We finally took the plunge and painted our foyer and stairway. After four months of testing paint samples and second-guessing choices, I landed on the perfect green-gray — Sherwin Williams Willowleaf — and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Every once in a while a paint color shows up that reads beautifully in virtually every light and setting. Willowleaf is one of those colors: muted, sophisticated, and adaptable whether your space gets bright morning sun or soft afternoon light.
Sherwin Williams Willowleaf
From the moment I saw Sherwin Williams Willowleaf, I knew it was the one. It reads as a neutral at a glance but offers a subtle green undertone that brings warmth and interest without overwhelming the space. That balance makes it an excellent choice when you want something quieter than a bold color but more engaging than a plain beige or gray.
This green-gray has an earthy, calming quality that works with a wide range of decor styles — modern, traditional, boho, or rustic. It provides a calm and grounded backdrop while still feeling fresh and contemporary. I chose it because it feels like a color pop that still plays nicely with many other hues and textures.
Before this update our foyer was all white, which I still love for its crispness. But I wanted a touch more personality without losing flexibility. Painting the trim and some architectural details in Willowleaf delivered that subtle change: daring enough to be noticed, yet restrained enough to remain versatile.
Related: 12 Best Sage Green Paint Colors for a Relaxing Room
Related: Top Recommended Contrast Trim Paint Color Ideas
Why you should contrast trim instead of painting an entire room
Painting the trim rather than tackling a full two-story wall was an obvious choice for us. We didn’t want to bring in scaffolding to paint the entire stairwell, so choosing a contrasting trim color allowed us to refresh the space without a major overhaul. This approach is practical, attractive, and often more historically authentic in traditional homes.
- Saves money compared with repainting full walls
- Saves time — less surface area to prep and paint
- Requires less physical effort and fewer tools
- Gives architectural details a classic, timeless look
- Hides dirt and marks better than bright white trim
Keeping the walls their original Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace allowed us to get the new look with minimal disruption. The darker trim adds depth and dimension, and because it’s less prone to showing fingerprints and scuffs, it’s more forgiving with kids and daily wear.
One of my favorite outcomes is how the contrasting trim instantly adds a sense of history and permanence. The result feels intentional and refined rather than a rushed or temporary update.
Related: How to Paint Doors and Best Ways to Make Them Durable
More Green Gray Paint Colors We Love
If you’re exploring green-gray or sage tones, here are a few other favorites that we’ve considered for previous projects. Each reads a little differently depending on light and surrounding finishes, so sampling on your own walls is always a good idea.
- Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog
- Farrow & Ball French Gray
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage
For continuity, we painted the back of our front door Willowleaf as well. Some people might prefer to keep raw wood, but painting the door in the same tone as the trim helps the entry feel cohesive and finished.
Related: Our Calming Whole House Paint Color Palette
Robert and I have a few more small projects planned for this space — finishing touches that will enhance the entry’s function and curb appeal. I’ll be sharing progress and behind-the-scenes photos in my Instagram Stories soon.
Pin This for Later⤵️
More Paint Color Recommendations
Best Navy Blue Paint Colors Recommended By Designers
Best Blush Pink Paint Colors Recommended for Interiors
12 Trending Burgundy Paint Colors Recommended by Designers