Here, designers, decorators, and color experts reveal why beige is replacing gray for 2023, and how to decorate with beige for a beautiful scheme every time.
Beige is often considered a bland, uninspired choice, but it needn't be. It's an excellent alternative to white and grey if you want to create an understated look, and it encompasses a huge range of shades – everything from pale creams and taupes to richer camel, honey and sand hues.
After years of seeing all-gray-everything, it seems interior trends are officially shifting away from the palette that became a staple in the early 2000s. According to some experts, there isn't a moment too soon to say goodbye to gray. But, don't bust out the paintbrushes quite yet.
Marvelous Magenta
Though it's derived from the red family, magenta brings forward a vibrant spirit all of its own that people will be craving in the upcoming year. The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature.
Modern Gray is a WARM paint color that's more of a taupe than a warm gray (but this can be open to perception). In a south-facing room or room with western afternoon sun, Modern Gray will lean CONSIDERABLY into its warm base, looking almost beige-tan.
Agreeable Gray, by Sherwin-Williams
"Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is our most popular gray paint color because it's the perfect hue for any living space, whether it be a family room or bedroom," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
The consensus is that grey is out and warm neutrals will continue to dominate in 2023.
Overall, the chromatic trend for Autumn-Winter 2023/2024 presents great comebacks and confirmations, with a palette that ranges from red to gray, yellow to brown, and pink. Even the most delicate and subtle shades will have their space, inviting experimentation and rediscovery of classic nuances in an original key.
Sherwin Williams chose “Redend Point” as their 2023 color of the year. It's a strong beige that they describe as “minimal yet cozy” and creating a “comforting backdrop”. Combine it with white, brown or other beiges. It also looks good with warm metals such as gold.
In recent years, grey has been a popular neutral color choice in home decor, but as we move into 2023, beige may be poised to take its place. Furthermore, beige can help create a sense of continuity and flow within a space.
Vintage Interior Design
Whether it's a classic mid-century modern piece or a vintage-inspired color palette, this design style effortlessly withstands the test of time, making it a perennial favorite for those seeking enduring elegance and character in their homes.
While gray comes in countless shades, ranging from warm to cold, it's a color that can bring people down. “Too much of a gray color creates sadness and a tendency for loneliness and isolation,” says Marlene De Cespedes with Douglas Elliman.
Now that gray has fallen out of favor, you may be wondering what color is replacing gray. Of all the neutrals, gray is the one that always held the most gravitas with designers and decorators, however, gray is slowly being replaced by beige.
Natural and refined, this balanced neutral creates a clean interior for a stress-free aesthetic.
WGSN, the consumer and design trend forecaster, and its sister company Coloro have selected Future Dusk as the Color of the Year for 2025. According to WGSN and Coloro, Future Dusk is a dark, moody and intriguing hue that sits between blue and purple.
The aptly named Future Dusk, a deep shade of blue-purple that's celestial and mysterious, has been named their 2025 Color of the Year. "Colors that bring a sense of reassurance will be key for 2025, and we will see captivating tinted darks gaining momentum," says Urangoo Samba, head of color for WGSN.
Spring 2024 Color Trend: NUTSHELL 024-37-20
A red-infused shade of brown brings character to a traditionally core neutral color. It's warm qualities invite a sense of connection, reassurance, authenticity, and quality, and craftsmanship. It points to a desire for longevity, timelessness, and connection .
Blank Canvas by Behr
Not every 2023 color of the year aims to make a statement. Blank Canvas, Behr's pick, is a creamy shade of white that goes with practically everything. The warm neutral stands out from the icy modern hues popular in the past.
The wrong bedroom colors can impact just how soundly you sleep at night. You'll want to create a relaxing retreat for the best night's sleep and unwinding. In general, muted colors work best for your bedroom walls. Light blues, soft greens, shades of white, and beige and gray are some of the best choices.
Black, butter yellow, Barbie pink, and sizzling red are the four unmistakable fashion color trends of 2023 for the summer season. Although typically worn more in the wintery months, black has surprisingly been one of the most distinguished colors for Spring/Summer 2023 collections.
Joanna loves using grays in her homes for the main living spaces. Some of her favorites are Sherwin Williams Mindful gray, Oyster Pearl, and Passive Gray. Repose Gray is one shade lighter than Mindful and would look fabulous for an open living space.
Mindful gray is a warm gray. There are no strong undertones making it the perfect neutral. It is another great light color but a bit darker than Repose Gray. Mindful Gray is also a Sherwin Williams Gray that is often used color on Fixer Upper.