Goodbye Grey and Hello Delicious Chocolate Brown … New Color Choices

As gray’s long reign in interior design begins to fade, the design world is increasingly welcoming warmer, more expressive colors. The color stepping in as the new go-to neutral and statement shade is brown—particularly earthy tones like camel, chocolate, terracotta, and rich clay. Here’s what’s emerging in gray’s place:

1. Warm Neutrals Replace Cool Grays

• Beige, taupe, and greige (gray + beige) are coming back strong, but with more warmth than their early-2000s counterparts.
• These tones feel more organic and inviting, especially in textured finishes like plaster, linen, or natural stone.

2. Brown Is the New Gray

• Designers are using brown the way gray was used: as a foundation for sophisticated palettes.
• Expect to see walnut woods, chocolate velvet, espresso cabinetry, and warm leather tones.

3. Nature-Inspired Colors Are Rising

• Think mossy greens, deep ochres, warm rusts, and sunbaked terracotta.
• These hues connect interiors to nature and promote groundedness and calm—especially important in a post-pandemic world.

4. Jewel Tones as Accents

• Rich hues like sapphire, emerald, and aubergine are being layered with warm neutrals for personality without overpowering.