The 3 gray paint tones you need in your home, according to Bobby Berk

Interiors guru Bobby Berk is renowned for his expert design tips. Recently the Queer Eye star addressed the matter of which gray paint to choose: the ever-popular color of the moment whose popularity shows no sign of wavering. 

An abundant choice of gray paint ideas to consider can make it tricky to know which one is worth the investment. In his blog, Bobby reveals the three you need to know – and his secrets for decorating with gray. 

The best gray paint – chosen by Bobby Berk 

‘When it comes to selecting paint for your home, gray is one color that has certainly proven popular. And for a good reason: it’s a neutral that works with lots of styles and comes in many versatile shades,’ Bobby explains. 

Despite being a neutral color, gray comes in an array of shades. Whether you are looking for light or dark gray, these are the ones worth bringing into your scheme. 

1. Light gray – Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl 

Think of gray paint, and you are likely to picture a hue similar to that of Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl.

The shade is a staple of gray kitchen ideas as its subtle tones pair effortlessly with stainless steel appliances in a contemporary space. However, despite working well against harsher steel materials, Bobby praises the ‘soft and soothing shade’ for its ability to ‘instantly warm up a space.’ 

He labels Gray Owl as a ‘new neutral’ that will pair alongside any other shade – meaning this may be the versatile solution your home needs. 

2. Dark gray – Sherwin Williams’s Iron Ore 

‘This dramatic gray balances feeling warm and cool, making it an ideal choice (no matter what amount of light your room receives),’ Bobby says. 

Sherwin Williams has similarly brought Iron Ore into the kitchen (above), but they also recommend pairing its dark tones alongside Extra White or Nebulous White for a monochromatic contrast – or Cityscape for a fashionable gray scheme. 

3. Blue/gray – Sherwin Williams’s North Star 

The only paint color trend that could rival gray’s reign at present is blue – but what happens when you combine them together? You get blue/gray, the shade at the peak of paint trends, and a favorite of Bobby Berk. The designer recommends Sherwin Williams’s North Star, a color designed by the Ohio-based paint powerhouse to help you live well and focus.

‘Light and bright, this shade makes for a cheerful choice and pairs well with light wood tones, black, and ivory,’ Bobby says in his discussion of the shade. 

Whether you’re looking for new hallway, bedroom, or gray living room ideas – these three shades will bring your home into fashion – the Bobby Berk way.