Has Gray Had Its Day?

While gray has been the most popular interior design color for (at least) the past 10 years, the most common question I hear from clients lately is, “Is gray still in style?”

Homeowners are thinking about whether to transition away from the beloved gray, or to bring in a new color that works alongside the cool neutral. When working with clients to design a new home or update an existing space, we are slowly starting to move into more warm neutrals that will coordinate, as many people own furnishings and artwork that go with a gray palette.

Gray is classic and tends to show up as a useful neutral color, which can work well when balanced with warm tones; just a touch can be nice in almost any space, as long as it is used in moderation and is not the main inspiration for that space. Use gray intentionally and think about how it can enhance your color palette.

When working with custom clients at design showrooms, I have recently noticed the following shifts in the colors:

• Quartz slabs, (once crisp white and cool gray), now feature a mixture of gold or caramel alongside warmer gray veining

• Hardwood floors, (once washed with gray stain on top), are now left natural or stained a deep, wood tone to warm up the space.

• Tile selections, (once limited to concrete looking shades of gray), are now leaning more neutral, beige and warm, or even fun, bold colors

LEFT: Common tile line used in recent years
RIGHT: Newer, warmer tile being used in upcoming houses

• Paint colors, cool grays are being replaced with warm whites and soft beiges

As the trend cycles away from gray, it is not necessary to completely do away with it, but let’s work with it! Bringing in neutral tones, natural elements, or bold colors can work cohesively with gray to freshen up any space.