This new neutral shade brings an 'inherent timelessness' to Jennifer Lopez's dining room

How to find a shade fit for a $60.9 million mansion? Prioritize versatility, tranquility, and harmony. This is J.Lo's choice

Jennifer lopez at ralph lauren show
(Image credit: Getty Images - Amy Sussman)

It's certainly not uncommon for popular neutrals to provoke conservation among designers – but none quite so much as gray. 

This hue has a habit of splitting the opinion of those in the know, with some saying its day popularity has wavered, but others say it will continue to impress in new ways – starting with a green twist on the classic. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck just made a case for the latter, courtesy of their dining room, painted in a cool gray-green color. This shade has given gray, as we know it, a new lease of life – and it's a shade that's so versatile that designers have labeled it a 'new neutral.'

Jennifer and Ben exemplify this shade in their dining room (seen behind their entryway in the footage below), and it's a choice that radiates serenity and harmony in the most sociable room of their $60.9 million home. 

'What sets gray apart from other colors is its inherent timelessness. Its neutrality and ability to effortlessly blend with various other colors make it a perennial favorite among designers,' comments designer Jennifer Davis. 

Jennifer explains that gray, as a color, will always remain relevant, but specific tones and shades of gray will experience shifts in popularity over time. 'Color trends continuously evolve, and different undertones or variations of gray gain or lose favor as the years go by. Currently, there is a discernible shift in preferences within the gray spectrum,' Jennifer says. This is where Jennifer and Ben's green-gray hue comes into play. 

'Current design trends lean towards green grays, which infuse a touch of natural serenity into spaces, are gaining popularity. These tones bring a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors, creating a harmonious and refreshing atmosphere.'

Jennifer Davis
Jennifer Davis

Jennifer fell in love with design at a young age and has been working in the industry for over 25 years. She has developed an eye for detail and a talent for creating timeless designs. Jennifer offers a balance of creativity and forward-thinking with a structured, organized, and detailed mentality. Jennifer is driven by her deep passion for design while curating an exceptional client journey, ensuring pure delight from the very beginning to the end.

green-gray wall with wood paneling and storage cupboard

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Gray-green is establishing itself as a superior new neutral, and this is only unsurprising when we consider Jennifer Lopez's (albeit unintentional) endorsement. However, it's not the only gray-infused shade currently sought-after among designers.

'Similarly, grays with brown undertones, often referred to as "greige," have also become increasingly sought after,' Jennifer says. 'Greige strikes a balance between gray and beige, offering a more versatile and warm alternative to traditional cool grays. This blend of gray and beige hues brings a sense of comfort, grounding, and earthiness to interior spaces.'


Shop our gray-green edit

Painting our dining room (or any space) is the most powerful way to tap into the look. However, we can experiment with this trending hue with our handpicked favorites below. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.