City sidewalks. Sleek skyscrapers. Stone accents. Benjamin Moore’s 2019 color of the year may have a lot in common with the makeup of bustling urban areas, but it seeks to remind us to pause and find our center.
Unveiled Wednesday, Metropolitan AF-690 is a stylish cool gray that celebrates poise and stability.
“Comforting, composed and effortlessly sophisticated, Metropolitan AF-690 exudes beauty and balance,” says Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore director of strategic design intelligence. “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.”
A 180 from last year’s high-energy vibrant red (Caliente AF-290), the calming hue is complemented by a palette of 15 other colors that range from neutrals like Putnam Ivory HC-39 to festive emeralds like Hunter Green 2041-10.
While Benjamin Moore suggests pairing Metropolitan AF-690 with metallic accents or soft linens, the possibilities are truly endless. Gather inspiration from these gray-centric designs, straight from the pages of Luxe.
PHOTO COURTESY BENJAMIN MOORE
Dark shades with pops of teal make a smart statement in a Gold Coast apartment. (Tour the home.)
PHOTO BY WERNER STRAUBE
In the master bedroom, plaster walls hand-troweled by Imago Dei complement antique chests from Area holding lamps from Boxwood Interiors. A custom iron bed by Lonergan features Sabina Fay Braxton fabric from Allan Knight and Associates and D. Porthault bedding from Boxwood Linens. A bench from Mecox tops a rug from Matt Camron Rugs & Tapestries. (Tour the home.)
PHOTO BY TRIA GIOVAN
A dramatic Fine Art Lamps chandelier and chairs by Hickory Chair hold their own against the whitewashed-oak table from CFC in the formal dining area. Custom draperies by National Window Coverings frame the views without obstructing the natural light; the adjacent console is a find from Noir. (Tour the home.)
PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
Ancient deities from the homeowners’ collection rest on a Carrara marble console table. The hand-tufted silk-and-wool tonal stripe carpet is from Beauvais, the drapery fabric is from Donghia, and the artwork is by Joan Mitchell. (Tour the home.)
PHOTO BY STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
Jessica Charles stools from Baker introduce a soft element into the kitchen, where a generously proportioned center island with a leathered quartzite countertop from Contempo Marble & Granite bridges the gray perimeter cabinetry and the white island cabinetry. The hanging metal pendants are by Visual Comfort & Co. (Tour the home.)
