The virtual color swatch comes off pretty dark, but it seems that Winchester is a medium gray with greenish undertones in reality.  I found this paint color inspiration by way of an Ohio home that was featured in Country Living.  {The house tour has been in my inspiration folder for quite some time.} The homeowner attests to Winchester’s ability to change throughout the day and take on different hues in different rooms.  {Which sounds a lot like our Valspar Bonsai that can look gray, green, muddy, or sandy depending on the light.} Take a look at how the greeny-gray paint serves as a neutral backdrop for pops of color in this fab mudroom.

Totally fresh and grown up at the same time.

Or go sophisticated by pairing Winchester with contrasting espresso and white accents as seen in the bathroom above.  Touches of natural wood, live greenery, and reflective surfaces keep it from feeling bland. Since Winchester is a medium-toned gray, remember that it will look quite different in rooms that don’t receive a flood of natural light.  Both the mudroom and bathroom above appear to be drenched in natural light.  Still, Winchester would look pretty darn cozy in a den.

This open concept kitchen/family room sports a few Winchester painted elements.  Notice the painted built-in surrounding the refrigerator and the architectural detail just right of the hood.  This picture is probably more telling of what this medium gray color would look like in a room where the walls aren’t flooded in natural light.  Isn’t  it downright homey and handsome?  I tend to lean towards light and airy rooms for inspiration but I’ve always been drawn to this somewhat dark and comfy great room.  It works because Winchester is used sparingly {you don’t see one huge wall painted in it} alongside shiny light-reflecting stainless steel appliances, a light backsplash and countertops, textural pops of white {rug, pillows}, and eye-popping green accessories {plants, pillows}.  That’s one no-fail design mix!

In a boy’s bedroom, I like the idea of mixing Winchester with yellow, white, light gray, and turquoise accents.  It could definitely span the life of a boy from infant to teenager.

Winchester is gender neutral.  I could totally see it in a girl’s room, too.  Make it light and feminine with lots of white and sand and pops of pinky coral.

Taking cues from the Ohio house tour above, try Winchester as a backdrop to olive, bright gold, and creamy accents.  Just remember to add in some shiny surfaces like glass, mirrors, or metal to avoid a dark, heavy feeling.

Winchester has a way of cozying up the un-coziest of spaces.  Who knows?  Maybe I’ll stray away from white, white, white in our next home and go the warm route.

To see more of the warm, industrial house seen above check out this Country Living house tour.

images:  1) Ralph Lauren  2-4) Don Freeman  5-7) Ralph Lauren paint collages by Dana Miller