I didn’t expect much from gray. I assumed it would be a quiet month, possibly the most passive or even melancholic one of all. But as always, this project continues to surprise me. What I thought would be a month of dull stillness turned out to be one of the most subtly colorful and deeply transformative so far. Gray didn’t scream or shine – it stepped aside. And in doing so, it gave everything else, colors, thoughts, emotions, even memories, the space to rise to the surface.
March – A quiet transformation
When it came to gray clothing, I didn’t need to buy a single thing. My wardrobe was already fully equipped: gray jeans, pants, sweaters, long sleeves, sweatshirts, skirts, dresses, underwear, socks, tights, scarves, jackets, pajamas, and boots. Everything except a hat and a bag – but that wasn’t a big deal. Gray has always been my basic color, my go-to neutral, and I’ve always enjoyed wearing it. But I had never worn it all day, every day, and certainly not head-to-toe without mixing in other colors. The only thing I did buy was a phone case. For my nails, I used the leftover anthracite gray stickers from my black month – dark enough to belong to either color. Unlike during the black month, when that nail color felt too intense, it felt completely fine during gray month. Somehow, paired with all the gray clothing, it felt just right.
Gray on the Slopes
On March 4th, I wrote: “I’m really curious to see how this month will unfold, especially after the blue one, which left me feeling quite passive. But so far, it’s okay.” That said, the start of the month wasn’t exactly in ‘normal conditions’ – we were on a ski trip in Austria from March 1st. I spent almost every day on the slopes, dressed in black ski pants and a dark anthracite, almost black ski jacket, along with black thermal layers. Even my skis were anthracite. The only truly gray items I had with me were my helmet and goggles. That was the one exception I allowed myself – I didn’t want to buy a new ski outfit in gray. Quite the opposite: next time I buy a new one, it will definitely be in a bright color – for the mood boost, but also for better visibility and orientation in the snow.
This actually got me thinking: if someone were buried in snow, which color would be the most visible? I have a feeling it would be orange. I’m planning to create a little visual test to explore this idea – and I’ll share it here soon.
Comfort Zone in Gray
Outside of the ski slopes, of course, I’ve been wearing gray. And so far, I honestly feel good. Gray carries a certain sense of moderation and sophistication. It’s unobtrusive, quiet, never demanding attention. It feels like a comfort zone for me. I feel at ease in it. Maybe a little like a Graue Maus – a “gray mouse” – but I’m okay with that.
Rainbows and Reminders
Interestingly, ever since we arrived on holiday, I’ve been seeing rainbows all the time. And I absolutely love it. For me, the rainbow has always been a symbol – a quiet message that says: Everything is okay. You’re on the right path. You’re protected. You’re not alone. Someone is watching over you. Just keep going. Just be who you are.
What really struck me was when, a few years ago, I decided I wanted to read the Bible (a goal I still haven’t completed), but I did read the beginning – and there it was, almost right at the start: the meaning of the rainbow. I was so surprised and deeply moved to discover that the biblical meaning aligns so closely with what I had always intuitively felt. It was like accessing some kind of Urwissen, an ancient inner knowing from the depths of the subconscious. That moment gave me goosebumps.
I’ve actually been collecting photos of rainbows for years. I have a folder on my phone filled with them – captured in random places, sometimes in the most unexpected moments. I adore rainbows, not just for their colors, but for their meaning. A meaning that clearly resonates across time, cultures, and even sacred texts.
The Most Colorful Gray
This month I’ve been seeing rainbows constantly. And strangely enough, in just these first three or four days, this gray month has turned out to be the most colorful of all so far. We’ll see what happens next, but it’s off to a beautiful start, and I’m feeling really good about it.
The Paradox of Neutrality
It’s funny how this turned out to be my gray month – and the hotel we’re staying in is almost entirely decorated in gray and taupe tones. Our room, the spa, the towels, the bathrobes, even the slippers – everything is gray. It’s paired with a natural wood tone that adds warmth and comfort to the space. But honestly, that’s not so surprising. Many hotels, especially here in the mountains, are designed to appeal to the masses. They rely on “neutral” color schemes that are meant to please a broad range of people. In other words: colors that are likable, non-controversial… or, let’s just say it – bland. And gray fits that perfectly.
But I don’t mean that in a negative way. On the contrary, that’s exactly where gray shines – when it’s used in shared spaces where many people need to feel comfortable. The problem only arises when we try to carry this look into our homes. That’s how so many houses end up feeling… impersonal. Like a hotel. Or a furniture showroom. And then we wonder why we don’t truly feel at home.
It’s because we’re copying a space that was never meant to reflect a person – it was designed for the masses. But you are not the masses. You are an individual, with a unique character. And you’ll only feel truly at home if your space reflects you. What people often want is the feeling they have in a hotel on vacation – relaxation, ease, peace, freedom. But that feeling doesn’t come from beige walls or gray tiles. It comes from being off duty, being free from responsibility. And if you want to bring that feeling into your home, it has to come from aligning your space with your own personality, style, and soul – including your own colors.
So far, gray has been full of surprises. What I thought would be the quietest, maybe even dullest month, turned out to be full of color, contrast, and unexpected comfort. But the second half of the month had a little bit different kind of energy – quieter, deeper, and more internal.
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