Buzz
Photo Credit: John Keeble/Getty ImagesMillennials' color preference is still officially 'out,' according to recent Google Trends data, which showed a staggering 5,000% increase in searches for terms like 'millennial gray' and 'millennial grey' in May. Additionally, 'millennial grey house' is one of the most popular related searches in the U.S. Despite the rise of vibrant styles like dopamine decor and maximalism on social media, the reality is that people remain attached to their favored neutral tone.
Sherwin-Williams confirmed that in 2023, Agreeable Gray SW 7029 ranked as their second best-selling interior color, with three other gray shades also landing in the top 20, highlighting the enduring popularity of neutral colors.
What Does 'Millennial Gray' Really Mean?
At first glance, millennial gray appears to be just another shade of gray. However, a quick search of the hashtag on TikTok, which boasts over 131 million views, reveals that it's far more than just a color—it's a whole aesthetic. It's about immersing spaces in every tone of gray possible, creating a subtly monochrome environment. The term 'millennial' is used because it's primarily associated with individuals in their 30s who gravitate toward this design trend... Or so say some younger TikTok users.
The stereotype is that millennials are stuck in a gray vortex, with members of this generation transforming their homes into grayscale sanctuaries. TikTok is overflowing with millennials proudly showcasing their all-gray living spaces, like content creator @stephanie_villega, who humorously admits to 'crying in millennial gray' as she gives a tour of her color-free abode.
The Origins of 'Millennial Gray'
While theories about the origins of millennial gray circulate on forums like Reddit, it's unclear exactly what ignited millennials' alleged obsession with this so-called 'bland' color scheme. Some believe it's a direct response to the bold, Mediterranean-inspired decor choices of boomer parents, which often featured warm tones like gold, orange, and terracotta.
Some suggest that 'millennial gray' is a sign of generational frustration. However, a more likely explanation is that the gray design elements—from floors to walls to furniture—were ubiquitous on home decorating shows in the late 2000s, celebrated for their modern, clean, and versatile appeal.
While it was once thought that gray had peaked in the early 2010s, it turns out many millennials are still clinging to this dull yet comforting shade. Despite the rise of new trends like beige, which appears to be holding strong, gray remains a favorite for many. Lisa Moon, a professional painter and co-owner of Paper Moon Painting in Texas, confirms this enduring love for gray.
According to Lisa Moon, beige, another neutral tone, has become just as popular, if not more so, with her clients. She humorously notes, 'If anything, I’d say ‘millennium beige’ is a thing!' Some TikTok users have even dubbed it 'sad beige.' While Moon agrees that beige and warmer colors are in vogue, it's clear that many people—especially millennials—continue to embrace gray, with over 50 shades to choose from.
A Designer’s View on ‘Millennial Gray’
Gretchen Murdock, an interior designer at Modtage Design in San Francisco, offers her insights into why millennials consistently favor gray. She explains, 'One reason is that they are overwhelmed by the endless design options and see gray as a safe, reliable color choice.'
Murdock highlights the influence of the real estate market, suggesting that it may have played a significant role in the trend. 'It’s important to recognize that gray has become the favored choice among property flippers due to its neutral tone and wide appeal to potential buyers. But in my view, this has led to the misconception that gray is a winning palette to bring into your own home,' she states.
Murdock explains that when clients ask for a millennial gray theme, she gently guides them away from it. 'This limited color palette can often create a space that feels devoid of warmth and energy, leaving it cold and uninviting. In many cases, this shade of gray can even have a negative impact on your subconscious,' she says. 'A home should be a place that makes you feel comforted.'
How to Handle the Gray Trend
If you feel like you've fallen into the trap of the millennial gray trend, there are still options available to you. Own it if it truly resonates with you—there’s no harm in having a completely gray home if it brings you happiness.
However, if you’re feeling uninspired or unsatisfied with your current design choices, but want to stick to a neutral theme, Murdock suggests 'warming up your palette with grays that lean toward beige, introducing textures and various shades to add depth and sophistication to the space.' She advises stepping away from the cooler, more somber grays to create a more inviting atmosphere.
