Prediction: This “Loathed” Color is Making a Comeback in The Design World
We’ll be the first to admit that we had a vendetta against the color gray for the last five or so years. Call it a visceral reaction to the all-gray-everything epidemic of the 2010s in which upholstery, walls, vinyl plank flooring, wood, and beyond were all a shade of gray (we’re looking at you, builder-grade homes and apartments), but we were very over the cool tone for years. In fact, we wrote an entire article about how warm neutrals were usurping the ubiquity of gray in the home.
And now, we’re here to report that we (and the design world at large) have come full circle: gray is making a comeback. “With the exception of decorative accents, gray took a backseat to warmer hues like ivory, cream, tan, and brown as the default neutral in the last five or so years,” says Heather Goerzen, Havenly designer and Director of Design and Content. “While this was a welcome shift, we’re seeing a new trend towards more saturated, moody gray tones in the home once again.”
Not only does this fall in line with the chrome and silver resurgence that’s still going strong, we’re seeing a similar color trend in the fashion industry.
“While on the surface, gray may seem like a complicated color to wear—it’s not quite neutral, it’s too dull to provide a pop—designers are fully embracing it this year,” reads a recent trend report from Refinery29. “While gray may bring to mind visuals of lackluster school uniforms and athletic sweatpants, thanks to runway designers, the color trend is getting a chic transformation.”
How to use gray in your home
As noted above, gray is not getting the same in-home treatment these days. Instead of painting the walls gray and bringing in a gray sofa, gray-washed wood credenza, and maybe a few white or black accents, we’re mixing smaller pops of gray with richer tones, like brown, brass, olive green, and ivory. We’re also embracing deeper shades of the color, like rich mink, mushroom, and charcoal.
“Using gray this time around is all about saturation and restraint,” adds Heather. “Instead of a washed out light gray, consider an eye-catching mink or charcoal. And instead of bringing in five-plus gray elements, choose one statement piece, like a velvet sofa or dining chairs, and balance out the cool tone with warmer pieces.”
Styling gray in your space
On the gray interior design train, too? Consider the following design elements when using gray in your home this year (and beyond):
- Bring in rich gray via upholstery (particularly in luxe velvet!).
- Pair gray with warmer materials, like antique brass and rich walnut wood.
- Leave the gray paint on the shelf and bring in gray via furniture and accent pieces.
- Liven up a gray piece with eye-catching pattern and complementary accent colors, like cognac, evergreen, ochre, and dusty pink.
- Steer clear of anything that doesn’t naturally come in a shade of gray, like wood flooring or furniture.
- Bring in greenery and fresh florals to add life to a gray color palette.
Ready to work gray into your own space?
A Havenly designer can help you balance it with the right warm accents.
Take the Havenly style quiz—10 minutes, and you'll be matched with a designer who gets your style.
Not ready to commit? Try Havenly AI—snap a photo of your room and see it reimagined.
Frequently asked questions
Is gray still in style for home decor?
Yes, but the look has shifted. Instead of the flat, all-over grays of the 2010s, expect gray used sparingly through richer, more saturated shades like charcoal and mink.
What colors pair well with gray?
Warm tones balance it out best: think brass, walnut wood, olive green, cognac, and ivory.
Should I paint my walls gray?
Not if you want the current look. Bring gray in through furniture and accents instead, and save the walls for a warmer neutral.
