Here’s Why Agreeable Gray Is Literally The Best Paint Color
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Okay, we’ll level with you. Obviously there’s no “best” paint color out there. Humans have different personalities, preferences, and aesthetics. Especially in New Orleans, every home has its own story, color palette, and closet full of trampled-on Mardi Gras beads from years past.
We’d never be so bold as to say there’s a single best color, one that’s ideal for selling your home, and is practically guaranteed to get you your asking price.
But if we were, Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams would be it.
We recommend this color for client after client. It’s neutral, it’s versatile, it looks good in every lighting. Whether you’re going for a relaxed, not-trying-too-hard vibe for your living room or a sophisticated bedroom palette that says “I read Tolstoy and do the Times crossword puzzle on Saturday nights,” Agreeable Gray just always seems to hit the mark.
Simply put, it’ll never let you down.
We’ve been recommending this stand-by for so many years now, we decided it was time to get to the heart of the mystery: what makes Agreeable Gray so darn perfect, anyway? Are there any other colors that could challenge its reign? Most importantly, what do I do with a fist full of paint chips from Lowes if, clearly, all I need is this one shade in all its affable glory?
We wrote to Sherwin-Williams and demanded answers. After some hard-hitting interrogation, they caved: the allure of Agreeable Gray is a secret no more. Here’s the truth behind why we all fall for Agreeable Gray, why it’s so enticing when paired with Pure White SW 7005 trim, and even a nod to the controversial newcomer on the scene: greige.
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What makes Agreeable Gray such a popular color? What's all the craze about?
Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is our most popular paint color. I think it’s so popular because it provides a blank slate for homeowners to put their personal touches on a space with artwork and décor. Our homes have become so versatile; for example, a living room may also have to serve as a home office and kids’ playroom. Agreeable Gray allows for a space to serve a variety of purposes.
What's the color palette for Agreeable Gray?
This color is versatile – it works so well in a variety of living spaces and it pairs with many different types of finishes, flooring and textures. It goes well with the beiges and warm hues people are starting to embrace in their homes. I also love how crisp this color looks with Pure White SW 7005 trim, marble countertops and light tile flooring in a bathroom. Add color through fresh greenery and the combination will make the bathroom feel like a luxurious home spa!
I grabbed a handful of paint chips from the store. What's the next step to making sure I make the right choice for my room?
Paint chips are great for narrowing down your color selection, but once you’ve selected two or three of your favorite hues, paint a large swatch of each color in several places within the space. Live with the swatches for a few days so you can really observe how the colors shift as the natural light changes and how they look under artificial lighting. Once you’ve spent time with each color, then make your final choice. This can save you a lot of frustration and money in the long run.
Is Agreeable Gray still trending pretty hard right now? Which colors/palettes are looking like the next big trend?
“Agreeable Gray is still one of our most popular paint colors,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Gray will always be an important neutral and a popular color for DIYers and designers alike, just like white has always been. However, over the past few years we’ve noticed people craving color in their homes, which may be a direct response to how pervasive Scandinavian minimalism was in the previous decade. This doesn’t mean we’re eschewing gray, but more so that we’re interested in different versions of it. Notably, warmer grays and beiges (or ‘greiges’) are increasing in popularity. The Sanctuary palette from our 2021 Colormix Forecast showcases this shift from cooler, modern tones to warmer hues inspired by nature.”
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Are you completely smitten by Agreeable Gray? Outraged by the swift takeover of greige? Weigh in on this hot-button topic by tweeting @Slidellrealty. Or share your own much-loved paint color on Insta and tag @homesnearnola.
David McLaughlin (yours, truly) is a long-time Slidell resident, and REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience helping others buy, sell, and invest in real estate. He can be reached via email at david@homesnearnola.com or by dialing 985-707-5270.
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