SOURCE: Luxe Interiors + Design
I’ve been very open and frank about my dislike of the gray trend and I can assure this colour is anything but gray. Really, who picked that name?! If you’ve ever read any of my posts it won’t be a surprise to hear me say that Gentleman’s Gray is one of my very favourite colours. I’ve talked about it quite a lot on this blog. I’ve used it in several client projects and I think it works well both inside and outside your home. This is one of the all-time best colour selections for a front door so if you’re painting this spring, take note.
Quick Facts About Gentleman’s Gray
- Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20
- A rich blackened teal blue
- Works best on cabinetry, trim and walls (aka anywhere)
- Pairs well with neutrals like sand and beige but also white and gray. It also looks fabulous with other deep colours.
SOURCE: Upgrade Design
This is a deep blue so it’s got a lot of dynamic undertones working together but it’s never too dark. I love that this colour can change a space to feel more luxurious and elegant with just paint. This has more colour to it than a lot of the other cult favourite navy paint options. It has just an extra hint of blue so although it’s dark it also has a brightness to it.
A former client did her entire kitchen in this colour (read about it here) and it still looked bright. If you are looking for an amazing colour to create that strong base for either neutrals or additional deep colour this is a great contender. Use it on your interior, your doors or your exterior. It works everywhere!
Is There an Undertone
SOURCE: Evolution of Style
All colours aside from the primary colours have undertones but Gentleman’s Gray doesn’t have any specifically targeted undertone. Benjamin Moore refers to this colour as a blackened blue teal which will give us a hint that the undertone is likely green however it’s certainly not jumping out at us.
In my opinion this is deep blue without an undertone but always test the paint in your own space before committing to it fully. It’s important to test for morning, afternoon and evening light because colour can change significantly throughout the day.
Will Gentleman’s Gray Work In Your Home?
SOURCE: Pinterest
This is a colour that is really affected by light. It has very low light reflectivity which means that it will absorb a lot of the light in low light spaces. That’s not a bad thing but it will deepen the blue in spaces without a lot of natural light flowing through. You may end up with a blue that looks more navy than what you see on the paint chip or even in the can. In contrast, spaces with lots of light may find this blue lightens and brightens quite a bit so keep that in mind when deciding where to use this.
I’ve used this in kitchen cabinetry and it’s a beautiful pop of colour against a neutral backdrop. You can use it virtually everywhere in your own home (after testing) so consider it for hallways, bedrooms, living rooms and even small powder rooms that need a bold pop of colour. I’d even use this colour in a basement but be sure you have adequate lighting in the form of overhead or wall sconces.
If you love the combination of rich, royal colours paired together then run to the paint store to sample this one. The combination of Gentleman’s Gray with deep forest green, burgundy, yellow, gold and even chocolate is sublime. You can turn any boring space into a room fit for the royal family through these amazing colour combinations.
Trim Colours to Use With Gentleman’s Gray
1/ Chalk White 2126-70
This white has a touch of blue gray in the undertone and it pairs really well with any blue paint. If you want a trim colour that won’t feel too contrasting I’d suggest something that has a blue undertone.
This one will work better in rooms that have a lot of natural light because it will wash away the gray undertone and leave a beautiful white. If you use this in a space without good lighting you’ll see more of the gray so be careful.
2/ Gardenia AF-10
I think when a dark colour is paired with a clean, pure white it can look very modern and sometimes feels too stark in the contrast. I tend to prefer muted whites because they soften the contrast. That’s exactly what’s going to happen with the combo of Gardenia and Gentleman’s Gray. While it’s a pink undertone it works well with blues of any intensity and can feel a bit more playful than the other selections.
3/ Simply White OC-117
If you’re painting a room that has low lighting, consider a trim colour with a yellow undertone to give it a boost of brightness. Simply White is a tried and true favourite of designers and homeowners alike because it works just about everywhere. It’s also a lovely sidekick to blue and especially deep, saturated blues.
Best Colours to Pair With Gentleman’s Gray
1/ Old Montreal CC-398
If you are looking for a great neutral that will contrast the intensity of Gentleman’s Gray try this one. It still looks like a defined colour that won’t disappear against the dark blue. Even though it’s clearly a neutral it can hold its own when paired with deeply saturated colours.
2/ Classic Burgundy
Like I mentioned above, Gentleman’s Gray pairs so well with other deep colours. Together this will look like a royal space that instantly adds glamour and sophistication. Don’t shy away from using deep colours together if you want to create a mood.
3/ Golden Lab 178
Blue and yellow are a classic French pairing and this soft yellow is strong enough to stand beside Gentleman’s Gray. If you like the inspiration of a home in the French countryside then using yellow and white alongside blue will instantly give you that look.
My Final Words on Gentleman’s Gray
Well surprise, surprise but my love for this colour is long standing and that’s not going to change anytime soon. One of the things I look for when doing a colour consultation are colours that have longevity. Gentleman’s Gray is the perfect blue and will never date your home like many of the trend colours that come and go. If you love it, you’ll have it forever.
If you’d like help selecting the perfect colour for your home contact me. I’d love to help you find the best colours for your space.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
