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Design trends shift fast, and the long reign of flat, cool gray is showing signs of fatigue. On the hit HGTV show Fixer to Fabulous, couple and designers Dave and Jenny Marrs are nudging homeowners toward warmer, more textured neutrals that feel inviting and modern. Their recent projects offer a clear playbook for anyone ready to move past the ubiquitous “millennial gray.”
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Gray once dominated living rooms and kitchens for its neutral versatility. But many of those tones were cool, flat, and easily read as sterile under certain light. Now, the trend is toward colors that capture natural warmth and subtle depth.
- Cool grays with blue or purple undertones can make spaces feel chilly.
- Homeowners and designers want paint that complements wood, textiles, and warm metals.
- Subtle undertones—brown, pink, or green—create a cozier backdrop without sacrificing neutrality.
The key shift is not abandoning neutral palettes, but selecting shades with softer, nature-inspired undertones.
How Dave and Jenny Marrs apply warmer neutrals on screen
The Marrses use each room’s function, historic style, and natural light to guide color choices. They favor neutrals that read differently throughout the day, giving rooms personality while staying classic.
Real examples from Fixer to Fabulous
- In a Cape Cod renovation, the team picked a Blue Gray that reads like sage in certain lights. It blurs the line between green and gray for a lived-in feel.
- For kitchen cabinetry in a later season, a greige—Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter—was chosen to add warmth without overpowering the space.
- Other rooms show deeper, earthy greens and a steely cadet blue on cabinets that adds structure and sophistication.
- One kitchen used a warm gray-beige called Drop Cloth that offers a soft, inviting foundation for the rest of the palette.
Takeaway: The Marrses aren’t eliminating gray. They’re opting for versions with warmth, low saturation, and natural undertones.
Choosing a gray alternative that fits your home
Selecting paint depends on light, architecture, and the finishes you plan to keep. Here are practical steps that mirror pro practice.
- Identify undertones: Look for brown, warm taupe, soft green, or dusty blue beneath the surface.
- Test large swatches: Paint big panels and observe them at morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Assess with materials: Bring samples near flooring, trim, and furniture to ensure harmony.
- Start small: Use a warmer neutral in a hallway or powder room before committing to main rooms.
- Layer color: Combine a warmer wall tone with cooler accents for balance.
Color families worth exploring
If you want alternatives that age gracefully, consider these groups. Each offers neutral utility with more warmth than cool gray.
- Greige: A hybrid of gray and beige that adjusts to light and keeps interiors feeling grounded.
- Sage and muted greens: Earthy greens that read neutral but bring subtle life to a room.
- Warm taupes and browns: Soft, dusty tones that pair well with wood and brass.
- Soft blues with gray undertones: Steely blues that offer structure without starkness.
Quick rules designers use when replacing cool gray
- Prefer low-saturation hues to avoid trendy extremes.
- Choose undertones that complement natural materials.
- Always test in the actual space before finalizing a color.
- Use trim and ceiling colors to frame and soften the wall tone.
