Out With The Gray: 6 Paint Colors Going Out Of Style In 2026 (And What That Says About You)

By Jennifer Graff | Inspired by Real Simple’s article by Amanda Lauren

You finally found the house. The right size, the right view, maybe even that dream kitchen island you’ve been envisioning for years. But before you start unpacking those moving boxes or hanging that “Welcome Home” wreath, here’s a little reminder: style doesn’t stop at the front door.

Because what’s “in” this year might already be on its way out by the time you get your keys.

If you’re part of the 50-plus crowd moving to Las Vegas for a fresh start (or a well-earned downsize), you’re probably ready to leave the past behind — just maybe not your walls from 2012. Sage green, we loved you for a minute. Gray? You had your decade. But darling, it’s time to move on.

According to Real Simple, here are the shades interior designers say will be so over by 2026:

Deep Reds

That dramatic burgundy dining room you saw on Pinterest? Gorgeous in theory, but a touch theatrical in real life. Think Cabernet walls after two glasses too many.

Fifty Shades of… Nope

Gray was the neutral of the 2010s, but it’s officially out. Homes today crave warmth, texture, and life — not sterile cool tones. If your living room still feels like a Restoration Hardware catalog, consider this your gentle nudge to warm it up.

Black is Back… Out

Sure, it’s chic on the runway, but on your walls? Maybe not. Designers say the pure black look is high-maintenance and fading fast. Unless you have a lighting crew on standby, it’s time to lighten things up.

Pastels

Sweet, soft, and nostalgic — but pastels belong in macaron boxes, not main living spaces. Powder blue and blush pink just don’t deliver the sophistication today’s interiors demand.

Sage Green

It was fresh, it was serene, and it was everywhere. Cabinets, walls, bedding — sage green had a serious moment. But like skinny jeans and shiplap, its overexposure means it’s time to step aside. Don’t worry, there’s a new generation of greens coming in — richer, moodier, and more complex.

Stark Whites

That crisp gallery white may look great in theory, but in real life? Too cold, too harsh, too “did I just move into a hospital wing?” The trend is shifting toward warmer whites, soft creams, and earthy neutrals that feel human — not clinical.

The Real Takeaway

Color trends may come and go, but good taste is timeless. Whether you’re moving into a brand-new home in Summerlin or refreshing your Spanish Trail villa, the key is choosing hues that make you feel something — not just what’s trending on TikTok.

And if you’re part of the over-50 crowd making your next move, this is your permission slip to have fun with it. Your next chapter should feel elevated, inviting, and completely your own. Just maybe skip the gray.

 Because no one wants to be out of style before the paint even dries.

 

Want to see how Las Vegas homes are blending timeless design with today’s trends?
Explore my latest listings and new construction tours here.

 

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In the meantime, if you're wondering how these changes affect your plans—whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to time the market—I'm here to talk strategy. Let’s have a conversation that actually makes sense for you.

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