Summer Fog Paint Color for Dreamy, Beachy Vibes
As the warm weather arrives, many of us long for lazy days at the beach, soaking up the summer sun and savoring the sight of gentle waves lapping at the shoreline. But even if you don't live seaside, you can cultivate a relaxing, coastal ambiance at home with the right decorative touches - starting with a breezy paint color like summer fog.
This pale, misty blue-gray shade instantly conjures images of hazy mornings along the coast, making it ideal for bedroom retreats, living room sanctuaries, and anywhere else you hope to foster tranquility. Read on to discover why summer fog may be the perfect paint pick for a beach house makeover without the beach house.
The Origin Story of Summer Fog Paint
Summer fog paint first emerged as an archived color sample that enabled exact paint mixing and matching. While its current retail availability is unclear, major paint brands likely offer similar lightweight gray-blues to achieve the coastal-inspired look.
What Sets Summer Fog Paint Apart
True summer fog paint captures the essence of mist hovering over the shoreline early in the day. It's lighter than slate gray and greener than sky blue - almost an airy, watercolor wash of the two. This soft, hazy quality sets it apart from other grayish blues and contributes to its soothing aura.
Is It Right for Your Home?
If phrases like beach cottage, coastal retreat, or seaside hideaway resonate with you, summer fog paint may be an ideal choice for your home. Its muted tone serves as a blank canvas for decor and furniture to really shine.
The Benefits of Choosing Summer Fog Paint
Summer fog paint offers many advantages beyond just looking pretty on walls. Here are a few of its most compelling perks:
- Creates a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere
- Reduces stress
- Adds coastal charm
- Provides a cool, refreshing effect
- Acts as versatile backdrop for decor
These soothing superpowers stem from summer fog's misty, melancholy hue, which some compare to the blue-gray shades seen in traditional Chinese watercolor paintings. It manages to calm the senses whether your home already has a beach motif or not.
Perfect Spaces for This Soothing Shade
From bedrooms to bathrooms, small spaces to open floor plans, summer fog paint plays nicely in a variety of rooms. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Bedrooms: Foster relaxation and a dreamy atmosphere.
- Living Rooms: Set the stage for peaceful lounging and conversation.
- Studies: Encourage concentration and creativity.
- Bathrooms: Create a soothing spa aesthetic.
- Small Spaces: Visually open up the area.
Design Ideas for Summer Fog Paint Colors
Once you commit to summer fog paint, it's time for the fun part - planning the design! Here are a few ideas:
Play Up the Coastal Theme
Round out the beachy vibe with natural woods, jute rugs, weathered finishes and accessories like shells or netting. Cool greens and denim blues make great accent colors. Display beach landscape art and photos of seaside vacations gone by.
Contrast with Bright Accent Walls
Make the summer fog walls recede with bold paint colors like coral pinks, sunny yellows or deep turquoises on an accent wall. The pop of color highlights summer fog's softness. Continue layering in vibrant artwork and accessories.
Warm It Up Eclectically
Summer fog adapts well to other styles too. Transition it from coastal into boho by pairing with wood furniture, woven textures, leafy plants and unexpected vintage finds. The summer fog backdrop lets your funky collected pieces take center stage.
Choosing the Perfect Summer Fog Color
Keep these tips in mind when selecting a summer fog paint shade:
- Factor in lighting - the grayish blue can read differently in natural vs. artificial light.
- Test paint samples first to get an accurate impression.
- Decide on blue, green or gray undertones.
- Pair with contrasting accent colors.
Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Valspar and other major brands offer lovely summer fog varieties like Wythe Blue or Knoxville Gray. Visit a paint retailer to browse swatches and samples.
Where to Buy Summer Fog Paint
While the original summer fog archive sample offered custom paint mixing, today you can shop summer fog colors online or at several national retailers. Check these:
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Online retailers like MyPerfectColor
- Local paint shops able to mix custom colors
Summer fog variations may be called blue gray, haze gray, overcast, sea mist or other evocative coastal names. Ask paint specialists for assistance picking that perfect pale blue-green-gray!
Paint Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks
Summer fog paint requires the same meticulous application as any color for a flawless finished look:
- Prep walls properly by cleaning, patching and priming
- Use high quality primer and paint materials
- Choose the right sheen: flat hide flaws; glossier resists moisture in bathrooms
- Cut in edges neatly with painter's tape to avoid messy overlap
- Apply two coats for best coverage
Patience and attention to detail gives the best results. Soon you'll have a coastal escape bathed in the summer fog's hazy gray-blue beauty.
Is summer fog paint still being produced?
The availability of authentic summer fog paint is unclear. However, many brands offer similar tranquil grayish-blues to achieve the beachy look under names like Coastal Haze, Seaside Mist or Harbor Fog.
What colors complement a summer fog palette?
From sunny yellows, coral oranges and sea glass greens to natural woods and creamy whites - lots of accent shades partner beautifully with summer fog's soft backdrop to add striking contrast.
Does summer fog work in any style house?
Absolutely! While beach house, coastal and cottage styles suit it best, summer fog adapts well to modern spaces too. Its muted tone and flexibility to work with many accents makes it very versatile.