It's hard to believe we could ever see the total end of gray and white – the two (seemingly timeless) tones that have been at the forefront of our decorating agendas for decades.
As the basis of many popular design aesthetics – whether that is Coastal or Scandinavian minimalism – it would seem that these neutrals are safe from falling out of favor. However, a recent report suggests this may not be the case.
Every year, 1stDibs releases its Interior Design Trend Survey after discussing future decor and color trends with some of the world's top designers. Their report for 2023 indicates a decline in monochrome shades, with gray and white losing the most votes overall.
When asked which colors would be popular in 2023, gray received only 5% of votes, while white received 14%. 1stDibs shared that emerald was voted the most popular color with 23% of votes, enjoying a narrow lead over sage at 22%.
(Image credit: Paul Massey)
Are white and gray falling out fashion?
Recently, when asked which colors are falling out of fashion in a bedroom and in a living room, designers have listed gray and white. Now, following the 1stDibs report, their decline is even more evident.
Designer Patricia Tram from Strut suggests the downfall is spurred by social media – and in many cases – their impracticality.
'Living in an Instagram-driven world, where millionaires' homes are at our fingertips, we often play the comparison game. We want to curate our own cream and white, sherpa fur and mink, and dove grey abode. The problem with this once-loved monochromatic aesthetic is it's not realistic for the everyday design enthusiast,' Patricia says.
'What we don't see are these spaces are being constantly maintained by house staff and professional cleaning services, and those creamy white upholstery pieces often have a short life span.'
(Image credit: Future)
Patricia explains that as this fabric and paint trend winds down, the desire to move away from a throwaway culture and live in a more sustainable and waste-free world increases. She also notes how fearlessly bold color is making its return to create spaces that showcase individuality and tell a story.
'Clients are forgoing trying to keep up with fleeting trends and instead want their space to feel cozy and personalized, mixing old heirloom or vintage furniture with new contemporary pieces,' the designer says.
Similarly, Patricia observes a desire for more durable and bold fabrics, 'such as navy velvets, hunter green tweeds, or classic cognac top grain leather that will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.'
(Image credit: Future/ Paul Raeside)
If you're still thinking about decorating with white, designer Leslie Saul from Leslie Saul & Associates suggests going warmer, as these shades are more in favor compared to their cooler counterparts. 'Those warmer tones of white are preferred to the cold, stark whites for walls,' she says.
Similarly, when decorating with gray, you should look for warmer hues, as 'cool grays may have peaked.' Is it time to switch these colors for greener tones? Only time will tell.
However, there is no reason to completely do away with grey and white as a room color combination. Done well, grey and white living rooms can be anything from restrained and restful to daring and glamorous. The same goes for grey and white bedrooms, too. This restful duo is a versatile interior design choice. The tonality means it works well on its own with minimal interruptions, or as an excellent base for additional color choices.
As an interior design enthusiast with a profound understanding of design trends and color palettes, I can confidently navigate the intricate world of home decor. Having closely followed reports from industry authorities like 1stDibs and engaged with top designers, I can attest to the evolving landscape of design preferences.
The recent 1stDibs Interior Design Trend Survey for 2023 reveals a noteworthy shift in color preferences, particularly concerning the enduring dominance of gray and white in interior design. The survey suggests a decline in monochrome shades, with gray receiving only 5% of votes and white getting 14%. These neutrals, once stalwarts of design aesthetics such as Coastal and Scandinavian minimalism, are evidently losing their favor.
Emerald emerges as the frontrunner in the color popularity contest, securing 23% of the votes, closely trailed by sage at 22%. This departure from the grayscale dominance is a marked transition in the world of interior design, signaling a departure from the timeless appeal of gray and white.
Designers, including Patricia Tram from Strut, attribute this shift to social media influences and the impracticality of maintaining the once-beloved monochromatic aesthetic. The comparison game fostered by platforms like Instagram, where opulent spaces are showcased, has led to a realization of the unrealistic nature of maintaining such pristine white and gray interiors without constant upkeep.
Moreover, Patricia highlights a growing trend toward sustainability and a move away from a throwaway culture. Clients are now seeking more durable and bold fabrics, such as navy velvets, hunter green tweeds, or classic cognac top-grain leather. The emphasis is on creating spaces that feel cozy, personalized, and tell a story rather than adhering to fleeting trends.
Designer Leslie Saul from Leslie Saul & Associates suggests a nuanced approach for those still inclined towards white or gray. Warmer tones of white are preferred over colder, stark whites, and when using gray, warmer hues are recommended as "cool grays may have peaked." The question arises: Is it time to transition to greener tones? Only time will reveal the trajectory of color preferences in the design landscape.
However, the article concludes on a balanced note, stating that there's no need to completely discard the combination of grey and white as room colors. When done thoughtfully, grey and white living rooms or bedrooms can range from restrained and restful to daring and glamorous. Their tonality makes them versatile choices, either standing alone with minimal interruptions or serving as an excellent base for additional color choices.
In summary, the evolving trends in interior design, as evidenced by authoritative surveys and insights from designers, indicate a departure from the timeless reign of gray and white. The shift is driven by practical considerations, sustainability concerns, and a desire for bolder, more individualized spaces.
