A pure replication of neutrality. A medium shade of gray devoid of undertones and enriched with slightly warm notes. In a few words, this is a gray shade in its natural appearance.
Natural Gray (Behr PPU18-10): what color is, review, and use
Gray has probably the largest range of variations. At least, this is what we came to after most of our reviews refer to this particular color. There are lighter and darker, cooler and warmer, crispier and softer variations, and only a few shades manage to replicate a true shade of gray. This is the case with Natural Gray PPU18-10 from Behr.
This pure replication of neutrality is a medium shade of gray devoid of undertones and enriched with slightly warm notes. In a few words, this is a gray shade in its natural appearance, as the name implies. Nevertheless, it is these true shades that usually impress with the most unusual inner beauty. Let’s find out what Natural Gray has to say!
Natural Gray paint color features
The true gray variation from Behr stands on the border between light and dark colors, revealing a bit from each part. On one side, it is impressively invigorating. On the other, there is something deep about its slightly intense gray notes. What makes it even more special is the subtle scents of warmth that makes you fall in love with this paint color again and again.
Natural Gray: is it warm or cold?
PPU18-10 is undoubtedly a warm shade, and there is no need for particular conditions to reveal this side. It is naturally soft and inspiring. Still, Natural Gray is complex, although it does not appear as such at the first glance. It requires an appropriate amount of light to show its essence, which consists of a beautiful combination between calmness, neutrality, and coziness. A slightly more intense shadow can make this paint color feel quite draining.
How does lighting affect Natural Gray?
You have probably understood this far that lighting plays the last violin. All clear with artificial lighting when cool or warm undertones bring a similar effect on this paint color. What about natural light? Natural Gray feels rather coolish, revealing its gray base, in spaces with north exposure. In south-facing rooms, it reveals the warm undertones to the fullest. It appears that PPU18-10 is not that of a true gray anymore. Well, it is because lighting plays a major role in how a color shows its essence. Still, this does not change the natural gray base that is always there.
Natural Gray LRV
If you wonder what LRV is, we are happy to share with you that it stands for Light Reflectance Value, determining how light or dark a color is on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 stands for true shades of black and the latter for true shades of white. It would not be a surprise to find out that the LRV of Natural Gray is 53. This paint color has a bit from both sides yet not too much from each. A perfect balance, they would say. There is more to this figure. It shows that PPU18-10 reflects considerable amounts of light and can even make the room feel more spacious under one condition – an appropriate amount of natural light should be ensured.
Natural Gray undertones
It would seem inappropriate to tackle this subject when we speak about an almost true shade of gray. Still, this “almost” is the reason. It is not such a pure variation since a substantial amount of warm notes penetrate its surface. Particularly those scents are responsible for the natural look of this paint color. In their absence, Natural Gray would feel too imposing, even draining, and able to overload the space with intense notes.
Similar colors
Slightly warm grays are not a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. There are various shades of the kind with an almost similar true gray base and even at a variety of other color brands. Still, each of them is unique. The thing is that the range of alternatives is wide, which is a great opportunity for interior and exterior design. Let’s discover some of the best shades to consider in this sense!
Coordinating colors
A neutral color like this would go with any other shade. Still, Natural Gray has its favorites, some of which are other shades of gray, lighter or bolder with particular undertones. PPU18-10 is no less friendly toward earthy brown colors and even more collaborative with different variations of purple, accent ones particularly. Generally speaking, it depends on whether you choose a monochromatic or contrastive palette, and Natural Gray will adapt to each in part. Still, let’s go through a few representatives!
Use of Natural Gray in interior
There are no limits when it comes to the integration of this paint color into the interior. Almost any style would work, regardless of the approach. Would you like to keep it low-key with a monochromatic palette or go bold with accents? Either way, Natural Gray serves as a perfect background and as an accent on lighter backdrops. Still, an appropriate amount of light should be ensured so that this warm gray can fully reveal its essence. Let’s take a look at a few design solutions!
Scandi from a whole new perspective
The Scandinavian style usually replicates the cool Nordic weather through no less cool gray walls. We have mentioned in our previous articles that designers refer today to warmer grays to bring more comfort. What we suggest now is far beyond any expectations – go with the same gray, although much darker and warmer, such as Natural Gray is, to make a new Scandi statement. The defining elements of this style, such as the functional arrangement, soft textiles, neutral color palette, and unique yet balanced decor, stay the same.
Full replication of Loft
This natural gray perfectly replicates the concrete surface, which makes it a go-to paint color within Loft interiors. Consider it for the walls alongside actual concrete texture and go on with the defining features of this style. An updated Loft look would also include more raw surfaces, such as natural wood, and a few bolder yet soothing accents, such as dusty pink upholstered chairs. Avoid the window treatment and opt for the most functional layout. It feels like Natural Gray is meant for these particular interiors.
Living room
You are allowed to go with any style you want, and we suggest you benefit from this opportunity, particularly in the living room. Natural Gray would happily serve as a background for a Modern interior with white-colored curved-shaped pieces of furniture. It would work no less astonishing within Classic arrangements with dark wood furniture and leather sofas. What about a mix of Modern and Traditional? Does it mean Transitional? Yes, and Natural Gray will perfectly smooth the transition.
Bedroom
It is a pleasure to fall asleep and wake up in a bedroom painted in a neutral shade that radiates naturalness and comfort. Luckily, this is what Natural Gray replicates. Don’t hesitate to use it the next time you think of repainting your bedroom walls. The true companions are as follows: natural wood with various undertones depending on what effect you want to achieve, modern or rather traditional, and brass accents to resonate with the inner essence of PPU18-10. As regards the rest, you are free to go with any elements you want, depending on the palette. Is it a monochromatic or contrastive one?
Kitchen and dining room
New characters are invited to take part in the fairytale started by Natural Gray. This time, the beautiful gray goes for the kitchen cabinets and combines perfectly with sparkling hardware of steel in the company of a flamboyant silverish chandelier. Does it feel too fancy? Let’s take a look at the other side! Go with Natural Gray walls paired with crisp white cabinets for a contrastive yet balanced contemporary interior. Still, it would be a shame to skip the elegant part in the dining room where the gray walls simply cannot go any other way but pair with a classic wood table, upholstered chairs, an extravagant painting on the wall, and a no less fascinating chandelier.
Hallway
If you got tired of the usual light neutrals applied to the hallway, go with Natural Gray. Yes, it is also neutral, but its intense notes offer an impressive sense of depth to the interior. Besides, it would go with any style, while its slight warm scents will add a balanced welcoming feel. Combine it with white or wood for a timeless look you will not get bored by.
Bathroom
You can go one of the following ways. Consider Natural Gray for the walls in combination with darker gray cabinets and steel hardware, and put the accent on a large white bathtub lit by a gorgeous chandelier for a timeless reference to the Classic. On the other hand, pair the same gray walls with darker gray wall tiles, a dark wood floating shelf to hold the sink, and cutting-edge wall light sources for an ultra-modern interior.
Use of Natural Gray for house exterior
When it comes to exterior walls, there is no way Natural Gray would go better than with a traditional house with wood walls and beautifully designed white trim. Even the roof requires a similar shade of gray to keep it sleek, welcoming, and refined. As for the front door, once you paint it in this shade, you cannot simply go any other way but opt for a white background to ensure the standout contemporary look that PPU18-10 intended.
The Natural Gray PPU18-10 paint color from Behr is another perspective on neutrals. With more intensity, depth, and softness, it comes to conquer your interior and leave an effect you will simply fall in love with.
