Say Goodbye to ‘Millennial Gray’

For years, the color “millennial gray” has been everywhere, dominating fashion and home decor trends and becoming synonymous with modernity and sophistication. However, its popularity has peaked. Millennial gray is going out of style, and more vibrant, lively colors are taking its place.

Here are some reasons for the transition and how to incorporate brighter shades into a home to make it more inviting.

Out With the Gray

It's important to understand what made millennial gray so popular in the first place. The color was named after the generation born between 1980 and 2000 and was seen as a reflection of millennials’ values—minimalist, practical and versatile. It symbolized a move away from previous generations' rustic, faux-Tuscan villa style and toward a more understated and effortless look.

However, millennial gray became ubiquitous as more people jumped onto the bandwagon. It lost its unique appeal and started to feel bland and uninspired. Individuals began to crave something different that would stand out in a sea of sameness.

In With the Hues

There's a growing desire for boldness and experimentation. People are seeking ways to express themselves through color rather than playing it safe with a tried-and-true trend. This shift toward bright shades and statement pieces means millennial gray is no longer the default choice for those who want to stay on trend. Keep this in mind when you stage a home: People want to see houses with personality and charm, and using color will help you achieve that effect.

Here are several advantages of using color to liven up a space:

• Brightens things up: Colors make a space look brighter and more inviting. Dark or muted shades can make a room feel smaller while bright tones have the opposite effect. The use of color works especially well for smaller spaces, like studio apartments that are only 300 to 1,000 square feet.
• Adds personality and charm: Bright color adds personality and character to a space, making it more dynamic and interesting. A pop of color also can help create a focal point in a room, drawing attention to specific features or architectural elements.
• Makes a statement: Colors can help differentiate a space from others, making it unique and memorable. You want people to remember the room and how it made them feel, particularly as they try to imagine how they would use the home themselves.

How to Incorporate Color Into Your Staging

People are stepping away from gray and beige and leaning toward colors inspired by the natural world. The paint colors of 2023 reflect this transition and point to the soft and expressive shades that will emerge in 2024.

“Redend Point” by Sherwin Williams works well as a neutral for walls, curtains and bigger pieces of furniture, like couches.

“Gentle Violet” by Valspar also works as a neutral or an accent color in a reading nook.

“Viva Magenta” by Pantone is an excellent accent color and can be used for artwork, vases or statement pieces.

You can also start incorporating colors in the 2024 forecast. Sherwin Williams’ “Renewed Comfort Color Collection” features persimmon, waterloo, dark auburn and friendly yellow—all of which are bright and bold but still soft enough to feel approachable and homey.

Work With a Streamlined Palette

Look for colors that complement each other and weave them into your decor. For example, you could have dark moss-green artwork with a coral accent couch in the living room and coral sculptures or tableware in the dining room. This creates a cohesive and neat look that appeals to many prospective home buyers.

You could also pair vibrant colors with soft and sculptural furniture shapes to give the home a whimsical and eclectic feel. A buyer is likelier to remember the house with the interesting orange bean bag or ottoman than one full of neutral colors.

Use One Color for Accent Pieces

Even just a touch of color can make all the difference. Pick a shade and try to use it as a statement or incorporate different variations of it for decorative items.

Try neutrals like beige or taupe with raspberry blush for a warm and inviting look. Focus on throws, pillows, artwork or sculptural elements. This gives a room a cozy feel that helps would-be home buyers envision themselves living there.

Use Color to Create Memorable Spaces

Colors are relatively easy to work with when it comes to interior design. They can be paired with neutrals like white, gray or beige to balance them out, or they can be mixed with other bright hues for a playful, eclectic look.

Choosing the right shade and using it strategically lets you create a vibrant, energetic and truly unique space. This will make houses stand out in the market and connect with people who embrace color trends and are eager to make themselves at home.