Joanna Gaines, co-founder of Magnolia Homes and star of the popular HGTV show Fixer Upper, is known for her sophisticated yet cozy style that features neutral colors like grays and whites. Her signature farmhouse style frequently utilizes different shades of gray throughout homes. So what gray colors does Joanna Gaines tend to use in her designs? Here is an overview of the types of grays she often incorporates:
Warm Grays
Joanna Gaines frequently opts for warm grays with beige or taupe undertones rather than cool grays with blue/purple undertones. Warm grays create a cozier, more inviting look than their cooler counterparts. Here are some of the specific warm grays she has used:
– Benjamin Moore Gray Owl – A light, warm taupe-gray that can read as a neutral while still adding subtle color. This soft gray is one of her most used colors.
– Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – Slightly darker than Gray Owl, this warm gray has become hugely popular thanks to Joanna Gaines. It adds a cozy, relaxed look.
– Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray – A versatile, warm mid-tone gray that can be used in any room. Joanna often uses this gray for walls.
– Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray – A warm, reddish-toned light gray that creates a welcoming look. She has used this shade for cabinets and walls.
Cool Grays
While warm grays are more common in Joanna’s designs, she incorporates some cool-toned grays on occasion too. These grays have a more modern, sophisticated look. Examples include:
– Benjamin Moore Gray suit – A medium blue-gray that can lend a slightly moody vibe. She has used this color for accent walls.
– Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray – A gray with subtle blue undertones. Joanna has utilized this shade for exterior siding color.
– Benjamin Moore Horizon Gray – A blue-tinged light gray that provides a clean, open look. She has painted walls and cabinets in this color.
– Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray – A calm, cool mid-tone gray that Joanna has used for bedrooms.
Dark & Charcoal Grays
In addition to light and mid-tone grays, Joanna isn’t afraid to go dark and moody with charcoal grays, which create dramatic accent walls or contrasts. Some deep grays she has used include:
– Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal – A deep, smoky gray that makes a bold statement. She has used it for accent walls and exteriors.
– Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn – A dark gray with green undertones. Joanna has used it for cabinets and front doors.
– Behr Pewter Tankard – A weathered, charcoal gray. She painted a fireplace this dramatic shade.
– Behr Rustic Gray – A blackened, charcoal gray used for accent walls in bedrooms or offices.
Antiqued & Driftwood Grays
Joanna also incorporates weathered grays with antique or driftwood finishes. These add vintage character and texture. Some examples include:
– Minwax Weathered Oak – A wood stain in a weathered gray driftwood finish. She has used it on original wood floors for a timeworn look.
– Rust-Oleum Charm Gray – A distressed paint finish in weathered gray. Joanna has applied it to furniture.
– Fusion Mineral Paint Pebble – A hand-mixed, antique gray chalk paint for upcycling furniture. She has highlighted dressers and cabinets in it.
– General Finishes Lamp Black – Used as a gray paint wash to antique and age new woodwork. It creates an aged, timeworn patina.
Greige
Greige – a blend of gray and beige – is another of Joanna’s go-to neutrals. These sophisticated, versatile tones inject subtle color while still reading as a neutral. Some popular greiges she uses include:
– Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige – A warm greige with beige undertones. She has used it in bedrooms and living spaces.
– Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray – A green-gray-beige blend. Joanna painted the exterior of the Magnolia Home office building this color.
– Behr Cracked Pepper – A greige with warm gray and tan undertones. She has painted it on walls and cabinets.
– Behr Silver Drop – A soft, cool greige. Joanna used this wall color paired with navy trim and accents.
On Trim & Accents
While walls in Joanna’s designs are often light to medium warm grays, she adds contrast with crisp white trim and accents in deeper shades like black, navy blue or dark green. Some go-to colors she pairs with gray walls include:
– Benjamin Moore Simply White – Her classic, clean white trim paint used with gray walls.
– Sherwin-Williams Naval – A rich navy blue used on front doors and accents alongside gray walls.
– Sherwin-Williams Black Magic – An ultra-deep blue-black used for exterior accents.
– Sherwin-Williams Ryegrass – A deep, verdant green for trim or furniture against gray walls.
In Tilework
For tilework in bathrooms and kitchens, Joanna frequently opts for grays with white grout for a classic, clean look. Some examples of her go-to gray tiles include:
– MSI Calcatta Gris – Marble-look tile in soft gray with white veining.
– Ann Sacks Languedoc Blend – A blend of warm beiges and driftwood grays in natural stone.
– Fireclay Tile De Oro – Handmade subway tile in an ombré wash of charcoal gray to cream.
– Heath Ceramics Classic Bright White with Matching Matte Grays – Simple white tiles paired with matte gray grout.
On Furniture
Joanna also incorporates gray as a neutral furniture shade that pairs with many styles. Some examples include:
– Custom upholstered sofas in soft gray linen or textured boucle.
– Distressed wood dining tables stained a weathered gray driftwood finish.
– Painted wood dressers, buffets and nightstands in shades like Repose Gray and Lamp Black.
– Rustic dining chairs and stools in wood tones like Minwax Weathered Oak.
| Gray Paint Color | Brand | Type |
| Gray Owl | Benjamin Moore | Warm, Light |
| Revere Pewter | Benjamin Moore | Warm, Mid-tone |
| Agreeable Gray | Sherwin-Williams | Warm, Light |
| Gray Suit | Benjamin Moore | Cool, Mid-tone |
| Kendall Charcoal | Benjamin Moore | Dark, Charcoal |
| Weathered Oak | Minwax | Driftwood |
| Accessible Beige | Sherwin-Williams | Greige |
| Simply White | Benjamin Moore | Crisp White Trim |
| Naval | Sherwin-Williams | Deep Blue Accent |
Conclusion
In summary, Joanna Gaines favors light to medium warm grays like Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray, and her beloved Benjamin Moore Gray Owl. She balances these cozy, welcoming grays with crisp white trim and often pops of black, navy or dark green accents. Joanna also incorporates weathered driftwood grays and antique finishes, sleek cool grays, dramatic charcoal accents, and sophisticated greiges. By thoughtfully blending various gray tones and textures, Joanna creates serene and timeless spaces. Her go-to shades of gray add subtle color while still keeping rooms feeling airy and neutral.
