"Rainy Days" Paint - A Tranquil Color For Calm Interiors

The soothing sights of foggy mornings and drizzly afternoons can create a sense of tranquil relaxation. For those who find joy in the atmosphere of rainy days, now you can bring that same calming feeling into your home with the aptly named "Rainy Days" paint color.

Created specifically to evoke the cool, misty tones of overcast skies, this beautiful blue-gray hue from Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Home collection is designed to help you craft a soothing, peaceful retreat. Keep reading to learn more about this delightful color and how to effectively incorporate it into your home to create a space that feels just like a rainy day spent cozily indoors.

Choosing the Perfectly Weathered Hue

When conceptualizing a color to capture the essence of a rainy day, designer Joanna Gaines landed on a beautiful blend of light blue and dove gray. The result is a soft, muted tone that feels cool, hazy, and utterly relaxed. This painted version of a cloudy sky or morning mist immediately sets the mind at ease.

In Magnolia Home's palette, "Rainy Days" is coded as a green-blue paint with undertones of gray. The exact shade is known as a blue-gray pastel or dusty blue. It falls between a sky blue and a slate blue on the color wheel. The pigment used to produce this tranquil effect is similar to colors like Benjamin Moore's Gray Owl.

Spaces Suited for This Soothing Color

While lovely in any room, "Rainy Days" paint color is especially well-suited to bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces where you hope to cultivate calm. This restrained, gentle hue has an inherent relaxing quality that makes it ideal for unwinding at the end of the day.

You can also use it effectively in entryways, dining rooms, and studies or home offices. Essentially anywhere you want to create a peaceful ambiance, this misty color will help set the tone.

Coordinating Colors for Harmony

On its own, this weathered blue-gray tone is quite versatile. However, pairing "Rainy Days" with colors in the same cool, muted family will create the most cohesive and serene feel. Think slate gray, light dove gray, misty blue, and sage green.

Crisp white always complements this hue beautifully and prevents it from feeling too somber or dark. You can also try fresh neutral tones like almond, oatmeal, sand, and linen. Just steer clear of pairing it with warm tones and bold hues, which will clash rather than blend gently.

Painting Your Walls with "Rainy Days"

Ready to use this tranquil color in your home? Here are some top tips for working with "Rainy Days" paint effectively to create your perfect rainy day aesthetic.

Choosing Paint Finishes Wisely

To allow the soft, hazy quality of this color to shine, opt for a flat, matte, or eggshell paint finish. The subtle sheen will pick up light beautifully. Stay away from gloss or semi-gloss, which can look too harsh.

Additionally, lighter finishes better capture the weathered, faded effect of an overcast sky. So reach for flat or eggshell when painting entire walls or larger accents.

Testing Your Colors

Since paint colors can look different in various lights, be sure to test your "Rainy Days" hue at different times of day before committing. Paint large swatches and view in both natural daylight and artificial light to ensure you like how the color truly appears.

Don't forget to buy a sample pot and paint a section of the wall as well. This will give you the most accurate impression of how the color will look in your space.

Using Rainy Hues Thoughtfully

While you can certainly paint an entire room in "Rainy Days", this muted color also works beautifully for an accent wall or focal feature. To make it shine, pair it with crisp white or neutral walls and trim.

You can also use this tranquil tone on ceilings to give the impression of an overcast sky overhead. Just steer clear of using it for small details like trims or cabinets, where the gray tones may look dingy.

Crafting a Restful Rainy Day Retreat

The right furnishings and decor will complement the calming effect of your "Rainy Days" paint. Here are some ideas for completing the look:

furniture and Fixtures

Let your tranquil hue take center stage by selecting neutral, minimalist furniture like linen sofas or woven rattan chairs in cream or beige. Unfinished wood pieces also pair nicely. For fixtures, stick to matte metals like brushed nickel or muted brass. Glossy surfaces will stand out too much.

Fabrics and Textures

Incorporate plenty of soft, cozy textures with layers of linen, cotton, wool and cashmere in blankets, pillows, and window treatments. The muted color palette will allow these natural materials to add warmth.

You can also bring in rainy day motifs with accessories like umbrellas or rain boots. Just don't overdo the theming.

Lighting and Ambiance

To complete the tranquil atmosphere, use dimmable lights and natural light when possible. Overhead fixtures can feel too harsh. Opt instead for table and floor lamps to cast a diffused glow. You can also enhance the sleepy, relaxed feeling with scented candles, essential oils, or by brewing a hot cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.

Health Benefits of Calm, Cool Hues

In addition to simply looking beautiful, the tranquil blues and grays in "Rainy Days" offer some noteworthy health advantages. Here's how incorporating this peaceful palette can help:

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Studies show that cooler hues like blues and greens can have tangible relaxing effects. These tones are linked to lowered heart rate and blood pressure, as well as reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.

Improved Sleep Quality

Calm blue-grays like "Rainy Days" can actually help regulate your body's circadian rhythms. Cool tones are less stimulating than warm shades, making them beneficial for sleep.

Uplifted Mood

While bright, bold blues energize, muted dusty blues are known to uplift moods. For those prone to sadness, anxiety or depression, a soothing blue-gray paint color may offer emotional benefits.

So in addition to creating a restful space, the "Rainy Days" hue can actually help calm your mind and body.

For some, a rainy day stuck inside provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy the beauty of a weathered landscape. With its cool, misty tones reminiscent of drizzly skies, the aptly named "Rainy Days" paint color allows you bring the aura of a rainy day indoors.

Whether used as an accent wall or to paint an entire room, this soothing blue-gray hue designed by Joanna Gaines will help you craft a tranquil retreat. Pair it with restrained, neutral furnishings and dim, cozy lighting for the full effect. Most importantly, allow this calming color to work its relaxation magic as you enjoy a warm cup of tea on your own "rainy day" at home.