Sherwin-Williams' color of the month is the mushroom-toned neutral you didn't know you needed – Shiitake is the perfect soft hue for any aspect

Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month for May, Shiitake (SW 9173), is a quietly complex neutral that sits comfortably within the warm stone palette. Reminiscent of natural materials like moleskine, clay, and aged limestone, it offers a grounded, organic presence without veering into trend-driven territory.

With its refined balance of beige and gray undertones, Shiitake lends itself to sophisticated, understated interiors where texture and tone take precedence over bold color.

Among the many options in the world of best neutral paints, Shiitake offers a muted, versatile tone that lends itself well to a range of interiors. For those interested in decorating with neutral colors, this shade provides a middle ground – neither too cool nor overly warm – which can be useful when creating a calm, understated backdrop.

Here, we’ll take a look at Shiitake and consider how this particular neutral works in various spaces and styles.

Shiitake sits within the increasingly familiar spectrum of warm, stone-based neutrals that have emerged as the counterpoint to the cooler gray paints of the last decade. It’s a mid-tone shade with a muted beige-gray base. Neither particularly rich nor overly pale, it lends itself well to understated and calming schemes where the laidback aesthetic is achieved with natural materials, muted tones, and quieter, calming colors.

The color’s appeal is more pragmatic than trend-defining. It offers a soft backdrop that can support a range of textures and finishes, and functions well in transitional spaces where flexibility and subtlety are often more useful than statement or saturation.

On the note of calming and soothing decorating ideas, Shiitake has also been positioned as a perfect option for coastal color schemes, though not in the traditional, blue-and-white sense.

As Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams, notes, shades like Shiitake ‘do a wonderful job of bringing elements of coastal design forward without feeling overly on-theme.’ It is a useful alternative for spaces aiming for a softer, more nuanced take on the style, one that favors sun-washed tones, natural textures, and a sense of ease over more obvious nautical references.

So, where in the home can Shiitake be used, and where to use it to maximise its potential? Happily, Shiitake is the kind of neutral that can be used almost anywhere, particularly where a laidback, unforced aesthetic is the goal. It’s less effective in spaces that call for energy or clarity- its softness can read as subdued rather than spirited, but it performs reliably in most contexts.

Tova Kook, owner and founder of New York-based TZ design, who has over 12 years of experience in designing chic, neutral interiors, is a big fan of Sherwin-Williams' choice for May’s color of the month.

‘I love the color Shiitake. It brings a cozy, inviting feel that makes it perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and other comfortable spaces,’ Tova notes. ‘Its neutral tone works effortlessly with both warm and cool accents, giving you plenty of flexibility when it comes to decor. There really isn’t a space where it wouldn’t look great. Shiitake pairs beautifully with other neutrals like Agreeable Gray (SW 7029), Repose Gray (SW 7015), and Alabaster (SW 7008), all known for their versatility and ability to create calm, cohesive interiors.’

North-facing rooms, in particular, benefit from its inherent warmth. These spaces are notoriously tricky to decorate, and are among the times you should never paint a room white, but Shiitake avoids the common pitfalls associated with white or gray.

Despite gray and white paint being a default in many interiors, they can often feel very stark in light-deprived rooms. Shiitake, with its mushroom-leaning undertones, offers a more grounded alternative: a shade that reads very much like a gray, but with just enough warmth to keep a space from feeling chilly and dreary.

Shiitake is particularly well-suited for a relaxing bedroom idea. Unlike warmer tones that can sometimes feel oppressive in a bedroom, Shiitake’s subtle umami undertones – earthy but not overwhelming – provide a grounding effect without any heat. Its putty-like softness ensures that it won’t create a stuffy or overly cozy environment, but instead offers a peaceful, balanced feel.

It's an ideal choice for living room shelving ideas, offering a warm, creamy base that elevates the items displayed. ‘An adaptable neutral, this stunning hue lets hand-selected pieces establish character, making way for authentic touches that feel loved and lived in,’ explains Emily Kantz. ‘I recommend pairing with other refined and relaxed seaside-inspired colors like Mountain Pass SW 9655, Alabaster SW 7008, Big Dipper SW 9645, and Solitary Slate SW 9598.'

'To complete the look, use natural textures like wicker, rattan, linen, and cotton, vintage furniture, and coastal-inspired décor, classic prints like plaid or stripes, and mixed and matched wood tones.'

Bring this soft neutral into your home in smaller accents

If you're looking for fresh, yet understated room color ideas, Shiitake could be the answer. Pair it with soft textures and organic tones for a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that feels effortlessly pulled together, as if almost accidentally.