When We Say Gray is Out, We Don't Mean Benjamin Moore's Gray Owl – 'It's a Rare Color That Feels Quietly Dynamic Rather Than Static'

Open plan living room and kitchen with crittall doors, cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore's Gray Owl, a marble island, a dining table with a vase of foliage, and a white sofa and armchair.

Gray might be a little controversial in the design world as of late, falling from its early 2000s fame, and frequently topping lists of colors to avoid using in 2026. But that's not to say it's been officially scrapped for good.

While lackluster charcoals and mid-tone cold grays might no longer be the go-to neutrals of choice, not all gray paint is on the way out. Paint colors like Gray Owl (one of Benjamin Moore's most popular neutral tones) are proof that there is such a thing as complex, liveable grays that feel subtle, quietly grounding, and still interesting in 2026.