If you're a fan of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" or follow Joanna Gaines' design aesthetic, you might be curious about the color gray she frequently uses in her projects. Known for her farmhouse-chic style, Joanna has a knack for incorporating various shades of gray into her designs, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Let's delve into the world of Joanna Gaines' gray palette and explore some of her favorite shades.
Why Gray in Joanna Gaines' Designs?
Joanna Gaines often uses gray as a neutral base in her designs. This versatile color allows her to incorporate a wide range of accent colors, from bold and vibrant to soft and subtle. Gray also has the ability to create a sense of harmony and balance in a space, making it a popular choice for both interior and exterior design.
Joanna Gaines' Favorite Gray Shades
Joanna Gaines has a soft spot for various shades of gray, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of her go-to gray hues that you can incorporate into your own designs:

- Benjamin Moore's Stonington Gray (HC-170): A soft, warm gray with slight blue undertones, Stonington Gray is a popular choice for Joanna's farmhouse-style projects. It creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
- Sherwin-Williams' Repose Gray (SW 7015): This light, neutral gray has a slight green undertone that makes it a versatile choice for various design styles. Repose Gray works well in both modern and traditional spaces, creating a calming and serene environment.
- Benjamin Moore's Wrought Iron (HC-168): A dark, moody gray with blue undertones, Wrought Iron is an excellent choice for creating a dramatic and sophisticated look. Joanna often uses this shade for accent walls, cabinets, and exterior paint.
- Sherwin-Williams' Iron Ore (SW 7069): Similar to Wrought Iron, Iron Ore is a deep, dark gray with green undertones. This shade is perfect for creating a sense of depth and richness in a space, making it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices.
Gray and White Combinations
Joanna Gaines often pairs gray with white to create a clean, crisp, and airy look. This combination is perfect for small spaces, as it helps to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger room. Some popular gray and white combinations used by Joanna include:
- Benjamin Moore's Stonington Gray (HC-170) with Benjamin Moore's Simply White (OC-117)
- Sherwin-Williams' Repose Gray (SW 7015) with Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster (SW 7008)
Gray and Wood Tones
Gray and wood tones are a match made in heaven, especially in Joanna Gaines' farmhouse-inspired designs. The natural warmth of wood pairs beautifully with the coolness of gray, creating a balanced and harmonious look. Some popular wood tones that complement gray include:
- Dark woods, such as walnut and ebony, for a dramatic and sophisticated look
- Medium woods, like maple and hickory, for a more casual and inviting atmosphere
- Light woods, such as pine and birch, for a bright and airy space
Gray in Exterior Design
Gray is not limited to interior design; it also plays a significant role in exterior design, as seen in many of Joanna Gaines' projects. Gray siding, shutters, and trim create a cohesive and polished look, while also providing a neutral backdrop for accent colors. Some popular gray exterior paint colors used by Joanna Gaines include:

- Benjamin Moore's Wrought Iron (HC-168)
- Sherwin-Williams' Iron Ore (SW 7069)
- Benjamin Moore's Stonington Gray (HC-170)
Gray Paint Colors in Joanna Gaines' Projects
To help you get inspired, here's a table summarizing some of the gray paint colors used in Joanna Gaines' projects, along with their corresponding brands and hex codes:
| Paint Color | Brand | Hex Code | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stonington Gray | Benjamin Moore | HC-170 | Magnolia House |
| Repose Gray | Sherwin-Williams | SW 7015 | Fixer Upper: The Barn |
| Wrought Iron | Benjamin Moore | HC-168 | Fixer Upper: The Garden Gate |
| Iron Ore | Sherwin-Williams | SW 7069 | Fixer Upper: The Carter House |
As you can see, Joanna Gaines has a soft spot for various shades of gray, each with its unique characteristics and uses. By incorporating gray into your designs, you can create a balanced, harmonious, and inviting atmosphere that reflects the farmhouse-chic style of Joanna Gaines.