Why Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl is the Perfect Neutral Shade

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Gillian Grefe

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Published on September 1, 2020

What is a perfect paint color if not totally versatile? We love Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl for many reasons, but certainly for its well-balanced, slightly-on-the-warm-side undertones which lend the right depth for any space while still keeping things light.

While we’d love to suggest you pull out all the stops and use Gray Owl for every room, we’ve selected a few of our favorite examples of where this perfect neutral shade fits best. (Looking for some other neutral shade ideas? We’ve got you and your walls covered.)

Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl is a shade that can make white trim, cabinetry, and accents (think: elegant crown molding) pop. Adding this soft neutral to a bright, well-lit kitchen with white cabinets—or perhaps some crisp, subway tile backsplash—would be a match made in heaven. Highlight custom woodwork, enhance the flashiness of chic, stainless-steel appliances, or bring forth elements of neutral granite countertops with Gray Owl, as recommended by our designers.

For those looking beyond standard nursery colors for something subtle and lovely, Gray Owl adds a cool warmth to a space made for quiet time and relaxation. With that said, it’s also an excellent shade for an office or study—perfect for a meditative space or one for focusing.

And what better room to add some relaxation and meditation to than the bedroom? The Washington Post’s Elizabeth Mayhew has used Benjamin Moore Gray Owl for every bedroom she’s ever slept in (a dedication to soft grays we admire), and we understand why—its blend of soft prominence makes it the perfect neutral shade.

To take a different design approach, we also recommend Gray Owl for those looking to totally redefine the look of their homes based on certain substyles. This shade works particularly well for those designing by way of Scandanavian, Transitional, or “California Cool” aesthetics, offering a subtle, airy look and complemented by craftsman-style furniture, simple lines, and delicate patterns. Still figuring out what your sub style’s going to be? Let our experts help you decide.

Whatever room you choose to paint, Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl is always the right choice. Make your home look crisp and feel warm with the paint shade that transcends time and space(s)—and one you can use over and over again.

Set on Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl but not sure where to go from there? Take our style quiz and let us help you figure out the next step.

Words by Erica Buehl