If I had a dollar for every time I've been asked which gray paint to use, I'd be living next to the Cluneys in Lake Como by now! Here's the deal. Grays are a tricky bunch. They can have blue, green, or taupe undertones and lead you down a path of baby blue, frog belly green or mucky beige disasters. The key is to decide first if you want to stick to a classic gray (no pun intended, Mr. Moore) which is more on the "cool" side or if you want to "warm" things up with a bit more "greige".
But don't fret - you need not reinvent the wheel! Yes, artificial lighting, natural sunlight and room size do matter. But if you need to try a few colors on the wall, just think if you will be adding blue accents to the room, then choose "cool" grays. If you think you will be inclined to more neutral tones of creamy white, khaki and perhaps navy accents, then choose more "warm" grays.
Here is a short list of terrific grays that deliver every time:
The 'Warm' Grays:
As a Real Estate Agent and Home Stylist, when I'm asked which neutral paint color to use to update a room, I often suggest Pale Oak. Trust me, you CANNOT go wrong. Keep in mind the swatches in this photo will not be the same as those from the store. Pale Oak is truly is a "greige" neutral that goes with everything.
Classic Gray gets some grief because some feel the color is overused and ordinary. I don't understand that. If the shoe fits, wear it, and wear it well!
The darker paint colors here are gorgeous in their own right for dining rooms, large family rooms and even bedrooms. They all blend well together and can be used as you move from room to room. For example, you could have Pale Oak as the entry way/hallways, then move to Wish for a dining room and Balboa Mist in the open concept kitchen and family rooms.
The 'Cool' Grays:
Gray Owl seems to be getting lots of attention and for good reason. It's rich and lovely and adds terrific punch to the wall.
Okay, Gray Tint. I love this crispy hue, but only use it in rooms where you have a LOT of sunlight. If you don't, I prefer you stay away. There are some blue undertones in this color and in darker corners, the walls might leave you also with feeling blue.
Although it is traditional to paint trim and bookshelves with white, I do LOVE the pop of a darker trim using Harbor Gray or Stonington. You would do this in a semi gloss finish. These colors also make great statements in a study, dining rooms, and even a guest room.
Shoreline is a terrific paint color that a lot of designers like. It is crisp and clean and wonderfully neutral. You can use it everywhere.
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