Pewter paint amps up any space
The color pewter might bring to mind delicate silver or metal antiques that belong in a china cabinet. Pewter paint, on the other hand, has spawned an entire palette of gray-based colors, ranging from silvery shades to blue or greenish tones to greige, the darling of many designers.
In short, pewter has power in interior design. Take a look at some of these looks and get inspired for your own space.
White needn’t be your only option for ceilings. In this bathroom, Joe Cangelosi, owner and designer of Joe Cangelosi Design LLC, opted for a pewter color instead. “[The color] works especially well in small rooms where you want to make a big impact—kitchens and bathrooms are fantastic,” Cangelosi says. “The paint not only reflects light but also accentuates any interesting lighting fixtures that you have installed.”
Greg Epstein, AIA and founder of gne Architecture, doesn’t hold back in his love for pewter. “What more is there to say other than I love it,” he says. “It’s a rich, deep and textural color.” The “deep and dark moody” gray walls of this powder room will wow guests—once they get over their awe of that ceiling fixture, that is.
Shades of pewter, particularly gray, “plays a critical role in interior design,” says Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer of Sho and Co. “[Gray is] my favorite color to use, especially in warm tones, as it’s such a staple neutral. I recommend it with other staple neutrals, such as black, white, and beige."
Shapiro particularly likes to blend gray with textures like wicker, caning, and brass. The latter is seen in this peaceful bedroom design, where brass light fixtures offer a hint of shine against the gray textured back wall.
Pewter walls create a stately yet inviting look to this dining room by Mary Patton of Mary Patton Design. The soft grayish-green paint color—Mizzle No. 266 from Farrow & Ball—was also used throughout the residence so that the light could be reflected easily off the walls. Patton says the results are a look that is both Transitional and Modern, accented by the custom window treatments and brass fixtures.
A sitting area should be an inviting, calming spot in a home. In this design by Sue DeChiara, founder of The Zhush blog, Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore graces the walls, with White Dove for the trim and Morning Sky Blue for a breath of fresh air for the ceiling. The decor and furniture are a mix of traditional and contemporary, with flashes of gold for plenty of shine.
The silvery-gray kitchen cabinets and matching range hood add some sparkle to an otherwise monochromatic look in this design by Lance Thomas and Drew Hoffpauir of Thomas Guy Interiors. Those silver and clear-accented stools add a unique design element while inviting conversation at the kitchen island.
In this design, also by Thomas Guys Interiors, pewter provides a canvas to inspire an industrial chic look capped off by a wooden ceiling with exposed beams and a metal chandelier. The vibrant blues of the desk, guitar, and throw pillows show that pewter is the perfect neutral to go with many colors and patterns, including that fabulous animal print chair.
At the Paramount Miami World Center, a luxury condo complex, residences have a private elevator. Brittany Farinas, CEO and Creative Director of House of One Design chose pewter paint to accent the foyer. Take your eyes off that stunning chandelier to appreciate the richness of the dark wood side table and cozy armchair that make it even nicer to come home at the end of a long day. This look can easily be transferred to the entry of any home.
"Gray can act as a great base to highlight feature furniture pieces, such as this brown velvet accent chair we included in this foyer," says Farinas. "We incorporated black accents in this design for a sleek and modernized look."
Pewter is an ideal neutral shade because it pairs so well with darker finishes and furnishings. In this dining room design by Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors, the rich, knotty wood flooring and the dark pedestal and legs of the table and chairs are given a chance to stand out, thanks to the lighter shade of the wall and drapery.
Paint can transform more than just walls. Take a look at this stunning refinish of a French Provincial highboy dresser by Rachael Ray, the designer behind RebrandedByRachael. She describes the color pewter as “a blueish-gray color with a silvery shimmer.”
“I wanted to paint this piece in a color that would be suitable for both a man and a woman,” Ray says. “When put all together, the keyholes, wavy drawer fronts, and shimmery hardware present a beautiful, rich piece that can easily transition in any style bedroom.” Add your choice of decor, but these red roses seem to be the perfect touch.
