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While a rich black or true gray can make any room feel moody, we're here to make the case that graphite is the best neutral color for dramatic interiors. Named after a naturally occurring mineral formed from carbon, the deep gray shade offers the best of the two categories—meaning it’s just dark enough to invoke an opulent atmosphere without making you feel like you fell into a black hole.
Designers have used graphite to achieve a range of looks. In a Memphis home designed by Sean Anderson, many of the rooms feature dark gray walls painted in Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams with a satin finish. The treatment aids in the home’s overall cozy yet statement-making design. Not to mention, it makes the perfect backdrop to antiques and artwork in lighter neutral tones. Similarly, in the home of Jane Francisco, the editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping, the shelving and walls in the library boast a graphite color that makes all of the books pop.
But paint isn’t the only way to bring graphite into your space. The color makes an excellent choice for furniture fabric, like the sofa and chairs seen in a New Jersey carriage house designed by Elaine Santos. In a kitchen, it can materialize as the color of cabinetry or a range hood, like in the kitchen of HGTV star Alison Victoria’s Atlanta loft. Throughout the home, accents including throw blankets, pillows, and drapery can easily be placed in any room.
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Whether you incorporate graphite into your home in a big or small way, it can certainly make an impact. Plus, the color's versatility allows you to work it into practically any aesthetic. You simply can't go wrong!
Love looking at designer spaces for inspo? Us, too. Let’s obsess over them together.
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