Gray has been a popular neutral paint color for homes for many years. However, some new paint colors are starting to replace gray in popularity. In this article, we will look at the top paint colors that are poised to replace gray, as well as some reasons behind the shift.
Why is gray losing popularity?
Gray has been a go-to neutral paint color because it provides a soothing, relaxed feeling and works well with many furniture styles and colors. However, gray can also come across as cold, clinical, or lackluster.
After years of gray walls dominating home decor, many homeowners are looking to replace gray with warmer, more inviting neutrals. The demand for colors that create a greater sense of comfort and personality is driving the shift away from gray.
Additionally, with the rise of more modern and minimalist home design, very light grays have become overused. Homeowners looking to replace their very light gray walls want new neutrals that add a bit more depth and character.
Green
Green is poised to become a new go-to neutral paint color in place of gray. Different hues of green can provide a sense of renewal, harmony, and freshness. Green also pairs nicely with other natural tones like tan, cream, and wood.
| Green Paint Color | Personality |
|---|---|
| Sage Green | Soothing, earthy |
| Olive Green | Natural, organic |
| Forest Green | Rich, traditional |
| Lime Green | Vibrant, cheerful |
Green has the advantage of feeling warm and invigorating while still being a neutral. Different shades can match various styles from modern to traditional. Green is a versatile replacement that can make any room feel more welcoming than flat gray.
Warm Whites
For those who still want a neutral white paint color, warm whites provide a cozier alternative to cool grays. Warm white paint colors have a subtle tan, peach, or yellow undertone. This undertone gives warm whites more personality and warmth than flat gray.
| Warm White Paint Color | Undertone |
|---|---|
| Swiss Coffee | Tan |
| Accessible Beige | Beige |
| Linen White | Peach |
| Marshmallow | White with yellow |
Warm whites like these can make a room feel soothing and welcoming, while still acting as a neutral backdrop. The subtle creaminess or peachy tone helps warm whites feel livelier than gray. Warm whites provide more dimension without taking away the benefits of a neutral palette.
Greige
“Greige” is a popular new neutral paint color that combines gray and beige. Greige provides some of the coziness of beige with the modern vibe of gray. The balance of gray and beige makes greige right at home in both farmhouse and contemporary spaces.
| Greige Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Agreeable Gray | Most popular greige with warm undertone |
| Accessible Beige | More beige than gray for soft look |
| Cologne | Crisp, modern greige |
| Gray Owl | Greige with a bit more gray |
Greige has replaced gray for homeowners who find gray too cold but still want a modern, neutral palette. The balance of gray and beige in greige paint colors makes rooms feel welcoming but still stylish. Greige offers the coziness of beige with the versatility of gray.
Blue-Gray
For those who want to move away from basic gray but still like cooler tones, blue-gray is an intriguing alternative. Blue-gray paint colors take gray from flat to chic with hints of blue that provide visual interest.
| Blue-Gray Paint Color | Personality |
|---|---|
| Gray Cashmere | Minimalist, airy |
| Rain | Calm, tranquil |
| Blue Note | Bold, dramatic |
| Palladian Blue | Traditional, soft |
Blue-gray can feel both cozy and elegant thanks to its cool and warm undertones. It takes gray to the next level with just a whisper of blue that adds dimension and intrigue. Homeowners looking for a cooler alternative to basic gray have fallen for blue-gray.
Green-Gray
Similar to blue-gray, green-gray paint colors spice up basic gray by adding an undertone of natural green. The green inflection provides a refreshingly organic vibe. Green-gray is ideal for spaces where you want to move on from flat gray but keep the cool, calming palette.
| Green-Gray Paint Color | Personality |
|---|---|
| Gray Basil | Fresh, herbal |
| Sagebrush | Subtle, soothing |
| Naturel | Organic, peaceful |
| Silverpine | Balanced, tranquil |
Green-gray paint colors are versatile enough for modern, traditional, or eclectic spaces. The blend of gray and green creates the best of both worlds: cool and warm, edgy and natural. Green-gray is an optimal replacement when regular gray feels too sterile.
Taupes
Taupes offer a cozy, soothing alternative for those moving away from gray. Taupe is a rich neutral that pairs brown and gray tones. This creates a paint color with more personality than flat gray.
| Taupe Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Accessible Beige | Popular versatile taupe |
| Graystone | Warm taupe with brown undertones |
| Woodlawn Blue | Cool-toned taupe with blue |
| Rosetta | Reddish taupe with terra cotta |
Taupes like these inject more nuance into neutral walls. The fusion of brown and gray gives taupe colors depth without overpowering a space. For those moving on from gray but still wanting a neutral, taupe offers the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
Gray paint may be losing popularity after years of dominance, but stunning new neutrals are ready to take its place. Paint colors like green, warm white, greige, blue-gray, and taupe now offer fresh alternatives for neutral walls.
Homeowners are moving toward neutrals with more personality, warmth, and softness. While gray can feel cold and clinical, these new paint colors offer intrigue through undertones of green, blue, beige, and brown. The replacements for gray provide more versatility by straddling both warm and cool tones.
Green is poised to become the next dominant neutral paint color. But warm whites, greige, blue-gray, green-gray, and taupe also offer warmer, more welcoming alternatives to uber-trendy gray. Homeowners have an abundance of options when replacing gray walls with a fresh neutral palette full of dimension, comfort, and style.
