Be it sartorial choices or interior design, Reese Witherspoon knows how to execute a timeless style — and that extends to her backyard, too. When she recently shared an Instagram post lounging on her outdoor steps, we were unexpectedly dazzled by her choice of deck color – a bold shade of 'millennial gray' – and we were itching to get the thoughts of landscape designers.
Being the style icon that she is (need we remind you of her iconic role as Elle Woods), it is not surprising that Witherspoon has turned a color seemingly dull and outdated into something incredibly stylish and chic. The warm charcoal tone proves a perfect pairing against the richness of her brick wall and vibrant greenery, and landscapers all agree it's a timeless choice for decking.
If you're painting a deck this summer and looking for a new color to elevate your outdoor space, Reese's neutral gray is the perfect solution.
'Millennial gray' hit its stride in the 2010s as the generation matured and opted for design styles full of the neutral tone. But has the chicness of gray ever really gone away? And how does one keep the use of gray from looking too drab and overused?
'While I do think it’s true that we’ve come out of a design era with an oversaturation of grays, there's still a time and place for this classic and versatile color,' shares landscape designer, Katherine Aul Cervoni. The above characteristics make gray a very useful color to work with, and one, as Katherine states, 'is still a very popular choice for exterior woodwork'.
Gray used in outdoor spaces often offers a base that's versatile and easily maintained. When thinking of backyard deck ideas, it's important to keep in mind that outdoor spaces come with a certain amount of wear and tear. Gray decks tend to show less dirt, stains, and signs of age.
The other great advantage of gray decking is its versatility. 'Starting with a neutral base is a good and practical choice for larger outdoor items since they are a larger investment, rather than going with anything too trendy,' says Katherine. 'Many of the typical exterior materials - like brick, stone, or stucco - pair exceptionally well with a gray hue. Having that clean and understated foundation allows for the other exterior elements to mix harmoniously. Plus, you can add design choices to your space that are easily interchangeable.'
Landscape designer Niwar Nasim explains that this adaptability makes a gray deck complement a wide range of exterior styles, from contemporary to rustic, and improves the overall harmony of your outdoor space.
'For example, a gray deck is muted enough to allow a garden's vibrancy to stand out, but also meshes with the sleekness of more modern architecture style,' he says. 'It's important to balance gray with other elements to avoid a dull appearance and a coldness. Adding warmth with natural elements such as wooden furniture, colorful plants, and vibrant accessories can make the space more inviting.' Basically, it is all about adding those personalized touches in order to make a deck that feels expensive.
That said, Katherine recommends staying away from gray outdoor furniture ideas if you opt for a gray deck. 'It's the gray overlay palette that can feel a bit tired at this point,' she says. Instead, the idea is to look for elements that will add interesting textures and depth to your space. With the right balance of elements, gray will introduce harmony to your outdoor area.
Both designers share the sentiment that when used thoughtfully, gray decking is far from boring. In fact, it's a quite fashionable and sophisticated choice for exterior spaces. The trick to creating a deck as chic as Reese's is to stay away from too much gray and go for something more nuanced.
What is the most popular color for decks?
'For homeowners looking to renovate their decks, considering trending colors and how they fit within the overall design of their home is the key to achieving a cohesive and stylish look,' says Niwar. While there's no need to fear the color gray when painting your deck, there are plenty of bolder shades proving popular for decking right now.
Sometimes nothing beats a warm brown or soft beige for your outdoor space. These types of colors add a sense of tranquility to your space and mix very well with the natural environment. Since most earth tones are still very neutral colors, versatility and longevity will not be an issue. 'Deep brown, soft beiges, and warm taupes are popular colors for their natural and calming feel,' says Niwar. 'These shades mix up well with outdoor environments that provide a seamless connection to nature and sense of stability.'
We also love a good blue or green moment because they add a very peaceful feel to any outdoor space. 'These colors address the serenity of natural water bodies and lush leafage which make the outdoor spaces feel like a peaceful escape,' says Niwar, qualities which can make your deck feel like a tropical paradise.
If you're keen to replicate Reese's decking idea, gray certainly has the seal of approval from these landscape designers. Timeless, versatile, and effortlessly chic, this choice of deck color is far from boring - just remember to style alongside plenty of contrasting tones.
