Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015) is arguably one of the most debated and requested neutral colors in exterior painting. If a homeowner asks you for a 'greige' (gray-beige), this is often the color they are picturing.
But what color is it actually? Unlike true grays which can look cold and industrial, Repose Gray has a distinct warm brown undertone. In direct, bright sunlight, it will often wash out and look like an off-white with a slight mushroom hue. In the shade or on an overcast day, it reads as a true, sophisticated gray.
The Architecture Factor
This chameleon-like quality makes it an incredible choice for exterior siding, especially on craftsman, transitional, and modern farmhouse style homes. However, it also means it can be incredibly risky if the homeowner is expecting a cool, stormy gray.
When presenting Repose Gray to a homeowner, we highly recommend using an exterior visualizer rather than a tiny paint chip. Paint chips cannot account for the ambient lighting of the neighborhood or the color of the existing roof. If the house has a red or brown roof, Repose Gray will pull much warmer. If it has a black or charcoal roof, the gray will pop.
Alabaster SW 7008
For soft, creamy contrast on trim.
Pure White SW 7005
For crisp, modern pop on trim.
Iron Ore SW 7069
For stunning, high-contrast shutters.
The best complementary trim colors for Repose Gray include Alabaster for a soft, creamy contrast, or Pure White for a crisp, modern pop. For shutters or a front door, Iron Ore provides a stunning, high-contrast anchor.