I feel like gray paint colors were so incredibly overused a few years ago, but then a lot of people accidentally chose cool grays to paint entire rooms and instead of a trendy living room, they got a nursery and kind of swore off the color. But now cool gray is having a resurgence. We learned from our mistakes–and these blue gray tones are showing up in the best best ways. I’m deeply inspired and wanted to share a few favorites with you.

1. Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore used in Rachel Parcel’s entry. The color is captivating. It has so much depth and is a welcomed surprise for a front door–right?!

2. Studio McGee used Platinum Gray by Benjamin Moore on their office cabinets and the slightly cooler tone feels light and fresh!

3. @amberinteriors used Manor House Gray by Farrow & Ball for these playroom shelves and it’s the perfect backdrop for the toys and accessories–right? I love that it feels warm and cool in areas and those chameleon paint colors stay interesting for a long time. It’s so good!

4. Mawr Design nailed the perfect grayed out greenish-blue cabinet color for this laundry area. Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay, mixed with that floor tile–I’m swooning!

5. @natashalevak brought the trend into the kitchen painting base cabinets Water’s Edge by Benjamin Moore for just a hint of color.

6. I’ve shared this image before so it’s no secret I’m a fan of @ispydiy’s use of Silver Celadon by Behr on their doors and trim. It’s sophisticated and interesting and just right.

7. Most of these examples have been on doors or trim because that’s where trends are going right now, but @benjaminmoore shared this photo of Metropolitan (their color of the year) on the walls and I’m here for it.

8. @jhinteriordesign shows how to do this light cool gray right. The cooler tones work if you’re aware of what they are and how to use them. Like playing them up as a pale, gray, blue-green with coordinating accents.

9. Francois_et_moi used International Gray by Kilz on this beadboard entry and mixed it with complementary golden colors to play up the blues! Genius!

10. Room For Tuesday mixed two gray-blues in her bathroom and the tone on tone is sophisticated and sweet–but not too sweet.

Lesson learned? If you’re looking for a perfect blue–look to the grays. And if you’re looking for the perfect gray, I mean, maybe check out the cool tones. I love it especially for trim and doors!