Choosing the right paint color can make or break your home’s style. You spend hours scrolling through endless color options, only to feel more confused than when you started. Gray feels too cold, beige seems outdated, and you’re stuck between two worlds.
But what if there was a color that gave you the best of both? Alpaca SW 7022 by Sherwin-Williams is the beige that homeowners and designers trust most. This warm, balanced shade works in any room and pairs with any decor style.
In this guide, you’ll learn why Alpaca is the top choice for modern homes. We’ll show you real room examples, the best accent colors, and how to use this versatile paint in your space.
Ready to find your perfect grey? Let’s explore why Alpaca might be exactly what your walls need.
Alpaca by Sherwin-Williams: Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Color Name | Alpaca |
| SW Color Code | SW 7022 |
| Location Number | 283-C3 |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 57 |
| RGB Values | 204 / 197 / 189 |
| Hex Value | #CCC5BD |
| Color Family | Neutral |
| Color Collections | Naturals, Living Well, Timeless Interiors |
Best Use Cases for Alpaca
Alpaca SW 7022 shines in spaces where you want warmth without sacrificing style, making it the perfect choice for homeowners seeking a sophisticated neutral that feels both cozy and contemporary.
This versatile Sherwin-Williams color brings instant comfort to any room while maintaining the clean, polished look that modern design demands.
1. Living Rooms: The Perfect Backdrop for Any Style
Living rooms need a color that works with everything you own. Alpaca creates a warm, welcoming space that feels put-together without being boring. This greige pairs well with both leather sofas and linen furniture, making it ideal for families who want flexibility.
- Works with any furniture style – from modern sectionals to vintage armchairs
- Creates cozy atmosphere without making the room feel small or dark
- Perfect for open floor plans – flows well into kitchens and dining areas
Keep in mind: Test Alpaca in your living room’s lighting throughout the day, as it can look more beige in morning light and more gray in the evening.
2. Primary Bedrooms: A Calming Retreat
Bedrooms should feel like a peaceful escape from daily stress. Alpaca provides the perfect balance of warm and neutral tones that promote relaxation. The color works beautifully with white bedding, wood furniture, and soft textures that make bedrooms feel like a luxury hotel.
- Promotes better sleep with its calming, non-stimulating tone
- Complements both dark and light wood bedroom furniture perfectly
- Looks great with white trim and creates a clean, finished appearance
Keep in mind: Alpaca can appear slightly different in bedrooms with minimal natural light, so consider your window placement and lighting fixtures.
3. Kitchen and Open Concept Areas: Seamless Flow
Open-concept homes require colors that seamlessly connect spaces without creating harsh transitions. Alpaca works beautifully in kitchens because it complements both white and wood cabinets. The color creates visual flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas while still feeling fresh and clean.
- Pairs perfectly with white kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
- Creates visual continuity in open floor plans and connected spaces.
- Works with both warm and cool accent colors for easy decorating.
Keep in mind: In kitchens with lots of natural light, Alpaca may appear lighter than expected, so test it near your backsplash and countertops first.
Color Pairing Ideas with Alpaca Colors
1. Trim Color: Pure White (SW 7005)
Pure White creates the perfect contrast with Alpaca’s warm greige tone. This classic white trim makes rooms feel crisp and finished without being too stark. The combination offers a fresh, modern appearance that suits both traditional and contemporary homes.
Why this pairing works:
- Clean contrast – Pure White brightens Alpaca without competing with it
- Timeless appeal – This combination never goes out of style
- Makes rooms feel larger by creating clear visual boundaries
2. Accent Wall Color: Dovetail (SW 7018)
Dovetail adds depth and drama when used as an accent wall with Alpaca. This deeper gray-brown creates a sophisticated focal point behind beds, fireplaces, or dining room features. The two colors share similar undertones, making the transition feel natural and planned.
Perfect for these accent walls:
- Behind the headboard in primary bedrooms for added warmth
- Fireplace walls to create a cozy gathering spot
- Dining room feature walls that highlight artwork or built-ins
3. Cabinet Color: Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
Urbane Bronze cabinets create a rich, modern look against Alpaca walls. This deep brown-black works especially well in kitchens and bathrooms where you want drama without overwhelming the space. The combination feels both current and timeless.
Best applications:
- Kitchen island cabinets, while keeping the perimeter cabinets lighter
- Bathroom vanities for a spa-like, luxurious feel
- Built-in bookcases to make them feel like custom millwork
Pros and Cons of Choosing Alpaca
Looking at your content about Alpaca paint color, here’s a brief introductory line to add after Pros and Cons of Choosing Alpaca:
| PROS | CONS |
| Neutral and adaptable – Works with any decor style from farmhouse to modern without looking dated | Can read slightly mauve/purple in low light – May appear cooler than expected in rooms with minimal natural light |
| Timeless appeal – Won’t go out of style like trendy colors, making it a safe, long-term choice. | May clash with overly yellow finishes – It doesn’t pair well with golden oak or brass fixtures that have heavy yellow undertones. |
| Works with warm and cool palettes – Flexible enough to complement both cozy and crisp color schemes | Can appear flat in certain lighting conditions – may seem bland in rooms with insufficient natural or artificial lighting contrast. |
| High LRV brightens spaces – Reflects enough light to make rooms feel larger and more open | Shows dirt and scuffs easily – Light color requires more frequent touch-ups in high-traffic areas. |
| Perfect for open floor plans – Creates flow between spaces without harsh color transitions | May need multiple coats – Lighter colors sometimes require extra coverage for an even finish |
| Increases home resale value – Neutral colors appeal to most buyers and photograph well for listings | Can feel too safe or boring – Some homeowners prefer bolder colors with more personality |
5 Tips for Sampling and Painting
Master the art of color selection and application with these five essential tips for sampling and painting that help you choose the perfect shade and achieve professional results without costly mistakes or do-overs.
1. Test Multiple Wall Surfaces and Times: Paint 2×2-foot swatches of Alpaca on different walls in your room. Check the color at other times, such as morning, midday, and evening. Alpaca can shift from beige in bright light to gray in dim conditions.
2. Choose the Right Finish for Each Room: Use eggshell finish for living rooms and bedrooms, satin finish for kitchens and bathrooms, and semi-gloss for trim and doors. Each finish serves different needs in terms of durability and appearance.
3. Prepare Walls Properly Before Painting: Clean walls and fill holes with spackling compound. Use high-quality primer, especially over darker colors or stained walls. This ensures Alpaca’s true color shows and reduces the coats needed.
4. Consider Your Skill Level for DIY vs Professional: Choose DIY if you have experience and time for prep work. Hire professionals for high ceilings, textured walls, or when you need perfect results for resale.
5. Plan for Proper Coverage and Materials: Buy enough paint for two coats (one gallon covers 350-400 square feet per coat). Use quality brushes and rollers. Allow 4 hours drying time between coats.
Conclusion
Alpaca SW 7022 proves why beige remains the top choice for modern homes. This balanced blend of gray and beige brings warmth without sacrificing style. From cozy living rooms to bright kitchens, Alpaca adapts to any space while maintaining its timeless appeal.
The versatility of this color makes decorating a simple task. It pairs beautifully with Pure White trim, works with both warm and cool accents, and complements any furniture style. While it may show subtle purple tones in low light, proper testing helps you plan accordingly.
Ready to update your space with Alpaca? Start by ordering samples and testing them in your specific lighting conditions. This beige could be the perfect foundation for your home’s next chapter.
Have you tried Alpaca in your home? Share your experience in the comments below.
