Since we’ve said goodbye to gray paint for our homes it’s left many of you wondering how to get that neutral feel elsewhere. Of course you can turn to beige, cream or sand which are the popular kids at the moment. If those warmer tones aren’t for you then you can consider a blue-gray which will give you the same neutral effect with a bit more colour than just gray. One of my favourites from that blue-gray group is Benjamin Moore Brewster Gray.
This colour is part of Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection. If you didn’t already know, this collection is inspired by 18th and 19th century architecture found throughout North America. The colours tend to be muted and a lot of them have a gray undertone to keep them looking sophisticated and timeless. Brewster Gray is no exception and this beauty is one of my favourites.
Quick Facts
- Benjamin Moore Brewster Gray HC-162
- Blue-gray paint with a green undertone
- Works best in spaces with adequate lighting
- Pairs well with creamy white and other earth tones
Why I Love This Colour
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of blue paint. I’ve written previously about my love for navy and you can read about my favourite, timeless blue paints in this post. While I usually talk about navy like Flint or Hale Navy I also love a good mid-toned blue like Brewster Gray.
There are times when a space can’t absorb a deep, saturated navy. If the lighting is lacking you’ll find that navy absorbs too much light and can make a space feel dreary and dull. In a case like that I might still opt for blue but go a bit lighter and Brewster Gray fits the bill. It’s not too bright and won’t reflect too much yellow light into your space.
You can see from the image above that when I compare two mid-toned blues from Benjamin Moore they can appear very different. Brewster Gray is composed and tranquil while Bird’s Egg feels very energetic and bright. I would definitely use Bird’s Egg in a child’s bedroom or playroom but for a grown up space I much prefer the muted blue of Brewster Gray.
Is There An Undertone?
SOURCE: Home Bunch
At first glance I think most of us would agree that this is a blue paint colour. Yet unlike so many of the other blue paint in Benjamin Moore’s collection, this one has strong gray undertones. That keeps it feeling very grown up as opposed to a lot of the blues that feel like they’re better suited to a kid’s bedroom.
But gray isn’t the undertone of this colour. It’s actually green which isn’t immediately recognizable but it’s what gives this colour its warmth. It feels earthy and natural and those aren’t words we normally associate with blue. That’s thanks to the hint of green hidden amongst the blue and gray.
Will Brewster Gray Work In Your Home?
SOURCE: Home Bunch
The most important consideration is how much light you have in your space. Brewster Gray looks its best when it’s in a room with lots of natural or artificial light. In darker spaces it tends to become dreary and can feel too heavy. If your lighting conditions are right this is a colour that will transform your space into a cozy cocoon.
If you have dark flooring like espresso-coloured hardwood you may feel that your floors are dating your space. Since we’re in the era of light coloured oak it can be a challenge to know what to do with dark floors. Using a colour like Brewster Gray gives your dark floors an elegance and timelessness. This prevents your home from being dated and gives it a regal feeling that won’t ever feel out of date.
Blues create a feeling of stability in your home as well as feeling tranquil and calm. That makes a colour like this most suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms and kitchens. And it’s not just for walls as this is a colour that works extremely well on kitchen and bathroom cabinetry (assuming the bathroom lighting is adequate).
Trim Colours to Use With Brewster Gray
1/ Benjamin Moore Cloud White OC-130
Brewster Gray requires a creamy white as opposed to a stark white. The creaminess works with the gray undertones and prevents it from feeling too cold. Cloud White is the OG of creamy whites and while it’s an old cult favourite it’s as relevant as ever. The warmth works well with Brewster Gray to create a balanced combination.
2/ Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
If you prefer something a bit crisper then Chantilly Lace is for you. This is often referred to as the closest to pure white. It won’t leave any yellow or green undertones and will be a stark complement to Brewster Gray.
3/ Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW-7008
Alabaster is a soft white with warm undertones. It appears more white than tan when applied to walls and trim but it will always retain the creamy warm appearance.
Similar Colours to Brewster Gray
1/ Adagio 1593
If you love Brewster Gray but need something that’s just a teensy bit lighter, this is it. If you compare the two colours you’ll see that Adagio has none of the green undertone but is more of a true blue-gray. Otherwise, these two colours are very similar.
2/ Templeton Gray HC-161
This one is definitely a blue with green undertones but much less gray. This could be a better choice if you want a more saturated colour versus a neutral. It’s deeper in colour than Brewster Gray so you’ll also want to use this in a room with ample lighting.
3/ Gibraltar Cliffs 1587
This one is so close to Brewster Gray but the difference lies in the amount of gray undertone. This colour is similar in depth of colour but has slightly more gray and could work better where you want a true neutral with only a hint of blue.
My Final Word
Always test your paint in your space before committing to the purchase. As I mentioned, lighting plays such an important role in how paint is perceived. You want to see the paint colour and how it behaves at different times of day as the light changes.
If you need more help with your colour selections, reach out to inquire about a Colour Consultation.
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.
