Image Courtesy Sherwin-Williams
Add a Touch of Cozy Elegance with Sherwin-Williams’ Shiitake (SW 9173)
At Tru Colors Contracting, we believe in the power of paint to transform a space—and every month, we spotlight Sherwin Williams Color Of The Month that inspires fresh ideas for home and commercial interiors. For May 2025, the featured shade is Shiitake (SW 9173) by Sherwin-Williams: a beautifully balanced, warm stone gray that’s making waves in the world of interior design.
Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or revitalize your entire home, Shiitake offers a soothing, timeless backdrop that brings warmth and elegance to any space.
What Is Shiitake
Shiitake is a sophisticated greige paint color—a fusion of gray and beige—that leans into warmth without becoming overpowering. Part of Sherwin-Williams’ neutral palette, Shiitake evokes natural elements like aged limestone, clay, and soft driftwood, capturing a sense of ease and refinement.
If you’re transitioning away from cool grays, Shiitake provides the perfect midpoint: it’s warm but not yellow, soft but not bland. Think of the coastal serenity of a New England shoreline or the sun-washed elegance of a weathered beach cottage. This grounded neutral is ideal for homeowners looking to create interiors that feel organic, timeless, and effortlessly sophisticated.
Why Shiitake Is the Perfect Neutral for Florida Homes
Florida homeowners know that color plays an important role in keeping interiors cool, inviting, and harmonious with the surrounding environment. Shiitake’s subtle warmth pairs exceptionally well with natural textures, light wood finishes, and coastal-inspired design—all key elements in Florida home décor.
At Tru Colors Contracting, we would recommend Shiitake to clients in South Florida and the Treasure Coast who want to achieve a calm and cohesive look that still feels current. Its beige-gray undertones reflect Florida’s sandy landscapes while offering a sophisticated alternative to stark white or overly cool grays.
The Versatility of Shiitake: Where to Use It
One of Shiitake’s greatest strengths is its versatility. This mid-tone greige works beautifully in nearly every room of the house. Whether you’re designing a serene bedroom, an airy living room, or a welcoming foyer, Shiitake adapts to your needs.
Here are some of the top applications for Shiitake in residential painting projects:
1. Living Rooms
Create a warm and inviting space that feels effortlessly pulled together. Shiitake offers a neutral foundation for layered textures, patterned textiles, and wood accents. It complements both minimalist and coastal-chic interiors, providing the perfect backdrop for your furnishings.
2. Bedrooms
In bedrooms, Shiitake promotes relaxation and rest. Its earthy undertones ground the space without overwhelming it, making it perfect for creating a tranquil retreat. Pair with crisp white linens, linen drapes, and woven rugs for a spa-like sanctuary.
3. Kitchens
Use Shiitake on walls, cabinetry, or even kitchen islands for a modern farmhouse or transitional aesthetic. It works exceptionally well with natural wood tones, stainless steel, and quartz countertops, offering a clean yet inviting palette.
4. Bathrooms
Create a serene, spa-inspired bathroom using Shiitake on the walls or cabinetry. It pairs effortlessly with stone tile, matte black or brass fixtures, and white porcelain finishes, achieving a timeless look.
5. Home Offices
Set the stage for productivity and focus. Shiitake’s muted warmth helps reduce eye strain, supports natural light reflection, and blends well with built-in shelving, neutral décor, and greenery.
Color Pairings That Enhance Shiitake
To maximize the potential of Shiitake, consider pairing it with other carefully selected neutrals and muted tones. These coordinating colors help set the tone and elevate the overall design.
Recommended Sherwin-Williams Pairings:
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SW 7008 Alabaster – A warm white that adds brightness without clashing. Perfect for trim and ceilings.
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SW 9655 Mountain Pass – A soft greenish-gray that adds a subtle contrast and natural depth.
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SW 9645 Big Dipper – A creamy, warm beige that enhances Shiitake’s stone-like quality.
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SW 9598 Solitary Slate – A deeper, cool gray for accent walls or cabinetry that adds sophistication and balance.
These pairings allow you to build layered, cohesive color schemes that still feel breathable and open.
Why Shiitake Works
Interior designers often highlight Shiitake as a go-to neutral because of its broad appeal and ease of use in a variety of settings. Its cozy, welcoming tone makes it especially well-suited for relaxing spaces like living rooms and bedrooms. Thanks to its balanced undertones, Shiitake pairs seamlessly with both warm and cool accents, making it a flexible choice for diverse design schemes.
This versatile shade also stands out in rooms that are typically difficult to decorate, such as those with limited natural light. In north-facing rooms where traditional whites and cool grays can appear stark or uninviting, Shiitake provides a warmer, more grounded alternative. Its subtle, sun-kissed hue softens the space, creating a calm and comfortable environment that still feels bright and open.
Shiitake in Coastal and Transitional Design
Shiitake may not be the typical coastal blue, but it’s an ideal choice for coastal-inspired interiors that lean toward a more refined, sun-faded look. Rather than relying on the expected nautical palette, this warm stone hue captures the relaxed essence of coastal design in a more understated way. It evokes a breezy, seaside atmosphere without feeling overly themed or predictable.
This versatile shade works beautifully when paired with natural materials like woven furniture, white oak flooring, and soft, patterned textiles such as stripes or plaids. Accents like brass lighting and vintage-inspired décor help enhance the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. Shiitake also fits seamlessly into transitional design schemes, offering a perfect bridge between traditional architectural details and modern furnishings.
Image Courtesy Sherwin-Williams
Styling Tips for Using Shiitake Indoors
To truly bring out the best in Shiitake, consider integrating these design elements:
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Natural textures like wicker, jute, linen, rattan, or seagrass.
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Vintage furniture or antique-style pieces with character.
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Layered lighting using table lamps, sconces, and pendants.
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Mixed wood tones, such as walnut, oak, and whitewash.
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Soft finishes in cream, taupe, and muted metallics like gold or bronze.
This color works especially well in homes that favor a lived-in, authentic look—where imperfections and natural elements are celebrated.
Why Tru Colors Contracting Recommends Shiitake
At Tru Colors Contracting, we specialize in helping homeowners in South Florida bring their vision to life through professional interior painting. We love recommending Shiitake because it consistently delivers beautiful, balanced results—especially in Florida’s unique climate and lighting conditions.
Our team of experienced painters knows how to:
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Choose the right finish (matte, eggshell, satin, etc.)
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Prepare walls for optimal coverage and longevity
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Pair colors with lighting and materials for the best results
With over 15 years of experience serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and the Treasure Coast, we understand what works best in both modern and traditional homes.
Ready to Refresh Your Home with Shiitake?
If you’re searching for neutral paint ideas, soothing color palettes, or a timeless shade that enhances every room, Shiitake is a perfect choice for May—and beyond.
Let Tru Colors Contracting help you bring it to life with professional interior painting services that emphasize quality, detail, and lasting beauty. We’ll guide you from color selection to final coat, ensuring your home looks as amazing as you imagined.
Contact Tru Colors Contracting Today
Bring warmth, elegance, and versatility into your space with Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month, Shiitake. Contact Tru Colors Contracting today for a free consultation and discover how this balanced neutral can refresh your home in just a few days.