Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams
COURTESY OF BLYTHE INTERIORS / NATALIA ROBERT
Indulge in a moody blue-gray scheme with Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams. "Don’t let the name fool you; this color has a rich yet subtle blue undertone," says Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors. "We love using it in living spaces because it creates a calming feeling and is a great color foundation to build upon."
This open-plan kitchen from her Luxe Canyon Living project uses the shade to set a sophisticated tone for a contemporary blue and gray tonal scheme. "It’s a great choice for traditional and transitional design aesthetics, and it looks beautiful paired with deep charcoals and natural stone tones," she says.
Paint Color: Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams
Adirondack Blue by Behr
COURTESY OF BEHR
If you're in search of a dark blue-gray shade to accent a light neutral scheme, opt for Adirondack Blue by Behr. The rich slate blue shade has a captivating depth that feels comforting yet refreshing. "The nature-inspired color looks fantastic in bathrooms and kitchens as an accent color, especially paired with warm neutrals like Even Better Beige and Blank Canvas," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company.
Note how the blue-gray Adirondack kitchen island makes a striking focal point and anchors this kitchen design while perfectly complementing the mosaic backsplash. "Light wood tones on floors or cabinetry and matte finishes on lighting and hardware provide a soft organic touch," Woelfel says.
Paint Color: Adirondack Blue by Behr
Oyster Bay by Sherwin-Williams
COURTESY OF BLYTHE INTERIORS / NATALIA ROBERT
Another perennial favorite amongst Verruto’s clients is Oyster Bay by Sherwin-Williams. "While it’s technically categorized as green with slate-blue undertones when paired with a cool color palette, we see a beautiful gray hue appear," she says. "It’s a favorite because it works great in spaces where you’re trying to balance warm and cool tones."
The shade beautifully complements gray stone or marble floors or against natural wood and brass hardware, as seen in this bright bathroom. "It’s also a great choice if you’re trying to achieve a crisp, cool vibe with coastal influences," she adds.
Paint Color: Oyster Bay by Sherwin-Williams
Blue 01 by Lick
COURTESY OF LICK
"Lick’s Blue 01 is one of our most popular blues," says Tash Bradley, Lick’s director of interior design and color psychologist. "It’s a pale, soft light blue with a grey undertone that works perfectly on walls, ceilings, and woodwork." She advocates introducing Blue 01 in the bedroom thanks to its restful quality. "Blue is the color of the mind, meaning it’s incredibly soothing mentally and helps to aid a good night's sleep," Bradley says. Because it is a cool shade, she doesn’t recommend using it in a north-facing room as it can feel quite cold. "Blue 01 better suits a room that is south, east, or west facing."
Paint Color: Blue 01 by Lick
Wall Street by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
COURTESY OF HGTV HOME BY SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
Transform your living room with a coat of Wall Street HGSW7665. "Perfectly balancing blue and gray tones, Wall Street, from our Vintage Homestead Color Collection, is a deep color that makes a beautiful backdrop for multi-purpose spaces," says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. "Blue tones are perfect for office spaces as they promote productivity while creating a retreat library space to relax."
Banbury recommends accenting the space with brass finishes and black accents for a sleek, contemporary look. A white ceiling will lift the room, preventing it from feeling overly dark and cocooning.
Paint Color: Wall Street HGSW7665 by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Solitude by Benjamin Moore
COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE
Give your living room a modern facelift with Solitude AF-545 by Benjamin Moore. "As part of the Affinity Color Collection, Solitude strikes a balance between soft, harmonious, and rich with color," says Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore. This blue-gray paint color has a high gray percentage, giving it a cool, modern feel. "The gray undertone pairs well with neutrals, pinks, greens, and other soft hues," Yeo says. For a bolder color scheme, contrast Solitude’s cool gray undertone with a vibrant, warm orange accent, like Buttered Yam AF-230. "This ever-versatile color transcends era and architectural style—even making it a great exterior color."
Paint Color: Solitude AF-545 by Benjamin Moore
Blue Arrow by Valspar
COURTESY OF VALSPAR
Blue Arrow 5001-3C is one of Valspar’s 2023 Color of the Year, making it an increasingly popular shade. This blue-gray paint color stands out from the crowd with its subtle yellow undertone that pushes a glimpse of warmth through the cooling blue-gray tones. "This color has been the most popular blue-gray in our chip ordering service, where DIYers start their color shopping journey," says Sue Kim, Valspar's director of color marketing. "This cooled-down blue with a yellow undertone brings a modern charm to any space and leaves a lasting impression."
The shade works well inside and out, providing the perfect celestial backdrop to your backyard hangout. Look at how good this blue-gray shade looks with warm wood and natural stone textures.
Paint Color: Blue Arrow 5001-3C by Valspar
Light Blue by Farrow and Ball
COURTESY OF FARROW and BALL
You can’t go wrong with Light Blue, one of the original Farrow and Ball paint colors and an enduring favorite. Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador of Farrow and Ball, calls it "a nuanced shade, shifting between blue, green, and grey depending on the light." Its complex character also gives it a versatility that’s hard to find in other blue-gray shades. "Light Blue provides an elegant backdrop to every room, from living rooms and kitchens to a restful bedroom scheme," he says.
For a laidback, traditional look, O’Donnell suggests pairing Light Blue with Slipper Satin on woodwork, like trims and built-in carpentry. "Or, for a more modern approach, consider pairing it with our darkest green, Studio Green, or a soft brown such as Mouse’s Back to highlight the subtle undertones within the Light Blue shade," he says.
Paint Color: Light Blue by Farrow and Ball
Overcast by C2 Paints
COURTESY OF C2 / APHROCHIC
Give your home a bright and breezy feel with Overcast by C2 Paints. As the name suggests, this blue-gray shade is a powdery sky blue with an equal amount of silvery gray that dulls down the blue color, like a layer of wispy gray clouds. "Overcast is a light, sensory blue-gray that reminds me that pale soothing colors can still have a strong attitude and presence," says Philippa Raddon, C2 Paint's color and design expert. Despite the gray undertone, this blue-gray still feels light and radiant. "It heralds a luminosity because of the pigment quality," says Philippa, who recommends pairing it with C2 Barnacle 872 for an earthy neutral feel, soft white C2 Sheer 804 to keep things open and ethereal, and a mid-tone gray, like C2 Carbon Dust 968.
Paint Color: Overcast by C2 Paints
Samovar Silver by Sherwin-Williams
COURTESY OF SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
Give your home an elegant update with Samovar Silver, a cool blue-gray with a slate undertone. “It lends itself to a silvery gray that adds a sophistication to the blue hue,” says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. Use this icy shade in a private space such as a bathroom and pair it with crisp white trim to highlight its cool tone. To warm it up, bring in rustic woods, textured linens, and live greenery.
Paint Color: Samovar Silver by Sherwin-Williams
Intercoastal Gray by Behr
COURTESY OF BEHR
Boost your home’s curb appeal with a fresh coat of Intercoastal Gray. “This is a tranquil gray with blue undertones that resembles ocean waters beneath a rolling fog,” Woelfel says. If you’re looking for a new exterior color scheme, this cool blue-gray shade looks particularly clean, modern, and sophisticated when paired with black window frames and crisp white trim.
Paint Color: Intercoastal Gray by Behr
Colorado Gray by Benjamin Moore
COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE
“Colorado Gray is a soft blue-gray with a hint of green undertone that’s a popular choice for a variety of applications including bedrooms, living rooms, and entryways,” Yeo says. She points out the hue’s versatility, saying, “Whether paired with bold color accents or oak furniture, this versatile hue can enhance aesthetic appeal, making it a favorite among designers and homeowners alike.”
Paint Color: Colorado Gray by Benjamin Moore
Blue Twilight by Valspar
COURTESY OF VALSPAR
For a more gray-leaning blue-gray hue, choose Valspar’s Blue Twilight. “It’s an almost gray shade that is balanced with blue undertones and connotes a sense of quiet luxury,” Kim says. As for the best location for the cool paint color, Kim says, “Due to its calming water-like qualities, this hue is a perfect complement to transitional spaces like sunrooms and helps set a relaxing mood to help start and finish the day”.
Paint Color: Blue Twilight by Valspar
Chalky Blue by Glidden
COURTESY OF GLIDDEN
“Chalky Blue is a highly versatile color that can complement a variety of styles and color schemes,” says Ashley McCollum, color expert at Glidden. It’s a mid-tone blue-gray hue that’s classic and elegant and lends itself well to a monochromatic look. “It can blend well with both warm and cool tones, making it easy to coordinate with furniture, decor, and other elements in the room,” McCollum adds.
Paint Color: Chalky Blue by Glidden
Stardew by Sherwin-Williams
COURTESY OF SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
“Stardew is great for rooms of respite given its dreamy slate blue tones that balance between warm and cool undertones,” Kantz says. This peaceful paint color lends itself well to color drenching for a cozy yet sophisticated feel. Layer it with luxurious textures such as velvet and leather, mid-tone woods, and an organic rug such as a cowhide or jute for a warm and inviting aesthetic.
Paint Color: Stardew by Sherwin-Williams
NYPD by Behr
COURTESY OF BEHR
For a contemporary exterior, paint the siding with Behr’s NYPD and layer it with dark wood and matte black accents. “It’s a classic, charcoal gray-blue that’s distinctive and focused,” Woelfel says. It has a modern edge that pairs well with clean lines and a concrete patio, and Woelfel adds, “It resembles the confident blue of urban skylines, with depth and a contemplative tone”.
Paint Color: NYPD by Behr
Silver Gray by Benjamin Moore
COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE
For a soft blue-gray hue, turn to Benjamin Moore’s Silver Gray. “This is a pale gray with a delicate note of blue that’s universally appealing and brings a sense of calm to any space,” Yeo says. She recommends using it in bedrooms, bathrooms, and even on exterior walls to create a serene atmosphere, and pairing it with creamy off-white to evoke the feeling of a breezy walk on the beach. “This timeless color combination transcends styles and eras, making it a classic choice for any design,” Yeo adds.
Paint Color: Silver Gray by Benjamin Moore
Winter in Paris by Valspar
COURTESY OF VALSPAR
Inject a sense of optimism and joy into your home with a splash of Winter in Paris, a cool blue-gray with a touch of green. “It adds a light and breathable hue to any space and is the perfect refreshing backdrop for high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms,” Kim says. Pair this calming shade with bright white for a two-tone kitchen cabinet design and layer it with wood and copper accents for a warm and inviting feel.
Paint Color: Winter in Paris by Valspar
Mirror Mirror by Glidden
COURTESY OF GLIDDEN
If you’re going for an elegant and understated aesthetic, look no further than Glidden’s Mirror Mirror. “It acts as a sophisticated neutral, providing a modern and timeless backdrop without being as stark as pure gray or as bold as pure blue,” McCollum says. It’s a beautiful choice for a formal living room or dining room and looks stunning when layered with crisp white trim, deep woods, and navy accents.
Paint Color: Mirror Mirror by Glidden
Upward by Sherwin-Williams
COURTESY OF SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
As the 2024 Color of the Year, Upward by Sherwin-Williams is “a light and airy blue with a hint of gray that gives it a lightness and ethereal feeling,” Kantz says. This denim blue paint color has a calming effect and is so versatile, it works just as well on walls as it does on built-in bookshelves or a bathroom vanity. It adds color without being overpowering, and its gray undertone pairs well with cool pastels.
Paint Color: Upward by Sherwin-Williams
Midnight Blue by Behr
COURTESY OF BEHR
If you’re looking for a dark exterior paint color, Woelfel recommends Midnight Blue from Behr’s recently established Curb Appeal Collection. It’s a deep blue-gray shade with a generous hint of black that Woelfel says offers classic elegance. It’s sleek and sophisticated, packing a bold design punch, yet neutral enough to be a timeless pick for your exterior. For an unexpected and playful pop of color, paint the front door in a light pastel shade.
Paint Color: Midnight Blue by Behr
Wolf Gray by Benjamin Moore
COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE
“Fearless and moody, Wolf Gray is a rich gray that has a strong blue undertone,” Yeo says. This blue-gray hue has a commanding presence and is a popular choice for both interiors and exteriors. In an interior, Yeo recommends using it as an accent on cabinets, dressers, and doors. As for exteriors, she says, “It pairs beautifully with light gray stones and dark wood, which contributes to its popularity in the exterior of the home."
Paint Color: Wolf Gray by Benjamin Moore
Jolene by Valspar
COURTESY OF VALSPAR
Jolene strikes the perfect balance between a color and a neutral, making it a great paint color for open floor plans. “Its yellow undertones and cool blue hue create a sense of modern charm while its biophilic tones help bring the beauty of the outdoors inside,” Kim explains. Create a stunning focal point in a living or family room and paint built-in bookshelves in this blue-gray hue, then style the shelves with wicker storage baskets and wood accents to balance out the cool tone with warmth and texture.
Paint Color: Jolene by Valspar
Night Rendezvous by Glidden
COURTESY OF GLIDDEN
“Lighter shades of blue-gray can make a room feel larger and more open, while darker shades, like Night Rendezvous, can add depth and coziness,” McCollum says. It’s a deep blue-gray shade that works just as well in a cozy little bedroom as it does in a large, open living area. The dark and moody shade is also an excellent choice for an accent wall, as well as a great pick for a kitchen island or base cabinets in a two-tone kitchen.
Paint Color: Night Rendezvous by Glidden