Design Report: The Hottest Interior Gray Paint Color

by Corcoran McEnearney

This week our partners at The Scout Guide give us inspiration on trendy gray paint colors for your home.

For most of this century, gray paint has reigned supreme as the neutral interior color of choice. Embraced for its timeless and versatile nature, from warm organic greiges to darker, steely tones, gray continues to check the box for many design profiles. Here, we’ve tapped two Scouted interior experts to give us the inside scoop on the gray paint colors you should consider when embarking on your next interiors refresh. To find a Scouted interior designer near you, consult The Scout Guide Directory.

1. Anonymous, Sherwin Williams

Interior design by Krystal Dawn Design. Photography by Kimberly Meadowlark.

”Opting for a medium-to-dark gray paint infuses a space with timeless sophistication. This tone exemplifies versatility and creates a refined and elegant ambiance. By color-drenching this home office space with a uniform shade across the ceiling, walls, and trim, a cohesive and subtly moody atmosphere is achieved that enhances the room’s depth and sophistication.“– Krystal Matthews, owner and principal designer of Krystal Dawn Design in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

2. Conservative Gray and Thunder Gray, Sherwin Williams

Interior design by Krystal Dawn Design. Photography by Kimberly Meadowlark.

“Combining shades of gray that complement one another is an excellent way to add warmth, depth, and visual interest to a space. Warm gray tones bring a sense of comfort and enhance the overall atmosphere. In this primary bedroom, Conservative Gray on the walls, Thunder Gray on the ceiling, blend seamlessly to create an organic look.” – Matthews

3. Trout Gray, Benjamin Moore

Interior design by Edit Design Creative. Photography by Rosemary J Photography.

“Trout Gray is an easy choice for us when we are looking for a moody, sophisticated gray. We used this charcoal colored hue in our client’s library, a space where they can both relax after a long day as well as entertain, so we wanted to choose a gray that was multi-purpose. Trout Gray is one of our favorites to create some drama while still keeping the room neutral.” – Erika Peck, principal at Edit Design Creative in Chicago, Illinois

4. Useful Gray, Sherwin Williams

Interior design by Krystal Dawn Design. Photography by Haylei Smith.

“The walls of this space are painted with Useful Gray, a color that features more beige undertones, as opposed to the blue. A warm gray like this one offers a cohesive, inviting look, whereas steely grays can clash with warm tones, making an interior appear cold.” – Matthews

5. Cumulus Cloud, Benjamin Moore

Interior design by Edit Design Creative. Photography by Margaret Rajic Photography.

“The perfect gray for anyone looking for a neutral tone, Cumulus Cloud is a well-rounded gray that is quickly becoming our favorite. This isn’t a gray that goes red, blue, or green, but rather has a slight hint of warmth, which gives it softness. Beautiful in rooms with a lot of natural light, it allows for the subtle color to be the background to your interior. Alternatively for our client’s house, we used this color in the primary bathroom with little natural light and we found it really brightened up the space against the dark tile. Adding this contrast to the room gave the bathroom a spa-like feel.” – Nicole Parke, principal at Edit Design Creative in Chicago, Illinois