Summer is meant for rest and relaxation. As the warm season approaches, many homeowners look for ways to cultivate a laidback, peaceful ambiance in their living spaces. One of the easiest ways to set a serene mood in your home is with a soothing paint color like summer fog.
Summer fog is a misty, neutral gray hue with soft undertones of blue and green that evoke still mornings blanketed in haze. This ethereal paint color has steadily grown in popularity for bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where tranquility is key.
The Origins and Evolution of Summer Fog Paint
The summer fog color name first emerged in the 1980s with the release of Duron’s Better Homes & Gardens Interior Paint collection. The original summer fog formula created by Duron became widely used in home interiors and aligned with the cottagecore and farmhouse decor trends of the time.
Over the years, summer fog fell out of favor as bolder, darker accent walls gained steam. But recently, summer fog has come back in a big way as the rise of modern farmhouse style reignited interest in lighter, airier tones. Today, all the major paint brands offer a summer fog or similar misty gray hue perfect for relaxed, laidback spaces.
Decorating with Summer Fog Paint – Tips and Ideas
When working with a soft neutral like summer fog, it’s easy to create a cohesive yet interesting look. Here are some tips for decorating with summer fog paint:
Summer fog works beautifully in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms – anywhere you hope to cultivate calm. It is especially stunning on accent walls or smaller statement surfaces like built-in bookshelves.
Some creative ways to implement summer fog paint include:
- Painting it on the ceiling for an ethereal overhead mist effect.
- Using it on the inside of shelving or cabinets to add hidden pops of color.
- Incorporating it on furniture pieces like headboards, desks, and side tables.
When pairing complementary paint colors with summer fog, opt for other tranquil tones like:
- Soft, airy blues
- Warm ivory or cream
- Crisp white trim
In living rooms, use summer fog to create a relaxing seating area. Layer in sun-bleached woods and natural textiles for a laidback look. In bedrooms, summer fog can transform your sleep space into a serene sanctuary. Coordinate with breezy linen sheets and a cozy woven headboard.
Bedroom with Summer Fog Paint
| – Accent wall in summer fog paint color | – White bed linens and rattan headboard |
| – Woven jute rug | – Nightstands in natural wood finish |
Living Room with Summer Fog Paint
| – Slim bookshelves painted in summer fog | – Tan linen sofa with white piping |
| – Stone fireplace surround | – Woven throw pillows with cream embroidery |
Achieving a Summer Fog Aesthetic Beyond Paint
While summer fog paint sets the overall mood, you can incorporate the misty color scheme in other elements too. Complement with furnishings like:
- Natural wood dining tables or sideboards.
- Breezy linen curtains and slipcovers.
- Rattan or wicker accent chairs with white cushions.
Bring in summer fog hues through accessories like area rugs, pillows, and throws. You can also hang beach photography or floral prints featuring white blossoms. The key is sticking to a relaxed, unfussy look that feels like a seaside cottage.
Shopping for Summer Fog Paint and Supplies
Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Behr, and Valspar all offer popular summer fog inspired paint colors. When selecting your shade, pay attention to the undertones. Cooler grays with hints of green or blue complement the summer fog vibe versus warm, taupe-ish hues.
A matte or eggshell sheen will provide subtle depth without looking too slick. Prices vary by brand but expect to spend around $30+ per gallon of quality summer fog paint. Make sure you have essential supplies like paint trays, rollers, and tarps before starting your project.
With some thoughtful prep work and technique, you can bathe your home in restful summer fog style. First, clean walls thoroughly and sand glossy surfaces to help the paint adhere smoothly. For DIY novices, hiring a professional is advisable for large project areas.
Apply painter’s tape around trim, ceilings, and edges for crisp lines. Use a mini foam roller for cutting in edges and a roller for coating large sections. Allow proper drying time between coats as indicated on the label.
Once your summer fog paint is complete, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere it cultivates. Your home will feel like a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the world outside.
