SOURCE: The Home I Create
We are all collectively obsessed with neutral paint colours at the moment and while we’re seeing pops of bold colour, neutral is still king. So it’s imperative as a designer that I always know and understand which neutral paint colours are the best and which should be skipped.
Let me just say there’s a reason why Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray has maintained its place atop the mountain of winners. This is a perfectly balanced neutral colour that blends gray with beige which results in a calm, tranquil paint colour that works in sooooo many environments.
Quick Facts About Agreeable Gray
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW-7029
- A warm and balanced greige
- No obvious undertones but leans slightly green in some light
- Works well absolutely everywhere in your home
- Pairs well with other neutrals and with deep, bold colours
SOURCE: Kelly Nan
Why I Love This Colour
This colour is truly such a chameleon. It can look distinctly gray in some spaces while it’s definitely beige in others. It can be adapted to fit environments where there’s a problematic element like an orange stained wood floor or very obnoxious backsplash tile.
It will never clamour to steal all the attention but instead will be the best supporting actor on the set. It will help to elevate all the other materials just by being so adaptable.
Is There an Undertone?
So what exactly is an undertone? Essentially it’s a tone hidden within a colour. In this case it’s the colour that’s hidden inside the paint you select. Undertones are everywhere but they’re most obvious when selecting neutral colours.
I would generally say that Agreeable Gray doesn’t have an undertone but we know that isn’t possible with a neutral paint colour because they all have one. So I suppose the correct answer is that you don’t have to worry that this colour will always be susceptible to undertones shining through. On occasion when the materials in a space have strong green or pink undertones it can pull the green undertone from Agreeable Gray.
Will Agreeable Gray Work In Your Home?
SOURCE: Stefana Silber
This is really a colour with no notes. It can be used on the walls in any room in your house and also looks great on cabinetry. There’s a reason it’s one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular colours of all time and that’s because it’s a winner.
As always, test and sample your paint colour before you commit but I love this colour in almost every space I’ve seen it in. It balances both warm and cool tones so it can be a bridge between mismatched materials.
It’s also a great neutral backdrop for art lovers. If you’re trying to avoid painting your walls white to show off your art collection, opt for Agreeable Gray instead. It works so well with other colours and will fade into the background but still have some personality.
Trim Colours to Use With Agreeable Gray
Most of us automatically think of white when we’re selecting our trim colour. And while I do love a good white trim I also think some paint colours shine bright with deeper trim colours. Agreeable Gray is so resilient and adaptable that it’s likely whatever you’re thinking about will work.
If you want to create a more traditional space, stick with the classic and go for white trim. If you want to showcase your flair for design or you’re in a contemporary space you can explore some deeper colours but opt for a dark neutral like navy, black or deep brown. Avoid “colours” like yellow, green or blue which will require the help of a colour expert in order to get it right.
1/ Sherwin Williams Pure White SW-7005
I know, big surprise here right? This is such a predictable selection but that’s because it’s such a great colour. Sometimes when paint manufacturers nail the colour it becomes the de facto standard and this is one of the de facto standards for white paint. You cannot go wrong with a classic, beautiful white so include this one in your list of options.
2/ Sherwin Williams Incredible White SW-7028
If you’re looking for a colour with just a hint of gray to work with the gray in Agreeable Gray I recommend Incredible White. It does tend towards the cooler side of the spectrum but will be a perfect trim colour for a room that gets lots of natural light throughout the day.
3/ Sherwin Williams Anew Gray SW-7030
I love the look of a trim painted slightly deeper than the wall colour. If you also appreciate that look then give Anew Gray a try. Sherwin Williams describes this colour as having “a warm stone undertone that exudes a quiet energy, even in dim lighting”. This would be a wonderful complementary colour to use on trim, cabinetry and millwork.
Best Colours to Pair With Agreeable Gray
SOURCE: The Lily Pad Cottage
The options are absolutely endless with this colour. It just plays so well with others that there are very few cautionary tales I can share. Here are some of my favourite colour pairings that will help to make Agreeable Gray shine its brightest.
1/ Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive SW-6209
If you love a nature-inspired colour palette this will feel like a winner for you. The deep green pairs so beautifully with the greige of Agreeable Gray and will create a balanced space that feels both calm and exciting.
If you’re looking for something more edgy or contemporary you might prefer this deep bronze. They pair so well together and while they’re drastically different in their saturation level, they pair so seamlessly together.
3/ Sherwin Williams Slate Tile SW-7624
Looking to add some colour to your space? Blue is the most popular colour among homeowners and this lovely shade is the perfect partner for Agreeable Gray. Use this anywhere in your home and these two big hitters can be interchanged seamlessly.
Let me know what you think of Agreeable Gray. If you’re planning to paint your home in the near future and feel overwhelmed with decision fatigue, reach out to me. I’d love to share how a colour consultation can help you finally select the perfect colours for your home.
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.
