions, festive towels in the bathroom that change with the season — you get the idea. A ‘grey’ space becomes the perfect canvas upon which the colour of preference (at any given time) can be added or substituted, without having to repaint the walls and redo the flooring. I suppose that might be the point of this on-going healthy shades-of-grey trend — it accommodates any other colour, which makes it the most versatile and smart long-term upgrade. And this in turn, is sure to be a wise and cost-effective investment. The greys it seems, are here to stay and for good reason.

RenoBoss.Inc@outlook.com