While I would say that I personally do not have a favorite color, I recognize that I am drawn to using my own interpretation of French Blue Gray as a starting base for numerous projects. I find it to be a soothing neutral that is both aqueous and celestial. Something in the element of this color brings me to the inner essence of stillness as if floating. It acts as a balm to counter the erratic sounds and movements within the day.
Blue comes from the Old French “Bhle” which actually means light colored. I find this amusing seeing as all the French reproduction pieces from the furniture industry are white washed. The name “French Blue” first came into use in 1802 and actually refers to a deep azure color associated in the heraldry of French kings.
I prefer a gray interpretation of French Blue and find that Farrow and Ball of England has mastered the color with a splendid sweep of gray to blue to soft green. Try their Mizzle, French Gray, Blue Gray and Pigeon. Benjamin Moore offers White Whisp, Gray Lake and Gray Cashmere. Remember, if you love the color but it feels too dark, ask your local paint supply store such as Steinkellners on North Ave to mix it ¾ or ½ strength for you. Play with a few shades on the wall and live with them from full sun to full shade and see how they affect your mood.
Where you put this quiet color is a personal preference. I have been using it everywhere but walls including doors and built-ins and loving the look as it plays off of an antique burlwood, pecan or
19th century pine. I am currently using it on our newest kitchen display in the shop paired with a gold wash, a touch of umber and a brown bee wax finish. Remember to sign up for eblasts and I will send you a picture of the finished display – or stop in to visit on a Friday or Saturday. I am sporadically in the shop Tuesday through Thursday now that we have started the Brookfield remodel job which includes kitchen, bathroom, library, living room, mudroom, garden room, game room and den. The design will be a white on white palette but I can already tell you that all of the interior doors will be FRENCH BLUE and our artwork in shades of azure.
