Kingsport Gray HC-86 by Benjamin Moore is a sophisticated shade that embodies the classic elegance of taupe, with its balanced blend of warm and cool undertones. The color's RGB composition of 148, 134, 116 provides a versatile backdrop, making it an ideal choice for both contemporary and traditional design schemes. This neutral hue seamlessly complements a variety of palettes, enhancing spaces with its timeless and understated charm.
Color Description
Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray (HC-86) is a versatile taupe color that delivers understated drama. It is part of the Historical Colors collection, which was introduced in 1976 to celebrate the US bicentennial and features hues inspired by America's historic landmarks.
Undertones
The undertone of Kingsport Gray can be accurately described as a red hue. This is determined by isolating the pure hue and eliminating any tints, tones, and shades.
Color Values
- Light Reflective Value (LRV): 25.05
- HEX Value: #948674
- RGB Code: 148, 134, 116
Usage
Kingsport Gray is suitable for various spaces, including living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, and home offices. It can also be used in foyers and hallways to create a welcoming atmosphere. This color works well in both traditional and contemporary settings.
Atmosphere
Kingsport Gray lends a sense of calm and warmth to any space. It creates a welcoming atmosphere and infuses a subtle touch of luxury, making it ideal for areas where a refined and elegant ambiance is desired.
Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray HC-86 Color Alternative
Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray HC-86 offers a sophisticated and versatile base that complements a variety of design aesthetics and architectural styles. For those seeking a refreshing twist while preserving a similar character, Tikkurila Stonehenge V477, Tikkurila Bastion V467, and Tikkurila Conglomerate S484 serve as excellent alternatives that bring subtle nuances of tone and depth. Each alternative enhances the overall palette by adding a distinct yet harmonious element that mirrors the enduring appeal of Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray HC-86.
Bathroom
Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray HC-86 is an excellent bathroom color choice known for its performance and mildew resistance in high-humidity environments. Its strong formulation makes it an ideal option for areas such as bathrooms and spas, ensuring a lasting, fresh appearance even in challenging conditions.
This trusted color pairs beautifully with warmer white trim colors to enhance any bathroom's aesthetic, complementing fixtures and vanities alike. Available in several high-quality formulations with excellent hide and durability, it is best applied in a pearl or satin finish to create a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that maintains its charm over time.
Bedroom
For a bedroom color scheme, Benjamin Moore's Kingsport Gray HC-86 sets a refined and inviting tone. Its appearance adapts to different lighting conditions, warming up in strong south-facing or afternoon western sunlight, while northern light softens its intensity without losing its underlying warmth.
This hue pairs beautifully with warmer white trim selections such as White Dove, Cloud White, or Oxford White. It also complements subtly muted beige, medium-toned gray-blue blends, and deeper navy options, making it an excellent choice for creating a cohesive look on feature walls or alongside carefully chosen neutral elements.
Kitchen
For a kitchen color scheme, Benjamin Moore's Kingsport Gray HC-86 provides an appealing tone that harmonizes well with key elements like cabinets and islands. Its balanced depth creates an inviting backdrop and pairs nicely with warmer white trim options like White Dove, Cloud White, or Oxford White.
Coordinating hues such as modern muted beige, medium-toned gray-blue blends, and darker gray or navy blue accents further enhance the overall ambiance. The color can also be employed as a feature wall to introduce additional depth and warmth to the kitchen space.
Living Room
Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray HC-86 is an ideal living room color known for its balanced, medium-depth tone that provides a timeless and inviting atmosphere. Rooted in America's historic heritage, it is part of a collection inspired by landmark hues and pairs beautifully with warmer white trim choices such as White Dove, Cloud White, and Oxford White, as well as neutral shades like Swiss Coffee, Linen Sand, and Revere Pewter.
This medium-depth shade is well-suited for various applications including feature walls, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and exterior surfaces. Its enduring warmth and adaptability allow it to perform admirably even in northern light, where its nuanced character remains consistently appealing.
Outdoor
For outdoor homes, Benjamin Moore’s Kingsport Gray HC-86 brings a sophisticated touch to exterior spaces, even though it is primarily designed for interior environments. Its notable durability and coverage, hallmarks in indoor applications, carry over to some extent when used outside.
However, since this paint isn’t specifically formulated to resist prolonged sun exposure and weather conditions, extra protective measures are recommended for maintaining its integrity. For ongoing outdoor performance, Benjamin Moore’s dedicated exterior paint products provide superior resistance to fading, stains, and weather-induced wear.
