True Gray Paint Color With No Undertones: Myth Debunked

So, you want a true gray paint color with no undertone?

Spoiler alert: No. Can. Do.

If I had a quarter for every time someone has asked me to specify a gray with no undertone, I’d be half a millionaire by now! 😉

The cold, hard fact is that gray has three possible undertones: green, blue, or violet. Period. As a homeowner, you need to decide which undertone you want to live with.

But wait! Before you trot off to Sherwin-Williams to buy a big ole’ bucket of Repose Gray, let’s discuss your unique paint predicament.

The real question is, what undertones are in your hard finishes, such as counters, backsplash, flooring, etc.? The undertones in your hard finishes determine the correct gray undertone for your walls.

In other words, whichever gray you choose, it must relate to your existing finishes and furnishings. 

Also, if you choose to go gray, consider this: Gray on gray, on gray, can be lifeless, dull, and many times depressing — especially if there's not enough natural light in the room.  

So, for the love of color, introduce fresh, bright, clean colors in your accessories, decor, and furnishings to make those gray walls come alive! 

P.S. The word on the street is that designers are starting to switch to warmer neutrals, aka “grieges.” 🤫

Still unsure of which gray undertone to choose? Stop twisting your brain into a pretzel. I’m just a click or call away!