shades of gray

Michael Smith

I keep coming back to grisaille wallpapers and murals, probably because of their monochromatic grays. 



Not sure where this example (above) is from but it's probably pretty old. I am loving the more modern interpretations of grisaille we're seeing lately...




While not exactly grisaille, the drawing Lauren Liess had blown up for her dining room wall gives the same effect.


And this paper panel from Anthropologie is another fresh take on grisaille. I could totally see it in a room with a few modern pieces. 

23 comments:

Acquired Objects said...

I wanted to buy an antique grisaille hanging but the husband doesn't care for it but I love it. I prefer it less busy too and I love what Lauren did in her dining room.

XX
Debra~

An Urban Cottage said...

I love these murals and would use one but any I've found have been really expensive. I just looked at the one from Anthropologie and there's a negative review that's concerning. If you look at the closeup of it--the photo with the woman--you can see what they're talking about.

Maybe I could paint my own.

carolyn bradford said...

I wish I could find an artist that could paint something similar on stretched canvases! These are so lovely and calm! Thanks for sharing!

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

I love grisaille, it's so soothing! And luckily for me I do know an artist, Tricia George at camurals.com (although first I want her to paint giant kelp on my dock, and blueprints on my walls, and...)

Woodside Park said...

I am so fond of antique grisaille, particularly those from the ateliers of Dufour and Zuber. They were (and still are) the height of chic.

Donna, The Decorated House said...

Oh yes! Loved grisaille for a long time. It is also a very soothing yet challenging way to paint. You focus differently than when you are painting with more colors. Aren't the vintage and antique works fabulous?!

designchic said...

I love antique grisaille - beautiful and serene. The first one is fabulous!!

Windlost said...

love them...hope you are well donna.

xo terri

Sarah Greenman said...

What a beautiful post. I love the Anthro paper in the last image. xo

gatherings home said...

I've always had a love affair with grisaille.....and now I am having one with fifty shades.

pve design said...

Donna,
Did you happen to see the one on Joni's blog - cote de texas....in the front hall. it is a city take on grisaille which i love. i love this look in the monochromatic palette of grey.
pve

Segreto Secrets said...

Love all of these examples!! I just painted my own version in a mural with slight shades of lavender! I think my new favorite combo--lavender and gray!! Thanks for the post!!

Karena said...

I agree with Leslie, I think adding very pale shades of lavender or blue to the traditional grisaille is a wonderful idea.

I may work on some grisaille art when I am out of rehab.

you might like the Special New Giveaway on my site...

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Unknown said...

Love the original paper and the modern interpretations, too. Fun to see how Lauren and Anthopologie have put a new twist on it.

xx Elizabeth

Hollywood forever, Kevin said...

Hey Donna,
Thanks for dropping by it's nice to be back. I've missed the GRAY! And oh yes the wall paper is indeed divine. K

lamb and blonde said...

Such elegant beautiful images. I love the paper panel from anthropologie juxtaposed with the simple white wooden floor and chair.

Cris Angsten said...

My god, the room by Michael Smith is beyond awesome. I'll settle right in.

Ivy Lane said...

Loving the last image...

24 Corners said...

I've been eyeballing that Anthro paper for a while...I keep racking my brain as to where I'd put it...it's amazing!!!
xo J~

Things That Inspire said...

This brings to mind something from Million Dollar Decorator - one of the designers did a massive wall size grisaille print because he had no idea how to treat the space, and the client loved it (it could have gone either way).

Maybe I am remembering incorrectly - but I love your images!

- Holly

My Interior Life said...

I've always loved this look too, but wasn't sure what it was called. Now I know. You're always so full of information, Donna, thank you! I always think of Suzanne Rheinstein when I see grisaille - is it in one of her homes/designs maybe?

SHERRY HART said...

Want...in a bad way.

emelle (ML) said...

the first one is probably a Zuber paper, from the old and respected French company...http://www.zuber.fr/

I have loved them for years....emelle