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Which Blue is for You?
A virtual paint consultation from a Knoxville color consultant

In interior design, blue is a color choice that is notoriously calming and can bring a sense of peace to a space. Whether we want to create a serene atmosphere in a bedroom or make a bold statement in a dining room, selecting the perfect shade of blue is key. 

The truth is, there are countless shades to choose from, each with its own unique undertones and personality. From soft, airy blues to deep, moody hues, finding the right blue paint for your space can feel overwhelming. To help guide you through the sea of options, our interior design firm offers in-person paint consultations in Knoxville and surrounding areas to help you pick the perfect shade. 

For those of you who aren’t located in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, our color consultant has curated a list of her favorite blue paint colors that work beautifully in a variety of settings.

Sherwin Williams Uncertain Gray (SW 6234)

Left: AMA Designs and Interiors, “50 Shdes of Gray Paint Colors”; Right: Highland Homes, “Inspiration Gallery Waylyn- Bedroom 3”

Sherwin Williams Uncertain Gray (SW6234)  lives up to its indecisive name; we’d go so far as to say it reads as a blue. For those in search of a light mid-tone blue-gray, it’s certainly the right choice! Cool and subtle, this neutralized blue color creates a relaxed atmosphere in the goldilocks zone; it’s not overly light or dark, blue or gray, bright or pale. 

Sherwin William Krypton (SW 6247)

Top Left: Chrissy Marie Blog, “Sherwin Williams Krypton: The Perfect Blue”; Top Middle, Top Right, and Bottom Left: Heathered Nest, “Sherwin Williams Krypton SW 6247 Color Study + 17 Real Pics”; Bottom Middle and Bottom Right: Hey There Home, “Sherwin Williams Krypton Paint Color – Is It A Neutral Or Accent Color?”

Sherwin Williams Krypton (SW 6247) is an airy light blue with gray undertones. Its ties to gray keep it from being an overly bright blue or a dated pastel. Think of it as sky blue’s sophisticated cousin! Krypton uplifts and freshens any space while remaining subdued enough to cover large areas. When paired with neutrals or contrasting colors, it’s just saturated enough to pop, though it still isn’t too loud. Versatile and charming, Krypton may be the perfect fit for your world.

Sherwin Williams Samovar Silver (SW 6233)

Top Left, Top Right, and Bottom Middle: Tinted by Sherwin Williams, “Color of the Month October 2022: Samovar Silver”; Bottom Left: Decor Pad, “Paint Gallery- Sherwin William Samovar Silver”; Bottom Right: Ballard Designs, “Winter 2018 Catalog Paint Colors- How to Decorate”

Sherwin Williams Samovar Silver (SW 6233) is a perfectly balanced blend of gray, green, and blue; all the mesmerizing hues of a cool iridescent gleam in one with a sophisticated matte finish. Combining feather-light gray with teal, Samovar Silver generally reads as a blue overall, but its ambiguous nature allows it to transform based on its surrounding colors, ensuring it will tie in perfectly to neutral, bright, and deep shades alike. Beautifully complex, it’s incredibly versatile and brings out the best qualities of both cool grays and blue-greens. Calming and unique, it adds charm and interest to any space.

Sherwin Williams Moody Blue (SW 6221)

Top Left: Southern Hospitality, “Our House Paint Colors”; Top Middle: Sherwin Williams via Facebook; Top Right: Sherwin Williams via Pinterest; Bottom Two: Knock Off Decor, “Sherwin Williams Moody Blue SW 6221 Review- A Mesmerizing Blue”

Sherwin Williams Moody Blue (SW 6233) is perfect for those looking for a rich blue-green midtone. Perfectly poised between blue and green, Moody Blue avoids being overly bright with its subtle gray undertones. It’s like teal’s more sophisticated cousin! Perfect to accent any space or to cover the walls with an eye-catching blue, Moody Blue makes a statement without being dark enough to make a space feel smaller. It’s a perfect choice to achieve a ‘cozy cave’ bedroom or a stylized dining or living room; its deep tone elicits a sense of calm or of grandeur depending on how it’s styled. Try pairing it with lighter neutrals and bronze accents for a lush, sophisticated feel!

Benjamin Moore Beach Glass (1564)

Bottom Right: Life on Virginia Street, “Best Blue Green Paint Colors”; The Rest: Remodelaholic, “Paint Color Spotlight- Benjamin Moore Beach Glass”

Benjamin Moore Beach Glass (1564) is a light blue-green subdued by subtle gray undertones that perfectly captures the color of its namesake. Bright yet sophisticated, it uplifts any space. An instant classic, Beach Glass is wildly versatile, playing nicely with both neutral partners and pops of color. Fresh yet relaxed, serves as an ideal backdrop for any interior space.

Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue (HC-144)

Top Left, Bottom Middle, and Bottom Right- Help With DIY, “Timeless Elegance: Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue Review”; Top Middle: Decor Pad; Top Right: The Turquoise Home, “Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue Paint Color Reveiw”; Bottom Left: Home Bunch, “The Best Benjamin Moore Paint Colors”

The brightest option in our list, Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue (HC-144) is in fact closer to a mint than a blue. Though ever so slightly more saturated and with a drop more blue than green, it’s comparable to one of our overall top favorite greens, Sherwin Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211). Though it does have just a touch of gray to endow it with the air of sophistication one expects from a Benjamin Moore hue, the combination of its light value and its unique saturation of color makes Palladian Blue almost seem to glow from within. Effervescent and full of life, it’s sure to elevate any space with a sense of joy, freshness, and vigor!

Benjamin Moore Smoke (2122-40)

Top Left, Top Middle Left, Bottom Left: Rowe Spurling Paint Company, “Color Spotlight- Benjamin Moore Smoke”; Top Middle Right: Ring’s End, “Benjamin Moore Smoke Review and Inspiration”; Top Right: Home Bunch, “Top Cabinet Paint Colors You Should Try!”; Bottom Middle Three and Bottom Right: Nikki’s Plate, “Benjamin Moore Smoke Paint Color Review”

Benjamin Moore Smoke (2122-40) is a light, airy blue with dominant gray and subtle green undertones. Only slightly lighter and much cooler-toned than Beach Glass (1564) but too green to be nearly as icy as Beacon Gray (2128-60), Smoke feels far too pure to align with its namesake. More reminiscent of a hazy spring mist, Smoke appears blue against neutral grays and true teal blue-greens, but green against cool blues with red undertones. Its touch of green prevents it from ever appearing violet in any lighting and bestows a bit of warmth. Beautifully complex, Smoke shines against warm neutrals, cool silvers, and fresh whites. It’s sure to enhance any space with tranquil, diverse color.

Benjamin Moore Beacon Gray (2128-60)

Top Left and Top Middle Right: Homes and Gardens, “5 Ways to Decorate with Benjamin Moore’s Beacon Gray”; Top Middle Left: cb2, “Top Paint Colors for 2016”; Top Right: Benjamin Moore, “Beacon Gray 2128-60”; Bottom Left: Home Bunch, “The Best Benjamin Moore Paint Colors”; Bottom Middle: Elissa Grayer Interior Design, “Beyond the Pale (Blue)!”; Bottom Right: Rowe Spurling Paint Company, “The Perfect GREY”

A true ice queen, Benjamin Moore Beacon Gray (2128-60) is a cool, light blue with subtle gray and red undertones. Cold and refreshing, Beacon Gray’s undertones lean ever-so-slightly red, ensuring it has no green whatsoever, though it reads more of a true icy blue than a blue-violet in most light. It’s the perfect blue to open up a space with its fresh, airy feel. Decisively cool, it can look stunning when paired with pops of warm, contrasting colors, which balance the temperature of the room. Or, it can be complemented with cool, bright whites to enhance its crisp, pure qualities. Why not go all out and pair it with both for maximum contrast? Incredibly diverse, Beacon Gray can be styled to look simple and clean or avant-garde. It’s up to you!

Benjamin Moore November Skies (2128-50)

Left, Top Left, Bottom Middle: Hackrea, “November Skies 2128-50 (Benjamin Moore)”; Top Right, Right: My Old Country House, “Your Favorite Benjamin Moore Blues”

Benjamin Moore November Skies (2128-50) is a cool, light mid-tone blue with gray and violet undertones. The red of its violet undertones eliminates any hints of green, evoking the lovely wintery blue its namesake suggests. As a cool blue with just enough gray to add a touch of sophistication, it pairs sensationally with deeper blues that share its red-violet undertones, such as Indigo and Navy. If you’re feeling daring enough to introduce warm colors to your pallet, choose cool pinks and magentas with plenty of blue in their undertones, while avoiding clashing yellow undertones, which appear in orangey-red vermillions and green-blue teals. Yellow itself, though, will be high-contrast enough to pop pleasantly!

Benjamin Moore New Hope Gray (2130-50)

Left: Good House Keeping, “14 Best Summer Color Trends for 2020”;  Middle: Pinterest;  Right: DIY Decor Mom, “Blue Gray Paint: 25+ Best Paint Shades 2024”

Benjamin Moore New Hope Gray (2130–50) is a cool, light mid-tone blue-gray. Like the sister colors Beacon Gray (2128-60)  and November Skies (2128-50), New Hope Gray has violet undertones to its blue side. Free of the yellow tones that constitute warmer blue-green colors, New Hope Gray is decisively cool toned. However, it has more gray in its make-up than both of the other cool blues listed, making it deeper and more neutral for a more grounded look.

Benjamin Moore Van Courtland Blue HC-145)

Top Left: Life on Virginia Street, “The Best Blue Gray Paint Colors”;  Top Middle: Decorate, “Moroccan Magic”;  Top Right: Home Bunch, “2020 Archive”;  Bottom Left: Benjamin Moore;  Bottom Middle: Favorite Paint Colors Blog, “Van Courtland Blue”;  Bottom Right: Lilac and Lipgloss, “My New Home Office”

The perfect gray-blue mid-tone, Benjamin Moore Van Courtland Blue (HC-145) has just a touch of warmth without leaning into blue-green territory. With just the right amount of gray, it brings to mind the sophistication of old-world blues while still fitting right into contemporary spaces. Something old, something new, not too gray, not too blue! Van Courtland Blue manages to avoid being too light, too deep, too warm or too cold; it’s right in the Goldilocks zone! 


Need an expert’s opinion?

Our color consultant can help you find the perfect shade. Contact us here or book your paint consultation today.

Not sure which blue is right for you? Our color consultants are here to help! Whether you need an exterior color selection in Knoxville or wall color selection in Farragut, we can make the decision easy.

Contact us today to schedule your paint consultation, and we’ll guide you in choosing the perfect shade that aligns with your vision. With expert advice, you can avoid costly mistakes and be confident that your choice will enhance your space. Whether you’re in Knoxville or beyond, our team is ready to assist—virtually or in person. Let us help you transform your home with the perfect blue hue!


Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

How to Select a Knoxville Interior Design Firm
Is Rowan Hall Interiors the right interior design firm for you?

In the competitive world of interior design, how can you be certain that you’re choosing Knoxville’s premier interior design firm? With over 20 years of experience, the Rowan Hall Interiors team brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and expertise to every project. Personalized service, attention to detail, and commitment to quality make us the top choice among interior design firms in Knoxville, TN.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we believe that every home should be a reflection of its inhabitants. Our mission is to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and comfortable. We take the time to understand your vision, preferences, and lifestyle needs, ensuring that the final result is a true reflection of your personality and taste. 

If you’re considering Rowan Hall Interiors as your chosen Knoxville interior design firm, here are 3 reasons to know if we’re a good fit for you.

1 – You want the process to be seamless.

Our design process begins with an in-depth consultation where we discuss your ideas and provide expert guidance. We listen carefully to your vision and develop a comprehensive design plan that includes mood boards, color schemes, material samples, and detailed floor plans. Our goal is to create a design that is tailored to your unique style and needs.

Once the design plan is finalized, our team handles all aspects of the project, from selecting furnishings and materials to coordinating with contractors and overseeing the installation process. Our white-glove service ensures a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing you to enjoy the transformation of your home without any hassle.

Our 15-step white-glove process has been perfected over 20 years of business, so you can trust that our team can lead the way through an enjoyable process. Like your favorite home renovation TV show, we’ll craft a presentation of the design plan for your approval. Then, our team will handle the ins-and-outs of shipments and installation for a big surprise reveal day. Learn more about our interior design process here.

2 – You want a home that feels livable AND luxurious.

A highlight of Rowan Hall Interiors’ signature style is a lived-in feel that allows you to really get comfy in your new home. It’s important for our clients’ homes to still allow them to kick their feet up while also being elevated and high quality.

A recent project that highlights our expertise involved a couple who wanted to update their historic home with a modern touch. They were looking for a design that would honor the home’s history while incorporating contemporary elements. We worked closely with them to create a design plan that blended classic and modern styles, resulting in a space that was both timeless and current.

The final result was a home that was elegant, functional, and true to the clients’ vision. They were thrilled with the transformation and appreciated the attention to detail and quality that Rowan Hall Interiors provided. This project is a testament to our ability to create interiors that are both beautiful and practical, making us the premier interior design firm in Knoxville, TN.

3 – You feel under-prepared to make your house a home on your own.

You might be searching for a Knoxville interior design firm because you realize you have no idea what’s “in” anymore. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we stay updated on the latest design trends and techniques, ensuring that our designs are current and innovative. However, we also believe in creating timeless spaces that will stand the test of time. Our designs are a perfect blend of classic style and modern finishes, providing our clients with a space that they will love for years to come.

One of the unique aspects of working with Rowan Hall Interiors is our ability to provide custom solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s custom draperies, bespoke furniture, or unique design elements, we ensure that every aspect of your home is personalized and reflects your style. Our commitment to quality and attention to detail set us apart as Knoxville’s premier interior design firm.

Your Premier Knoxville Interior Design Firm

Rowan Hall Interiors is an amazing option among interior design firms in Knoxville, TN. Our personalized service, white-glove approach, and commitment to quality ensure that your home reflects your unique style while providing comfort and functionality. Whether you are looking to redesign a single room or your entire home, we have the skills and dedication to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start your journey towards a beautifully designed home.


Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

All Grown Up
Transforming a Childhood Bedroom into a Chic Guest Room

There comes a time in an empty-nester’s life when the sweet childhood bedroom becomes a space that is scarcely used or enjoyed. It’s bittersweet to paint over the boyish stripes and take down the high school football jerseys, but when the result is as chic and cozy as this one, suddenly it’s all worth it!

Our latest project was a transformation of a childhood bedroom into a sophisticated guest room that perfectly balances style and comfort. This redesign not only revitalized the space but also highlighted our knack for blending textures, prints, and colors to create a cohesive and inviting environment.

Revitalizing the Color Palette

BEFORE

The original room featured a bland beige-on-beige color scheme that did little to excite the senses or enhance the space. To breathe new life into the room, we opted for a modern gray on the walls, creating a more dynamic and contemporary backdrop. This choice not only refreshed the room but also offered a more versatile canvas for layering textures and prints. To harmonize the carpeting with the updated wall color, we incorporated warm neutral highlights into the bedding, providing a seamless transition from the walls to the floor and ensuring the room felt balanced and grounded.

Blending Textures and Prints

One of the standout features of the redesigned guest room is our thoughtful approach to blending textures and prints. We selected fresh bedding and textiles that add layers of interest and comfort. Soft, high-thread-count sheets provide a luxurious feel, while plush pillows and a stylish duvet introduce an array of textures that invite relaxation.

To enhance the aesthetic appeal, we chose an elegant wallpaper for the feature wall. This decision introduced a subtle pattern that complements the new gray walls without overwhelming the space. The feature wall now serves as a striking focal point, enriched by the choice of coordinating art pieces that break up the pattern and add visual interest. The two art pieces are perfectly aligned to emphasize the symmetry of the room’s two-bed layout, creating a balanced and harmonious look.

A guest bedroom with twin beds is a clever way to maximize functionality. These clients in particular already had a guest room with a queen bed – stay tuned for that renovation soon – we opted to create even more space with two beds. This layout works perfectly for future grandkids and friends who come to visit and gives our clients many options for guests.

Simplifying Furnishings

A key aspect of the transformation was decluttering the decor and simplifying the furnishings. By removing outdated or unnecessary items, we were able to enhance the sense of space and openness. The streamlined furniture choices not only make the room feel larger but also contribute to a more chic, minimalist aesthetic.

The new furnishings are carefully selected to complement the room’s updated color scheme and design. With clean, organic lines and a contemporary style, they align seamlessly with the room’s modern yet cozy vibe. This approach ensures that the space remains uncluttered and visually appealing, while also providing ample functionality for guests.custom designed bedroom, Knoxville Interior Designer, Rowan Hall Interiors, Farragut custom home, interior designers knoxville tn

Creating a Cozy Ambiance

custom designed bedroom, Knoxville Interior Designer, Rowan Hall Interiors, Farragut custom home, interior designers knoxville tn

Renovated guest bedroom twin beds

Despite the simplified furnishings and refreshed color palette, we ensured that the guest room remains cozy, inviting, and full of personality. Lush linens and soft textiles add warmth and comfort, making the room a welcoming retreat for visitors. The use of natural elements such as wooden finishes, feather-embellished cushions, and wildlife themed artwork adds just a touch of a rustic feeling, enriching the update with a unique blend of styles perfectly suited to our client’s taste. The careful layering of these elements creates a sense of luxury and relaxation, essential for any chic guest room.

Let’s grow up together!

Rowan Hall Interiors has successfully transformed a childhood bedroom into a chic guest room that embodies both elegance and comfort. By refreshing the color palette, blending complementary textures and prints, and simplifying the furnishings, we’ve created a space that feels larger and more sophisticated while maintaining a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This project exemplifies our commitment to thoughtful design and attention to detail, ensuring that every guest feels right at home in their beautifully appointed surroundings.

Our clients were thrilled with how the space turned out. They shared a bit about how the transformation changed their home. “Our kids were sad to see their childhood rooms go, but somehow they spend more time at home now that this space feels like a luxurious getaway! We’re always sure to stock up with plenty of snacks and drinks, and that keeps them coming back!”

You deserve to have guest bedrooms you’re proud to share! Don’t let them sit empty any longer. Our talented team of designers can set up your home to feel like a retreat to your visitors. Call us today to get started!


Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

Adorn Your Home
Creating Custom Draperies with Rowan Hall Interiors in Knoxville, TN

Custom draperies can transform a room, adding elegance, warmth, and personality. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we specialize in creating custom draperies in Knoxville, TN, that perfectly complement your home’s design. Our bespoke drapery services ensure that your windows are dressed in style, reflecting your unique taste and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space.

With over 20 years of experience in the interior design industry, our team at Rowan Hall Interiors has the expertise to create custom draperies that are both beautiful and functional. We understand that every home is unique, and we take the time to understand your vision and preferences. This personalized approach ensures that your draperies are tailored to your specific needs and style.

Our Process

Our process begins with an in-depth consultation where we discuss your vision, preferences, and the functionality you require from your draperies. Whether you are looking for blackout drapes for a bedroom, sheer panels for a living room, or elegant draperies for a dining room, we have the expertise to create the perfect solution for your windows.

During the consultation, our team provides expert guidance to help you choose the perfect plan for your home’s draperies. We’ll take precise measurements, discuss finishes, and decide on functionality before creating a design that you’re sure to love. From automatic shades to valances, we’ll dive into our vast catalog of options to create the perfect fit for your home.

We’ll handle every detail, from order to install. Our team of experienced professionals will treat your new draperies with care – even down to their final steam!

Small Change, Big Difference

One of the key benefits of custom draperies is the ability to create a cohesive design that complements the rest of your home. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we ensure that your draperies are designed to harmonize with your existing furnishings, color scheme, and overall aesthetic. This attention to detail ensures that your draperies enhance the beauty and functionality of your space.

A recent project that highlights our custom drapery services involved a family who wanted to update the draperies in their living room and dining room. They wanted a design that was elegant and timeless, with fabrics that would complement their existing décor. We worked closely with them to choose luxurious fabrics and classic designs that would enhance their space.

The final result was a set of custom draperies that added warmth and elegance to their home. The clients were thrilled with the transformation and appreciated the personalized service and attention to detail that Rowan Hall Interiors provided. This project is a testament to our ability to create custom draperies that are both beautiful and functional.

Join the Rowan Hall community!

In addition to residential projects, we also offer custom drapery services for commercial spaces. Our team has experience creating draperies for a variety of commercial environments, including offices, retail stores, and hospitality venues. We understand the importance of creating a cohesive and professional look that enhances the functionality and aesthetic of the space.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we stay updated on the latest design trends and techniques, ensuring that our custom draperies are current and innovative. However, we also believe in creating timeless designs that will stand the test of time. Our draperies are a perfect blend of classic style and modern finishes, providing our clients with a solution that they will love for years to come.

In conclusion, Rowan Hall Interiors specializes in creating custom draperies in Knoxville, TN, that are tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Our personalized approach, commitment to quality, and attention to detail set us apart as the go-to choice for custom draperies. Whether you are looking to update a single room or your entire home, we have the expertise and dedication to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start your journey towards beautifully dressed windows.


Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

Best Taupe Paint Colors for Exterior
From a Color Consultant

Taupe can be a tricky color to pin down. Some may appear pinkish or mauve while others are on the opposite end of the spectrum, sporting yellow, green, and occasionally even blue undertones. With all these colors in the mix, what makes up a true taupe? A textbook taupe is a gray-brown, as the term “taupe” originates from the French noun “taupe”, which transalates to “mole” (the animal, not the beauty mark). So, the orginal taupe matches the pelt of a french mole, handsome little fellows with deep sable roots and silvery gray highlights.

While the neutral gray in a taupe determines how much black and white neutralize and lighten it respectably, its brown side determines pigmentation that can either lean red or green. So where do blue and yellow factor in? Brown is made up of all three primary colors- red, blue, and yellow. A brown without a red tone can either have a warm green undertone comprised of more yellow than blue or a cool green undertone made up of more blue than yellow. Blue also tends to be the main component of most blacks. So, cooler taupes with more gray tend to have violet (cool gray+red brown) and cool green (cool gray+blue-green brown) undertones that make them appear mauve or cool gray-adjacent, while warmer taupes with more brown have olive (gray+yellow-green brown) or red (gray+ red brown) undertones that tinge them green or pink. With all this color chemistry, taupes are beautifully complex and intricate when mixed right and muddy if mixed wrong. Beware of too much yellow! The most popular exterior choice that stand the test of time, taupes read as refined and classic.

 

Benjamin Moore Shenandoah Taupe (AC-36)

Benjamin Moore Shenandoah Taupe (AC-36) is a light, warm taupe with an extremely subtle mauve undertone. On exteriors, its nearly neutral buff tones show prominently. It manages warmth without any of the green or yellow undertones that often accompany greiges, and is dark enough to appear beige-adjacent in full sun. It’s the perfect choice for those in the market for a creamy hue that’s a touch more complex than your run-of-the-mill beige. 

Top Left and Bottom Right: Cella Archeticture, New Tudor Revival Home Portland Oregon;  Bottom Left and Top Right: Home Bunch, 5 Easy Tips to Throwing a Backyard Party

 

Sherwin Williams Folkstone (SW 6005)

The deepest taupe on our list, Sherwin Williams Folkstone (SW 6005) is a near-gray shade with a violet undertone. Warm in terms of grays and cool in comparison to most taupes, it offers a complex neutral option reminiscent of river stones. Its warmth is derived from a red tone, so it’s totally free from the tinges of green that warm grays and greiges often have. Folkstone is a lovely choice for those attracted to dark gray exteriors who are looking for something just a bit more colorful and unique.

Top: Red Rock Finishes;  Bottom Left: Kerri Taylor via Pinterest;  Bottom Middle: Sherwin Williams via Facebook;  Bottom Right: Kind Home Design via Pinterest

 

Sherwin Williams Mink (SW 6004)

Sherwin Williams Mink (SW 6004) appears more violet than its darker, grayer sister color, Folkstone (SW 6005). It reads loud and clear as a taupe, and it’s perfect for those searching for an exterior version of the mauve-taupes you might see in a favorite eyeshadow palette. Like Folkstone, Mink teeters on the line between warm and cool; it’s warm in terms of grays and cool in terms of taupes, especially in shade. With its violet undertone, Mink creates a truly unique exterior while still being neutral enough to be tasteful. Left: Kylie M. Interiors, Sherwin Williams: 6 Best Dark Greige & Taupe Paint Colors;  Top Right: Barb Drummond via Pinterest;  Bottom Left: Sherwin Williams via Pinterest

 

Benjamin Moore Ashley Gray (HC-87)

Despite its name, like many so-called grays that stray too far from neutrality, Benjamin Moore Ashley Gray (HC-87) is more of a taupe than anything. Ashley Grey has just the slightest touch of red in its undertone- enough to warm it up a bit without causing it to appear at all pink, though if you squint and put it next to a hue with green undertones, you may see it lean just a fraction toward mauve. Like many good exterior taupes, it’s neutral enough to lean warm or cool depending on what colors it’s paired with. As a light mid-tone, Ashley Gray appears fresh and airy without looking too pale or washed out in bright exterior lighting. Left: Home Bunch via Pinterest;  Top Right: Houzz, Kirkland Traditional- Seattle- by RW Anderson Homes;  Bottom Right: EB-Color, 60-30-10 Rule

 

Benjamin Moore Fairview Taupe (HC-85)

Benjamin Moore Fairview Taupe (HC-85) is a dark, warm taupe with just a hint of green in its undertones. A true taupe that sits between a cool brown and a warm gray, it’s primarily neutral. It’s just dark enough to create a lovely midtone, appearing to be the exact halfway point between the shade of a light beige and a dark charcoal. Its subtle touch of green prevents any red in its undertones, eliminating the possibility of ever looking pink or mauve. It’s the perfect fit for anyone looking for a taupe that avoids these hues while still being free of the muddiness too much green or yellow can cause.All: Houzz

 

Benjamin Moore Copley Gray (HC-104)

Benjamin Moore Copley Gray (HC-104) is a cool mid-tone taupe with a green undertone. It hits the sweet spot between light and dark, making it the perfect shade for an exterior, especially when paired with a light trim. Light colors and classic white trim look fantastic with both colors and neutrals like Copley Gray that are true mid-tones, as they are just dark enough to provide a lovely contrast without the commitment of a bolder, deeper tone. With light olive undertones that shine through in cool, shady lighting, Copley Gray sits just a hair to the cool side of true neutral. In warm, sunny light, it displays creamy buff hues that translate into a perfect greige. Top Left: Hirshfields Color Club;  Bottom Left: Favorite Paint Colors Blog;  Top Right: West Magnolia Charm, 20 Amazing Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Colors;  Bottom Right: Kelly Bernier Designs, Updated Exterior Grays

 

Benjamin Moore Pashmina (AF-100)

The lightest taupe on our list, Benjamin Moore Pashmina (AF-100) is the perfect choice for those looking for an exterior that’s just a little more exciting than a simple off-white. If light grays and beiges almost hit the mark, but seem just a touch too cool and warm respectively, Pashmina is an ideal compromise. With the lovely complexity of the taupe family, it is a balanced neutral that can appear more gray or more buff depending on lighting and surrounding colors. A perfect pairing for a light, dreamy neutral partner to colorful or deep hues, Pashmina also stands alone as an airy backdrop with tones that show through best against a bright true white. Top Left: Houzz via Pinterest;  Bottom Left: Samuel Marcus- Blog, Transitional Home Design;  Top Right: Home Bunch, Paint Color Ideas with Pictures;  Bottom Right: Maria Killam, The Shortcut to Testing Exterior Colour

 

Sherwin Williams Fawn Brindle (SW 7640)

Sherwin Williams Fawn Brindle (SW 7640) is a mid-tone taupe with subtle cool green undertones. It flirts with gray and ivory, resulting in a taupe that feels fresh with just the right amount of warmth. It sidesteps the chance of any hints of pink or mauve without looking at all yellowed or muddy thanks to the cool nature of its sneaky green undertone, which almost never shows through. Even in cool light, Fawn Brindle hardly appears green. A lovely neutral, it strikes a balance between light and dark that renders in a perfect exterior choice- bright but not too light. As a mid-tone, it’s able to provide a good visual contrast to truly light colors without ever appearing too dark itself.Top: Sherwin Williams, Exterior Color Inspiration- Body;  Bottom Left: Sherwin Williams, Classic Comfort;  Bottom Right: Home Bunch

Need an expert’s opinion?

Our color consultant can help you find the perfect shade. Contact us here or book your paint consultation today.

Choosing the perfect paint color is a weighty decision that will transform your home one way or another. The right choice will elevate your home in a flash, but the wrong color will be painful (and expensive) to reverse or live with. Before you call in the paint crew, make sure your choice is the right one! Consult with our team, and we will make sure you make this change with confidence.

If you’re local to Knoxville or our surrounding areas, we will come to you! We can also consult on your project virtually. Contact us here or give our office a call at 865-585-2945. We can’t wait to bring your vision to life!


Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.