Benjamin Moore’s Alaskan Skies is a popular neutral paint color that can work well in many homes. When choosing paint colors, it’s important to understand whether a color is warm or cool, as this can impact the overall feel of a room. So is Alaskan Skies considered a warm or cool paint color? The short answer is that Alaskan Skies is a light cool gray with a subtle green undertone. While not extremely cool, it does lean toward the cooler end of the spectrum. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at what makes a paint color warm or cool and examine why Alaskan Skies is best described as a cool neutral gray.
What Makes a Paint Color Warm or Cool
The terms “warm” and “cool” refer to undertones present in paint colors. Warm paint colors have yellow, red, or orange undertones, which make the color appear warmer and cozier. Cool paint colors have blue, green, or purple undertones, giving them a more relaxing vibe. Neutral paint colors like gray, beige, and tan can lean warm or cool as well, depending on their specific pigments.
Here are some examples of warm and cool paint colors:
Warm Paint Colors
– Buttery yellow
– Terracotta
– Peach
– Brick red
– Goldenrod
– Toasted almond
Cool Paint Colors
– Sky blue
– Seafoam green
– Lavender
– Sage green
– Aqua
– Robin’s egg blue
The undertones present in a paint color impact the look and feel of a room. Warm colors tend to energize a space and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Cool colors have a more calming effect and can make a room feel serene and airy.
Why Alaskan Skies is Considered a Cool Paint Color
Now that we’ve looked at what defines warm and cool paint colors, let’s focus specifically on Alaskan Skies. Alaskan Skies is a light gray with just a hint of green/blue undertone. Most gray paint colors are considered neutral. However, upon close inspection, even neutral grays will lean slightly warm or cool.
Here are a few reasons why Alaskan Skies is considered a cool-toned gray:
- It has a green/blue undertone – While quite subtle, Alaskan Skies does have a faint greenish-blue tint.
- It creates a relaxing atmosphere – Room painted in Alaskan Skies tend to feel serene and soothing, similar to many cool-toned blue/green paint colors.
- It coordinates well with cool colors – Alaskan Skies pairs nicely with other cool paint shades, natural fabrics, and metals, indicating it is on the cooler end of the spectrum.
While not an intensely cool color, the subtle greenish cast and calming vibe of Alaskan Skies nudge it toward the cool end of the gray spectrum. However, some may perceive it as a totally neutral gray.
How Lighting Affects Alaskan Skies
Something important to note is that lighting can impact the way Alaskan Skies is perceived. In warm, incandescent light, the green undertones may be less noticeable, giving it more of a neutral appearance. In cooler, natural lighting, the subtle green/blue tones become more apparent.
This chameleon-like ability is common among many gray paint colors. The way the eye perceives the undertones can shift slightly depending on the room’s lighting. In this way, Alaskan Skies is versatile enough to adapt in both warm and cool environments, while maintaining its primarily cool essence.
Using Alaskan Skies in Your Home
When using Alaskan Skies, it’s important to decorate with complementary colors and materials. Here are some tips:
- Pair it with cool accent colors like sage green, light blue, or lilac. Avoid warm shades like orange or red, which may clash.
- Use natural fiber rugs and linens like jute, cotton, and linen, which complement the subtle green-blue cast.
- Incorporate metals like nickel, stainless steel, and chrome rather than warmer metals like bronze or gold.
- Add cool-toned wood finishes like weathered oak or ash instead of warm cherry or maple.
Decorating with these cool-toned accents will allow the tranquil essence of Alaskan Skies to shine.
Here is an example room showcasing Alaskan Skies used with complementary cool-toned decor:
| Paint Color | Fabrics/Textiles | Furniture | Additional Decor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaskan Skies walls | White linen sofa Blue-gray wool rug Cotton throw pillows |
Weathered oak coffee table Stainless steel floor lamp |
Nickel finished accessories Frosted glass vases |
This room shows how layering many cool elements with Alaskan Skies creates a relaxing and inviting space.
Is Alaskan Skies a Warm or Cool Gray?
To summarize, Alaskan Skies is best described as a cool-toned light gray paint color, despite being quite close to neutral. The reasons for this include:
- It has faint green/blue undertones
- It creates a calm, serene ambiance
- It pairs well with other cool-toned colors and materials
However, the cool essence of Alaskan Skies is subtle. Decorating and lighting choices can make it feel more neutral if desired. This adaptability makes it a versatile choice for those who want a soothing, spa-like gray that also functions as a blank canvas.
Conclusion
When choosing paint colors for your home, considering the underlying warm or cool undertones is an important factor that impacts the overall feel of a room. After taking a closer look at the qualities of Benjamin Moore’s Alaskan Skies, we can confirm it is a light cool gray, despite having quite a neutral appearance.
When working with Alaskan Skies, layering cool-toned decorating elements allows its tranquil vibe to come through. However, its adaptability also allows it to work in warm environments when desired. Overall, the subtle cool essence of Alaskan Skies makes it a gorgeous, versatile neutral that can transform any space into a relaxing retreat.
