Why don't you ask your builder for additional samples? I'd second the cream color idea. The challenge for a gray finish, as you have already found out, is to find a gray that is warm, not cold temperature. Good luck with your project.

there are several stucco systems available today. a couple of the more popular are EIFS type system and a traditional 3 coat. i think the first thing you need to explain is how your home will be constructed? A home that was constructed using standard stick framing and OSB seathing would be pretty a traditional method. if that is the case then you can more than likley use either system i listed above. both will require the application of craft paper or tar paper etc to create a barrier between the finish coat and the wood structure of the home. Todays stucco typically has an acrylic topcoat as the final finish, this will have the pigment and sand included to give your stucco the trowl finish you choose. IMHO in my climate (denver co) i do not like traditional 3 coat stucco finishes. the 3 coat systems dry and crack out over time, even with the use of control joints. if i had to use stucco in my climate i would use a EIFS system with the proper drainage protection between the foam and the home. EIFS got a bad rap in the begining because they thought it was a barrier type finish and never anticipated the leaks around window frames etc.

We are in southern CA and have smooth stucco on the exterior. When we bought the house the elastomeric paint was 10 years old and looked great. No chipping or cracks were visible. We did some remodeling and repainted the whole house and new structures in a new color. The most recommended product in this area is the Dunn Edwards elastomeric paint.

I had Pebble Sheen in my previous pool. I honestly found PS to be much rougher than Florida stucco and I have no idea why. I was so upset about having to use Florida stucco for color and feel (I assumed). But in the end I LOVE it better for color of water, color of pebbles and feel on my feet. I was very shocked.