Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The semantics of grey


Is there another name for this lovely colour? My dictionary rather tersely describes it as: between light and dark, clouded, depressing, dismal. All somewhat undignified, and much more deserving of a kinder name. Looking at this photo I would use words such as: warm, ethereal, tactile, elegant to describe this hauntingly beautiful colour. What do you think?

12 comments:

  1. I definitely appreciate and am drawn to greys that are paired with the right accessories and other colors. However, I'm a neutral girl and those dismal colors appeal to me, lol!

    Poo on you, grey haters! :)

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  2. Absolutely cosmic...love it!! I agree - the colours are a favourite xx Amanda

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  3. I just realised the photo is from India Jane - I went to her store while in London earlier this year. It had many beautiful things which I could have bought - luggage space was a problem!!

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  4. I think it looks perfect for a relaxing afternoon luncheon with friend and laughter... what time shall I be there?
    Fifi
    PS... Boys are delightful... thanks for visiting... I am a proud mother of two darlings!

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  5. These neutral greys always look amazing. We are collecting quite a few pieces that we use in styling houses and its so versatile - never looks drab, just adds glamour. Beautiful.

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  6. I love grey, its gentle, chalky, calm soft, textured, monochromatic,classic and soothing-not dismal at all! Purple is dismal!

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  7. I love this color.
    I'm thinking of painting a little table in this beautifull grey!!!!

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  8. Hey Millie, thanks for the comment on the Homestead! Also, as far as I am concerned, it is the spots like Adelaide, Lord Howe Island, and Stanley with it's "Nut" that make a place....not the Sydney and Melbourne stops. You get to see the real side of the country when you check the smaller spots. If you make it Stateside, limit LA and NY as much as you can...especially NYC, very vulgar place, and hit places like Montana, Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston. Gives you a great cross section. Thanks again for your comments. We will drift through your site again soon :-)

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  9. Your inspirational furnitures is amazing. Hw I wish I can own like that, :-((

    Ur invited to a mingle night at my place, hope u can come for a sip or 2!

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  10. Every colour in that image stops my heart. My whole house exterior will be grey, I love it so much. Grey and white, so fresh.... and I love your description... "hauntingly beautiful". A-M xx

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  11. Great comments everyone- thanks so much for your interest & the suggestions for a new description. I should petition Oxford to look at a change, & definitely remove that awful word 'dismal'!

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And none will hear the postman's knock
Without a quickening of the heart.
For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?
~W.H. Auden