In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Perhaps there’s no more apt page on the calendar than February to passionately wish for Anything but Gray—a proclamation that’s not just the name of Gray Benko and Chelcie Eastman’s popular home design show on the Magnolia Network, but the business partners’ philosophy of life. To wash away winter’s slushy doldrums, the co-founders of Gray Benko Home come to the rescue with a characteristically maximalist flat lay that features bursts of color and a bunch of early blooms. “The feeling is cheerful, nostalgic and a little bit quirky,” says Benko. “Happy without being loud, relaxed without being boring: the kind of mood that makes a space welcoming—like you want to sit down, put your feet up and stay awhile.”
Found in a buttery shade of paint, rustic boucle fabric and delicate dried flowers, golden yellow is one hue that’s sure to warm things up. More blossoms appear in petaled linen place mats, a folksy wallcovering with a pink tulip motif, and a papier-mâché chandelier. Rosy hues also infuse ceramic tiles and a starry textile, while a curvaceous table lamp delivers a splash of candy apple red. “The colors are soft, but there are bold, confident pops as well,” adds Eastman. “The mix of textures and details keeps it from reading too serious.”
The duo’s signature playfulness explains the presence of a salty sea captain carved from wood, plus a tattered vintage tome with instructions for making sails. “There are influences from coastal living, handmade objects, and items that show some wear and history,” Benko continues. “Each seems like it could have a past or a purpose beyond just looking pretty. There’s a mix of old and new, utility and charm, collected over time.” The two designers picture their curation arranged in a comfortably layered family home, brightening up a breakfast nook or a casual, sunlit den that’s meant to be fully inhabited, not just admired from the threshold.
“Nothing here feels overly polished or precious, and that’s intentional,” says Benko. “The palette and patterns tie everything together, but the real heartbeat lies in the personality of each piece.” Below, she describes their selections.
1. FLORA WALLPAPER IN GREEN BY GRAY BENKO HOME
“Our Flora wallpaper adds a sense of story and charm to any space. The playful florals and fresh green palette give a room so much life without being overwhelming.”
2. MARCO FABRIC IN 10894.37 BY NOBILIS
“The rich boucle texture and understated tone of this chevron fabric feel European and elevated, adding warmth and sophistication to upholstery or drapery that’s meant to last.”
3. OLIVE BLOOM PLACE MAT BY THE MAYFAIR HALL
“The scalloped edge, earthy green tone and floral structure of these linen place mats help tie the table elements together while adding a refined, handmade feel and gentle pattern to the setting.”
4. BOMBAY BLUE PLATEs BY RO’TABLE NEW YORK
“These intricately illustrated plates introduce depth and richness through color. They balance boldness with tradition, showing how everyday objects can be both functional and beautiful.”
5. STILLWATER FLORAL QUILT IN RED FROM SCHOOLHOUSE
“The Stillwater quilt proffers softness and nostalgia. Its familiar pattern and gentle colors evoke comfort and memory, making spaces feel layered, personal and lived-in.”
6. GRASSCLOTH WALLPAPER IN UNFINISHED THOUGHT BY GRAY BENKO HOME
“Contributing texture and coolness, the natural fibers of our grasscloth wallpaper create depth and quiet interest, serving as a backdrop that enhances rather than competes with bolder elements. We compare the pale gray-blue color to a thought that trails off midsentence—on purpose.”
7. MISCELLANEOUS VINTAGE ITEMS
“The black iron key, preserved yellow flowers and Make Your Own Sails book are vintage elements that ground the selections in history. Together, they symbolize the importance of enduring objects with stories to tell.”
8. ASSORTED TILES BY FIRECLAY TILE
“Tiles in pastel and desert hues represent the foundation of a room. Clean-lined and versatile, they ground the composition and remind us that good design starts with strong, thoughtful materials.”
9. HEIRLOOM FABRIC IN MAGENTA BY GRAY BENKO HOME
“The saturated colors of this fabric deliver energy, depth and a sense of confidence.”
10. SAN MARINO BATH TRAY BY KASSATEX
“This marble tray with mango wood accents fosters a feeling of permanence. Its clean lines and natural stone surface reflect the idea that practical objects can also be intentional and refined.”
11. VENICE LARGE TILE IN ALABASTER EICHLER MIX BY CONCRETE COLLABORATIVE
“This concrete sample introduces contrast. Its subtle texture, modern finish and unique colors balance the softer textiles and patterns, reinforcing the mix of old and new that defines the flat lay.”
12. URBAN WOOD CABINET PULL IN OAK BY ASHLEY NORTON AT ROCKLER
“The natural grain and organic shape of Ashley Norton oak cabinet pulls emphasize craftsmanship and celebrate materials that age with grace.”
13. 16977 HANDWOVEN RUG BY ZUMA IMPORTS
“This handwoven rug anchors the flat lay with softness and texture. The subtle blue pattern and natural fibers give it a collected, well-traveled feel. It’s the kind of piece that looks better the longer you live with it.”
14. ARLO CHANDELIER IN WHITE BY STRAY DOG DESIGNS
“The Arlo chandelier brings movement and whimsy to the mix. Its sculptural shape is artistic without being overpowering, proving that lighting can be both functional and full of personality.”
15. SMALLER WOBSTER TABLE LAMP IN RED BY POOKY LIGHTING
“Pooky’s red Wobster lamp contributes a pop of confident color. Its glossy finish and fanciful form show how a small-scale piece can provide impactful warmth, humor and curiousity to a space.”
16. OLD SALT SAILOR FIGURINE
“This salty sea character is such a charmer. Imagine the yarns he could spin! He brings a moment of humor and humanity, reminding us that personality is just as important as polish in a home.”
17. HALF ROUND ROPE MOLDING IN BEECH BY MORE THAN MOLDINGS
“The rope molding highlights the relevance of detail. It’s a subtle, traditional element that elevates cabinetry and furniture, reinforcing the idea that craftsmanship lives in the small decisions.”
18. SUDBURY YELLOW PAINT BY FARROW & BALL
“Sudbury Yellow imbues the palette with warmth and optimism. Its historic undertones make it feel classic rather than trendy, bestowing a sense of sunshine on any room.”
19. VINTAGE CERAMIC KYO INDIGO SOY SAUCE DISH
“This detailed vintage dish—you can find similar versions on eBay—serves as a refined accent piece. Its intricate royal-blue flower design adds a layer of elegance, proving that even the smallest tableware can elevate an entire place setting.”
20. VINTAGE WOOD SAMPLE SET
“These wood samples show just how transformative the right finish can be. From decor and flooring to cabinetry, the choice of wood tones can instantly define the overall mood of your home.”
