Gray Everything Is Officially Over in 2025—Here’s What’s Replacing It

The Decline of the Gray Trend in Home Décor

After years of dominance, gray tones are falling out of favor in the world of interior design. According to recent surveys by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, gray’s popularity in kitchens and bathrooms has dropped by more than 20% from its peak in 2019.

Homeowners and designers alike are growing weary of the cold, sterile feeling that gray can sometimes give a space. Major paint brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore have already shifted their annual color forecasts away from grays, pointing to warmer and more energetic palettes instead.

Social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are also seeing a dramatic decrease in gray-themed décor posts, with hashtags related to gray interiors down by nearly 40% in 2024 compared to 2021. Designers now say gray is being seen as “safe but soulless,” and it no longer sparks the excitement it once did.

The change is happening fast—2025 is set to mark the end of the era of gray everything.

Warm Neutrals: The New Foundation

Taking gray’s place, warm neutrals are rapidly becoming the go-to base for modern homes. Tones like taupe, sand, mushroom, and creamy beige are dominating new collections from leading paint and furniture brands.

According to a 2024 Houzz survey, 63% of homeowners planning renovations chose warm neutrals as their primary palette. These shades bring a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making spaces feel more lived-in and comfortable.

Design experts believe that after years of cool minimalism, people are craving warmth and a sense of grounding. The shift isn’t just about color—materials like natural wool, unbleached linen, and light woods are also on the rise, reinforcing the welcoming vibe.

Even luxury real estate listings are beginning to feature “earthy tones” as a selling point, signaling a major change in what buyers want.

Earthy Greens Surge Into the Spotlight

Sage, olive, and forest greens are having a huge moment in 2025. The American Society of Interior Designers notes a 30% increase in green-themed projects since 2022.

These colors are inspired by nature and are thought to bring a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation into the home. Paint sales for shades like “sage leaf” and “eucalyptus” have doubled in the past year alone, according to industry reports.

Designers say that people are using green not just on walls but also for cabinetry, upholstery, and even tile. Botanical prints and leafy accents are everywhere, creating a fresh, lively feeling.

This renewed love for green goes hand-in-hand with the growing trend toward biophilic design, which aims to connect interiors more closely with the natural environment.

Bold Accent Colors Make a Comeback

With gray’s reign ending, vibrant accent colors are making a dramatic return. Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025, “Radiant Red,” exemplifies this shift toward boldness and personality.

Designers are encouraging homeowners to use striking shades—think deep blues, mustard yellows, and spicy terracottas—to add energy and individuality to their spaces. Data from the International Furnishings and Design Association shows a 45% jump in sales of colorful accent furniture in the first quarter of 2024.

People are now less afraid to experiment with statement pieces, whether it’s a jewel-toned sofa or a bright piece of art. This trend extends to accessories and rugs, which are becoming the focal points in rooms that were once dominated by neutral grays.

Rich Browns and Chocolates Gain Popularity

Brown, once considered old-fashioned, is now being reimagined as a modern classic. Deep chocolate, chestnut, and caramel tones are showing up in everything from wall paint to hardwood flooring.

According to a recent Zillow study, homes featuring rich brown interiors sold for 2.5% more on average in 2024 than those with predominantly gray color schemes. Interior designers say that brown adds depth and sophistication, while also being easier to live with day to day.

Leather furniture in warm brown hues is selling out at major retailers, and wood stains are trending darker again. The return of brown is about embracing comfort and tradition without feeling stuffy or dated.

Soft Pastels: Calming Yet Fresh

Soft pastels like powder blue, blush pink, and gentle lavender are stepping in as favorites for bedrooms and living areas. These colors offer a sense of calm and serenity, which is especially appealing after the uncertainty of recent years.

Data from the Paint Quality Institute shows that pastel paint sales rose by 28% in 2024 compared to the year before. Many homeowners are using pastels as a subtle but effective way to inject personality without overwhelming the senses.

These shades pair well with the warmer neutrals and earthy greens that are trending, creating a balanced and harmonious look. Pastels are also showing up in textiles, from throw pillows to curtains, adding gentle color in small, delightful doses.

Texture Takes Center Stage

In 2025, it’s not just about color—texture is becoming a crucial element of interior design. The decline of gray has brought a renewed focus on tactile materials like bouclé, velvet, rattan, and natural stone.

According to Elle Decor’s 2024 trend report, textured finishes saw a 60% increase in designer projects this past year. People are layering different fabrics and finishes to create spaces that feel interesting and engaging to the touch as well as the eye.

Wallpaper with subtle patterns, woven wall hangings, and chunky knit throws are all making an impact. This trend reflects a desire for comfort and sensory richness, moving away from the flat, monochromatic surfaces that gray once ruled.

Statement Lighting for Personality

Lighting is emerging as a major way to express personality in the post-gray era. Home design surveys show that 57% of renovations now include statement lighting fixtures, up from just 30% in 2021.

From sculptural pendants to colorful glass lamps, bold lighting pieces are becoming the jewelry of the home. Designers are encouraging people to choose fixtures that reflect their individual style, whether it’s mid-century modern, industrial, or whimsical.

This shift is not just aesthetic—smart lighting technologies are also being integrated, giving homeowners more control over ambiance and energy use. Dramatic lighting helps to highlight the new color palettes and adds a sense of excitement to every room.

Vintage and Retro Inspirations

Vintage and retro styles are having a revival, with mid-century modern and 1970s influences leading the way. According to a 2024 report by Architectural Digest, there has been a 35% increase in demand for vintage furniture and décor.

Thrifted finds and family heirlooms are being mixed with contemporary pieces to create unique, personalized spaces. These styles often feature the warm woods, bold colors, and playful patterns that are replacing gray’s monotony.

People are finding joy in pieces with history and character, moving away from the mass-produced “gray everything” look. This trend is also more sustainable, as it encourages reusing and repurposing rather than buying new.

Personalization Is the New Luxury

The post-gray era is all about making homes feel personal and meaningful. Designers say that clients are prioritizing spaces that reflect their lives, interests, and stories.

According to a 2024 survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute, 72% of homeowners said they want their homes to “feel like them” rather than follow generic trends. Custom art, family photos, and handmade items are being showcased instead of hidden away.

The goal is to celebrate individuality, creating homes that are as unique as the people who live in them. This personal approach is being supported by retailers offering more customization, from bespoke cabinetry to monogrammed linens.

Nature-Inspired Décor Leads the Way

Nature-inspired design is the overarching theme that ties all these trends together. From plant-filled spaces to organic shapes and eco-friendly materials, the influence of the natural world is everywhere in 2025.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, biophilic design elements are now included in 80% of new build projects, a dramatic increase from previous years. Indoor gardens, water features, and large windows that maximize daylight are all part of this movement.

The aim is to create healthier, happier homes that support well-being and sustainability. This trend marks a definitive break from the cool, artificial feel of gray, ushering in a future that’s vibrant, textured, and deeply connected to the earth.