Posted on February 1, 2023 by KylieMawdsley
The Top 9 Gray & Charcoal Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore
Gray is undoubtedly one of the most popular paint colors. And with various depths, shades, and undertones, it’s easy to see why gray has been a top choice for walls, cabinets, exteriors, and more.
However, when choosing a gray paint color, you must pay EXTRA close attention to the undertones. Of course, you always have to pay close attention to undertones when picking a paint color, but they are far sneakier when tucked into gray.
THE BEST GRAY PAINT COLORS
1. BENJAMIN MOORE REVERE PEWTER HC-172
Revere Pewter is a light (closer to light-medium) warm gray. Revere Pewter is slightly warmer than some other comparable grays and has an earth-toned look when up against fresh and cool grays. It’s also WELL-known for picking up a faint green undertone.
All About Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
OR check out my wicked video here!
Revere Pewter is also gorgeous on kitchen cabinets and interior doors…
See more of this kitchen remodel here
See more of this entryway here
Revere Pewter was darkened by approx 25-50% for the above kitchen cabinets and doors. Why? Sheen affects how a paint color looks, and with the satin sheen (vs. the standard eggshell on walls), it would’ve looked too soft at regular strength.
WHY IS REVERE PEWTER A POPULAR WARM GRAY?
- While it’s in the light range, it borders on the light-medium range and can be heavy for a dark room or hallway.
- If it’s a bit darker than you want, try lightening it by 25% or check out Benjamin Moore Rodeo
- With an LRV of 55, it’s important to note that Revere Pewter will not be a fresh, bright gray. While it won’t absorb light, it’s not going to reflect a ton either if you don’t have great natural or artificial lighting (learn some AMAZING THINGS about lighting HERE).
It can also work on a home’s exterior (especially when paired with Cloud White) but can look warmer than you’d expect with natural light!
Pick the Best Paint Color with LRV
2. BENJAMIN MOORE STONINGTON GRAY HC-170
Stonington Gray is very comparable to Revere Pewter in depth; however, it’s on the cooler side with its passive stormy blue undertone. Compared to Revere Pewter, it will look like a cleaner, cool gray but can sometimes slide slightly blue or blue-green with its undertones.
WHY IS STONINGTON GRAY SO POPULAR?
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The cool nature of Stonington Gray will help balance out the heat of a south-facing room.
- It can pick up a tiny (wee tiny) touch of green, but don’t expect it to – it heavily favors blue.
- It’s a light color; however, it’s more of a ‘heavy’ light as it’s not AS fresh as many other gray colors (like Gray Owl below…).
- The LRV of Stonington is 59, a bit better than Revere Pewter, but not HUGELY different. Overall, because Revere Pewter is a bit more muddy-looking, Stonington Gray will look fresh in comparison.
Color Review Comparing Stonington Gray & Gray Owl
3. BENJAMIN MOORE GRAY OWL OC-52
Gray Owl is a light gray paint color with super subtle undertones of blue and green.
Gray Owl CAN look good on a home’s exterior, but if it gets a good hit of natural light (south or west), it can wash out a LOT. It’s best suited to a home with frontal northern exposure.
5 Steps to Picking the Best EXTERIOR Paint Color
WHY IS GRAY OWL ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR GRAY PAINT COLORS?
- Gray Owl works well in south-facing rooms. While it can work in a north-facing room, it won’t look REMOTELY warm.
- It’s beautiful and fresh with white paint colors.
- Gray Owl has a green undertone (that also loves to flex over to blue), but overall, it often acts like a soft, light, fresh gray.
- With an LRV in the mid-60s, Gray Owl WILL freshen and brighten a room as it reflects natural/artificial light back into the space.
Color Review Of Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
4. BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD OC-28
While Collingwood isn’t greige, it certainly wants to lean that way with its soft, pretty warmth. But just because it LOOKS gray doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a sneaky undertone hiding inside – specifically, purple.
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Collingwood
5. BENJAMIN MOORE BALBOA MIST OC-27
Balboa Mist is kind of like a lighter, softer version of Collingwood. It’s also slightly more likely to pick up a very weee wink o’ pink in its purple undertone.
See more of this stunning bathroom here: A Marble Inspired Ensuite
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist
WHY ARE COLLINGWOOD & BALBOA MIST POPULAR SHADES OF GRAY?
- with trends leaning warmer, warm grays like Balboa Mist and Collingwood are more likely to last
- Collingwood and Balboa Mist look great with cherry-toned cabinets
- they do well in north or south-facing rooms but thrive best in reasonably well-lit rooms
- the LRV of Balboa Mist (LRV 67) with Collingwood coming in at 62 – BANG on my magic number!
North, East, South, West: Which Paint Color is the Best?
6. BENJAMIN MOORE CLASSIC GRAY OC-23
Classic Gray is a beautiful off-white gray with subtle warmth to it. Unlike Revere Pewter, which can cast green, Classic Gray has a weeee drop of purple, which can sometimes lean just slightly purple-pink. I’m NOT a pink/purple fan at all and have this in my home and LOVE it.
Classic Gray walls, Sherwin Williams Pure White cabinets
See more of this project here
WHY IS CLASSIC GRAY A POPULAR WARM GRAY PAINT COLOR?
- Classic Gray is a warm gray, but it doesn’t have enough beige/warmth in it to be greige.
- It has an LRV of 74, so it’s pretty darned light while offering a bit of contrast with the right white trim.
Click HERE or on the above image to see available packages
SAMPLIZE peel-and-stick paint samples are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.
- samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 business days; depending on the location
- they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE
7. BENJAMIN MOORE CHELSEA GRAY HC-168
Chelsea Gray is an AWESOME medium-toned gray. Not too light, not too dark…juuuust right. Chelsea Gray contains only a wink of undertone – green, but it can be VERY vague. And believe it or not, it’s actually a WARM gray, but you’ll hardly know it unless you compare it directly to cooler gray paint colors.
Chelsea Gray is a beautiful choice for kitchen cabinets, as long as your countertop/flooring can humor that vague green undertone.
Stonington Gray walls / Chelsea Gray doors
WHY IS CHELSEA GRAY A POPULAR DARK GRAY PAINT COLOR?
-
Whether it’s a small or large bedroom, Chelsea Gray is neither overwhelming nor underwhelming as long as you are comfortable with some depth.
-
Chelsea Gray is fantastic as an exterior color, particularly on the body of the house.
-
Great for cabinets and furniture.
- Chelsea Gray has an LRV of 23 – it will absorb light and look quite heavy in a room without adequate lighting.
Full Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
How to Pick the Best Paint Color with LRV
8. BENJAMIN MOORE AMHERST GRAY HC-167
Amherst Gray is like a darker version of Chelsea Gray that’s EQUALLY as beautiful on walls, cabinets, cupboards, furniture, and feature/accent walls. And like Chelsea Gray, it does love to grab a wink o’ green!
In this next photo, notice the gorgeous green undertone on the Amherst Gray accent wall…
Next, look how much warmer and brighter Amherst Gray looks on this fireplace surround via the paint finish (satin) and the artificial light shining on it…
IS AMHERST GRAY A POPULAR DARK GRAY PAINT COLOR?
- While Chelsea Gray is definitely MORE popular, Amherst Gray is top amongst those looking for a shade with more DEPTH.
-
Amherst Gray can be too strong for an entire room if you don’t have good natural and artificial lighting. However, it ALWAYS looks fab as a feature/accent wall or on cabinets.
-
Amherst Gray is a great shade of gray for the exterior body of your home if you’re looking for some drama and depth (it’s also a great accent/trim color).
- The LRV of this paint color is under 20…yup, it’s dark. If you want something a bit darker, check out Kendall Charcoal.
Benjamin Moore’s Best DARK Gray Paint Color
FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
9. BENJAMIN MOORE METROPOLIS CC-546
Compared with Chelsea Gray, Metropolis is very similar in depth (Chelsea Gray is only a tiny wink darker). Where you’ll see the BIG difference between these two dark shades of gray is in their undertones. Chelsea Gray caters to a very mild green; Metropolis caters to a violet undertone.
And while both are warm grays, Metropolis is likelier to pass as a taupe/warm gray, whereas Chelsea Gray is most definitely GRAY. Of the two, I suggest Metropolis 10x more than Chelsea Gray for my Online Paint Color Consulting as it tends to suit more projects.
WHY IS METROPOLIS A POPULAR SHADE OF GRAY
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Putting green next to Metropolis will bring out the purple undertones, so be cautious if that isn’t the look you’re going for.
- While Metropolis is a warm gray at heart, it’s warm enough that, in some cases, it looks more like a dark taupe.
- Every gray has undertones, and it’s important to find the one that best suits your surfaces. The violet undertone of Metropolis tends to suit more interior finishes.
- ALL of the above photos are via my Online Color and Decorating Services!
Still not sure which color to pick?
Check out my E-Design and Online Color Consulting Services!
READ MORE
Benjamin Moore Graystone Paint Color Review
Sherwin Williams 12 Best Gray & Greige Paint Colors
The Best DARK Greige & Taupe Paint Colors – Benjamin Moore
The Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors
Chat soon,
2021, UPDATEDIN 2023
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Hi Suzan, oh I would love to help! It’s just that my site has gone gangbusters on questions lately and I have to give my priority to a) my clients in town here and b) my online consulting clients. I didn’t want you to think that I am ignoring you, there are just some questions that I like to give more thought to (rather than just rattling off a quick answer) and yours is one of those for sure.
If you’d like to move things faster you’re welcome to check out my Online Consulting on my site to see what I offer. Otherwise, I just need to pop you in line and promise that I will get to your grays and whites as soon as possible!!
Thank you Suzan!
Hi Susie, I’m so sorry for the delay. Business has been BOOMING and I’ve been directing most people to my Online Consulting. Normally I’d send you there, but maybe I can give you a few quick ideas to put you in the right direction!
And, if that doesn’t work, please do consider my Online Consulting as your question would be $30 and then you can send me photos of your space, talk about the size/expsoure and we can really hit it good! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-consultation/
Okay, so I’ve never done Revere Pewter and Soft Fern together but I do love it (and I’d tell you if I didn’t ;)) So, a lot depends on whether your room is big, small, north facing, south facing, etc….so without knowing that I’m going to throw a few at you that ‘might’ work!
So, we wouldn’t want to go too yellow/orange as it would really contrast with the green. For that reason I’m going to lean you towards ‘warm neutrals’. In particular, Muslin. If you place this with your Revere Pewter/Soft Fern you’ll see how it complements them without competing (which is good in an open layout) It’ll also be lovely with your furniture!
Natural Muslin is a similar idea, but the contrast is lower between it and Revere Pewter and might not be quite enough – you’d have to see…
Somehow I feel like 1 of those 2 could be just what you need. Let me know what you think, hope it helps!
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
I have been reading some posts of your that I found on Pinterest. I just paid for your on line consulting fee of $45 and my painter will be here tomorrow, yikes! I hope you can help. I have a pretty good idea about what I am looking for and the color families that I would like, but my room is small & dark and I also want dark colors. Please let me know the best way for me to send my info to you. (you may have already sent me an email:)..
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Lisa
Hi Lisa, that is great! Now I want to get on your Consult ASAP, and I’ve sent off your Questionnaire/photo info but haven’t heard back. I’m thinking maybe it’s gone to your junk mail. Do check and I can get rolling!
Hi Ali, YES, grays can be super tricky depending on your exposure, wood tones, etc… Because of the amount of questions/emails that i get in a day, when it comes to personal questions, particularly ones where my reader is having issues I just have to refer to my Online Consulting, so I can see photos of the space and you can fill out a questionnaire, that way I can give you the RIGHT options. If that interests you at al. here’s the link to check out… https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
I love this article Kylie! It has been my bible in choosing my paint colours to refresh my 14 year old home. I have decided on revere pewter for my main floor open concept rooms (family room, living,dining and kitchen). I am undecided between balboa mist and collingwood for my south facing front foyer/hallway. It is a very bright foyer with lots of windows and open ceiling . We have oak floors and oak staircase. Which colour balboa mist or collingwood would be warmer and would compliment the revere pewter best? Thanks!
Hi Mary! I think I like Balboa Mist more than Collingwood, there’s just a bit more shift in contrast between the 2. That being said, have you looked at BM Edgecomb Gray. Its warmer (it’s a greige) but it’s a NATURAL with Revere PEwter!
~Kylie
Hi Kylie, your blog posts are extremely helpful – thank you! I’m moving into a new build with an open concept kitchen/living dining room. The kitchen cabinets are on order and I chose two tones: BM simply white for the upper cabinets and BM Kendall charcoal for the lower. I’m also doing all the trim in Simply White. I’m now trying to choose a gray paint for the walls that will complement and bring the best out in the simply white cabinets. Right now I’m torn between two colours: Classic Gray and Gray Owl. The room is east facing. Of these two, do you feel one would be more complementary to the Simply White and Kendall Charcoal? Thank you so very much for your insight!
Nicole
Hi Nicole, they both do SUCH different things and both will work! With the room being east facing, you’ll find that in the afternoons both colours can feel a bit drab as the sun goes to the other side of the sky. Classic Gray might wash out just a bit in the morning, so if you go for it I would darken it by 25% to give it a bit more depth.
Hi Kylie!
I am hoping you can help me out as I have to make a decision very soon… we have gutted and renovated our entire first floor of our home… everything is going to be in a white/ griege color scheme… my laundry room is north facing and has no windows but the half window on the door, therefore not much natural light… I have a white w griege veining tile that will be done on the floor in herringbone style and am looking to put white dove or classic gray colored cabinets and bench in this room as well… what color should I go with for the walls? I love Benjamin Moore colors but don’t know whether to go warmer or cooler than cabinet color??? Help ! ????
Hi Stephanie, thank you for the note! Unfortunately due to the amount of emails/questions I get in a day I’m unable to answer personal questions. I would have to refer you to my E-design, where I do have the Quick Consult option as well! I give as much info as I can for free on my site, but if that doesn’t work I recommend the e-design so I can get up close and personal with photos/questionnaire. If that interests you, here’s the link… https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi I am wondering your opinion on getting brand name paint vs color match. I went with BM Gray Owl matched by my local ACE store with valspar paint. The color is very very and I mean VERY powder blue! My living room has south and west facing windows, very well lit. I’m super disappointed. I want to repaint, I think I’m going to go with edgecomb gray?? I want the same clean soft beachy feel but without the blue! The color will be going in my entry as well which has east facing windows in the stairwell. Was originally thinking of playing it safe with revere pewter but worried it’s too heavy or cement looking in my space. I have also had problems with griege paint going too purple. Perfect griege was perfectly violet! How true to color does the edgecomb stay in different (lower) lighting areas? I have white trim and honey oak floors. Should I chance getting the edgecomb matched or spend the money on the brand name paint? Any help would be so appreciated!!
Hi Jody! Yes, Gray Owl can totally go blue and even Revere Pewter can be a bit unpredictable. I find Edgecomb to be MUCH more predictable compared to those 2, as when it shifts it really seems to only go from beige to gray, but only minorly. You might have some challenging exposures, which can shift the way a paint colour looks and it’s REALLY hard to fight that! I would say Edgecomb is a safer bet. As for colour matching, there really is nothing like the original brand. I’ve found SW to be pretty good, same with H.Depot, but sometimes it depends on the store/employee so you have to double-check the sample (dried) with your original before you leave the store 😉
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
We just moved to a new house and I am trying to decide on a gray for my son’s nursery and want to know what you think.
The room is 11×10 and gets the morning sun.
I have Restoration Hardware furniture (crib and dresser in the Antiqued Taupe colour). The floors are a dark “urban brown” finish. I also have a light gray glider.
I was thinking Collingwood gray to tie in the taupe colour but I am not sure if there would be a better option that I haven’t explored.
Your advice would be so greatly appreciated !
Thank you!
Author
Hi Tenley, thank you for your note! Now I usually refer personal questions to my E-design, so that i can look at photos/questionnaire and come up with colour ideas that actually make sense for the room (1 room is $45). Off the top of my head yes, Collingwood is a beauty! I also love BM London Fog (probably lightened a bit) as it has a bit more of a taupe base to it.
I hope that helps! If you want to check out my E-design, it’s right here… https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hello Kylie,
I which i had found this page earlier as i”m in a time crunch. hope you can help…
I’m in the processes of painting my kitchen cabinets. I wanted to do BM Platinum gray, it looked great on the swatch, but once I primed the cabinets and tried it , it looks to cold next to my wall (which is a Cameo White by Berh). I tried 25% lighter, but again it looks cold, boring and flat.
I would love to do a color called Urban Stone, I found it on a cabinet door sample from cliqstudios.com. I took it to Home Depot and had them color match, but it was a failure, the color did not came out the same.
Can you help, my painter is getting ready to paint and I’m freaking-out!
Also, do I paint the cabinet trim white or the same color of the cabinets.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
~Sandra
Author
Hi Sandra, thank you for your note! Unfortunately when it comes to personal questions I can’t do much good if I don’t see photos and do the questionnaire, this way I can spend some proper time with your room as as you’re finding out – it can be a tricky process! I’m also not familiar with Urban Stone at all, so I can’t touch on that. It looks to be somewhere along the lines of BM Pashmina (knowing that cabinets tend to look lighter once they are painted and done). I’ve seen Pashmina look quite similar to that – but really, that’s just a quick thought.
As for the cabinets, any thing that is part of the cabinet should be painted cabinet colour. As for the cabinet finish – i would definitely do satin, which is in between eggshell and semi-gloss.
HOpe that helps!
~Kylie
Hi Kiley,
Thank you for your getting back to me… I will definitely go with satin and make sure I paint the trim and crown molding the cabinet color. I am confused about the gray to use and I am all over the place…. (I told the painter to give me until Monday… LOL).
Today I went back to BM and picked up a sample of the Pewter 2121-30 and I love it… I was not expecting to like a gray with blue undertones to look inviting. In my humble opinion, Pewter definitely has the character that Platinum gray is lacking; however, I’m not sure if it plays well with my wall color (Cameo white by HD Behr).
Again thank you for your help and keep sharing your expertise with the world… Thanks to you I’ve learned what LRV is and how crucial it is when choosing color. I learned to look for undertones. I even downloaded an app that helps me determine which direction the rooms in my house are facing (by the way, my Kitchen faces West).
Thank you and keep your knowledge coming… we all need you!!
~Sandra
Hi Kylie, most of the posts here refer to north or south-facing windows, so I’m finding it difficult to apply your wisdom in others’ answers to my situation which is all windows facing east or west. Is there an easy way to translate north/south to east/west when considering color choices? Also, if I am going to paint a large, open family room and adjoining hallways SW Collonade gray, what darker shade of gray would look best as an accent color in adjoining kitchen – also open to the other space? The breakfast nook is the only wall that would need the darker color – small, about 8’x9′ for that one wall, and slender areas between three tall windows in a bay. These windows face a very bright and shiny east. Thank you! —Judy
Author
Hi Judy! I’m actually working on a blog post on this topic TODAY! So hopefully I’ll have it cleaned up and ready by the end of this coming week – stay tuned!
~Kylie
Hey Kylie!
Just love all your posts! Can’t wait for you to be back from vacation so I can get some advice from my kitchen paint colors.
-Angela
Author
Wahoo, me too! I’m sitting on the couch at the resort with my feet up and drinking some tasty wine! I’m back at it on Tuesday though!
I have a small house and am about to paint the entire house in gray. I have hardwood flooring and tile in my bathrooms and kitchen – gray’s/white’s tile that looks like wood. I want to paint my entire house gray – but I want a pale gray since the light is not very bright in my house. I also plan to paint my kitchen and bathroom cabinets in a darker gray, but again, don’t want the cabinets too dark so as not to darken the entire house. I’m thinking about using Benjamin Moore Wickham gray for all the rooms and possibly Galveston gray or Chelsea gray for the cabinets. Any thought? Am I going too gray?
Author
Hi Linda! When it comes to personal questions I DO need to refer to my e-design. This way I can take a look at your photos/questionnaire and come up with paint colours that actually make sense – rather than just guessing! If that interests you, I have a lot of great, affordable packages to choose from and then I can spend some proper time on your home 🙂 https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/product-category/interior-paint-colors/ My gut instinct is that if you are second guessing whether it will be too gray, that maybe doing it ALL gray might be a bit much for you???
Chat soon,
~Kylie
I would like some feedback for the color grays.
I have a wall and half in a bathroom to paint. My tiles are gray with some light blue. counter top is pietra color
Author
Hi Pina, thank you for your note! I do try to give as much free info as I can on my blog and if that doesn’t work, it might be time for a closer look, otherwise I’m totally just guessing! If that interests you, please check out my E-design packages, fun and affordable! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
I value the info you have put together on choosing colors – it has helped me so much!! I have a question about grays and artificial lighting – especially fluorescent (yuck!). In an office setting with minimal natural east light, what would you suggest for a gray that reads as a true mid gray that doesn’t end up feeling cold? Those nasty lights are wreaking havoc with the paint colors!
Author
Hmmm, fluorescents can be tricky! Give SW Silverplate a try – it could work!
I just want you to know how much I enjoyed reading this. It’s well written and to the point. Thank-you! ☺️☺️☺️
Author
Well, thank you Amy!
Thank you for such a wonderful article. I am in the midst of renovating my basement. I have decided on Stonington Gray for the walls, Chealsea Gray for the doors, and Simply White for the trim. I have recessed lighting/led lighting in bright light and will have white outlets. Now I’m unsure because I have wood looking tile floors that are a medium brown with dark flecks I guess…
Author
Hiya! Without seeing the floor it’s hard to say but off the TOP of my head it seems like Stonington/Chelsea might be a touch cool for your flooring…
If you want me to take a look at things, I do have an affordable and fun e-design service, this way I can spend some time with your home and get you on track! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/product-category/interior-paint-palettes/
~Kylie
Hi Kylie:) I have a north facing, open concept kitchen family room. Trim is cloud white and kitchen cabinets are light cream. Mid to dark hardwood throughout. I want to stay away from greige and am looking for some depth but a barely there grey. I have samples of Wickham grey, stonginton grey and grey owl around the room right now. What are your thoughts on these three???
Very much appreciated 🙂
Kim
Author
Hi Kim! Well if I were to go on my thoughts we’d be here allll day! Overall, Gray Owl would be my first choice of the 3 for its depth and undertones. I love Stonington Gray, but find it a bit heavy and Wickham, I don’t trust its undertones as much.
If you’d like me to take a look at your home via photos and spend some time with it, I do have affordable E-design that you might find helpful! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Thanks so much for this great post, it is so helpful! Seems like all of the undertones of the paints I am trying in my kitchen are really coming to life … Grey Owl is green, Stonington is blue, yikes! I am wondering if you have ever worked with Ben Moore ‘Shoreline’ and what you think of it? Thanks!
Author
Hiya! Ah yes, you have one of those rooms! Is it north facing? That is a common effect in north facing rooms as they can enhance cool undertones a bit. I haven’t done much with Shoreline, but yes, you might find it a bit less ‘colourful’ than the other 2, but it does still have some cool undertones and a lovely softness to it, so it’s not a crisp/cold gray…
Thank you ! I am just beginning to get an understanding of how north facing vs south facing etc. influences the color … it makes such a big difference . You are 100% correct that the room is north facing and bright!
I am not exactly sure what color undertones Shoreline has, but it is that softness that you referred to that seems so nice.
Any thoughts on Moonshine?
Thanks so very much!
Could you please post the same for blues and greens? Thank you!
Author
Hi Laura, I actually do have a fab blog post for that!
https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/8-most-popular-blue-green-paint-colours-mix-sherwin-williams-and-benjamin-moore/
I hope that helps 🙂
Help! Im on the hunt for a very light and bright greig paint color. I have revere pewter in my entryway and it is MUCH too dark. I’m wanting the same tone, but much lighter. I tried lightening RP by 50% but its still reading very dark in my house. Classic Gray is reading a little too purple for me but it has the “brightness” I am looking for. Any ideas?
Author
Hi Jamie! When it comes to personal questions, I do try to refer to my E-design, this way I can take a look at your room and come up with options based on your exposure, furnishings, floorings, etc…, otherwise I’m just guessing! I do have fun and affordable packages! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
You definitely have a talent that I don’t have. How does one see the undertones in a gray paint (or any neutral for that matter) without A. being told by an expert like you or B. painting the entire room and seeing in all types of lighting? I see color and the depth of the color (dark/light) and that’s it – until it’s all over the wall and I’m crying over a glass of wine.
What warm grey would you suggest for interior trim? I love Chelsea grey but it is a bit too light and not contrasty enough for our rustic grey wood flooring. I think Kendall is too dark. Is Amherst as warm a grey? How about Asphalt?
Author
Hi Ginny! With gray, there are SO many undertones to consider – in particular the type of gray that’s in your rustic wood flooring. I mean, off the top of my head ASphalt could work, but I can’t really say without seeing your home! If you’d like me to take a look, I do have an affordable E-design service. That question would fall under the ‘1 Room Package’ (using it for the trim, rather than the walls 🙂
Hope to chat soon! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/ This way I can spend some quality time with your room, rather than just guessing.
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
I have a manchester tan in my living room with a peacock blue accent wall.
I am wondering if you could please suggest what color would go well on connecting hallway walls and the walls on staircase leading up to the upper floor hallway?
Thanks,
Shifa
Author
Hi Shifa! When it comes to personal questions there is a lot more for me to consider, otherwise I’m just guessing! If you’d like to check out my E-design it is affordable and fun – this way I can look at photos of your space and spend some time with it! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
So glad I found this blog post on Pinterest! I am currently struggling and overwhelmed with picking a color to paint our house exterior. It’s currently a light tan and I want something darker and more “interesting” yet neutral in the gray/charcoal family. We also have a reddish brick that we need to keep in mind. Currently looking closely at Kendall Charcoal and Chelsea Gray… but fearing that Kendall might be pretty dark. I was glad to see you mention Chelsea Gray as a great exterior color!
Gray Owl has been my next front-runner
I am looking for a gray for my entire first floor and up the staircase to the second floor. I was thinking Gray Owl, because its neutral but not sure if its too light for the entire floor. My other thought was stonington gray. What do you mean when you say that they aren’t “warm” grays? Any thoughts would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Laura
Author
Hi Laura! Warm grays tend to have a bit of beige or softness to them. Some people will say that Gray Owl is a slightly warm gray, but really – it’s gray and can pick up cool gray undertones, specifically blue and green. A warm gray would be something like Cumulus Cloud or Collingwood. Of the 2, I would lean toward Gray Owl. I’ve done many spaces and entire floors in this colour and it just settles really well. If you have TONS of natural light it will be pretty light, but then it levels it out in darker areas – I find it a slightly more safe bet than Stonington in that regard…
Hi Kylie
Loving your suggestions and knowledge of color undertones. I have a quick question, looking for a lighter hue that complements stonington gray for a room that faces south/east. So far I have classic gray , gray mist etc., am I on the right track? Fungi shui table of elements suggest white is the killing color for south/east facing rooms and there growth color is blue and green for the resource color (undertones I am assuming). Would love your opinion on my quest for color!
Love your blog and website, beautiful display of visual decorating tips and color. So glad that I found you on pinterest!
Thanks, Carole B from NB
Hi. I need help picking a color for my raised ranch, I did Revere Pewter for the accent walls in my dining room and living room and need to pick a color for the rest of the house. I did Stonington gray in the sunroom which is off the dining room and I did a edgewood gray in a spare room. I’m tryin to stay in the same family. IT’s so hard. I love revere pewter but just did the accent walls. Thanks
Author
Hi Cinzia, thank you for your note! I do try to give as much complimentary info on my blog as I can, and if that doesn’t work it might be time for me to check out your home via my E-design, this way I can look at your exposure/flooring/decor, etc…, otherwise I’m just guessing! It’s affordable and fun!~ https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
I am painting my dining room. I have wainscoting which i prefer to paint white. The furniture is mostly a cremish linen white. I would like a light contrast between the wainscot and gray wall above. I plan on adding colors of rich light to medium blues for carpet, cloths etc.
Do you have a favorite for a light gray for Wall and favorite wainscot white contrast that looks nice with creamy white furniture for a dining room area?
Author
Hi Viktoria! When it comes to personal questions, I do refer to my E-design! I try to give as much helpful complimentary info as I can on my blog and if that doesn’t help, it might be time for a closer look, otherwise I’m totally just guessing as to what your room REALLY looks like. If you’re interested, the link is here, I’d love to help! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Thank you i will definitely use your e design once i have more specifics for my decorating.
But i was wondering if you had a go to wainscott White that is crisp and bright and a true go to light gray that does not have a lot of undertone ?
Author
Hi Viktoria, that actually is what my E-design is for, talking about specific colours for your home! It can depend on your exposure as even the most timid gray can flash blue/green/purple given the right/wrong exposure!
Hi Kylie,
I don’t know if I ever got a response to my question about whether you can select other finishes as well as paint color. Please advise.
My style is minimalist, Italian modern. I have white leather and light hardwood floors with a bit of an orange or pinkish hue. Can you recommend a light more neutral gray. I plan on using blue accessories for a pop of color.
Thanks for your anticipated response.
Author
Hi C.C.! I can’t seem to find your other response anywhere, but generally I focus on paint colours and it keeps me pretty darned busy! I do have my E-design so that I can take a look at photos of your home, otherwise, I’m just guessing as to what your room really needs with its exposure/finishings/furniture/quality of light/etc… If you’re interested, here’s the link! I will be on vacation for the next few weeks though. https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Have you ever used BM Bone Black? It looks like it’s comparable to SW Mindful Gray which is my favorite but BM paint goes on so much better and looks prettier in my opinion. I can’t find many reviews about Bone Black online….Thanks!
Author
Hi Leslie! It looks like that’s in the special Williamsburg Collection, so it’s not as well known – I’ve never used it! That’s good to know, I’m going to check it out more!
Ok thanks for the reply! I haven’t had a chance to get a sample but when I do, I’ll let you know how it compares to the sample of Mindful Gray on my walls. 🙂
Any advice on pairing Rockport Gray with Jet/Virginia Mist granite? It is a dark black/charcoal granite. I love the warmth/brown undertones of the Rockport which pairs nicely with black counters. Since the Jet Mist can sometimes look gray, just wondered your thoughts on that pairing.
Oh my gosh,. I’m two days into owning my first home and am officially overwhelmed. I have a purple undertone white in the house and it’s killing me. Your posts on Gray, LRV, and which direction the room is facing have been so helpful!!
Thank you so much!
Author
AWESOME, I mean, not the purple undertoned white, but the part about my blog helping – that’s what I love to hear!
Hi,
We have one room in our house that is not Benjamin Moore, but are looking to convert it over. It’s Sherwin Williams Light French Gray. Looking to stay on the lighter side of the grays as an adjacent room has BM Willow Creek and just get a more rich look from aBM gray as the SW Light French Gray leaves a lot to desire. Hallway is revere pewter. Any suggestions ? Thanks!
HELP! I don’t know where to turn. We are redoing out 1950’s ranch house and just redid our backsplash with a light gray subway tile. Our cabnets are a warm wood color and our tile is a beige browinsh color with some grey in it. I can’t pick a wall color. Our kitchen is small so I don’t want to go dark to make the room smaller. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. -Lisa
Hi Kylie, I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog when searching for info on the various Benjamin Moore grays. I’m redoing my entry way, which is basically a two story room with staircase. The room is technically north facing, although the staircase landing also is included and has a large east facing wall.
If standing in the front door, there is a large, north facing wall which serves as an accent wall. It is Hale Navy, as is the front door.
I was planning on using Amherst gray on the walls in the staircase (although quite enclosed, the upstairs came room and the front windows 🪟 provide sufficient light to hold the weight of a medium-dark gray) and Stonington Gray in the actual entry way,
After reading your blog, I’m not as certain the two will work quite as well together as I’d originally hoped so it’s back to the drawing board. I think I’m totally committed to the Stonington Gray (for no other reason than we were married, and had our first home in Stonington, CT.lol ) so I’ll have to try out some of the other grays to compliment it