Ask Joshua: Will Gray Walls Ever Go Out of Style?

Dear Joshua,

I hope this message finds you well. Lately, I've been noticing a trend that's been around for quite some time now—gray walls. It feels like they've dominated the scene for over a decade. Everywhere I turn, whether in my hometown or during my travels across the country, these gray walls seem to follow. It's starting to wear on me, and I find myself wondering: will this fascination with gray walls ever fade? I can't help but wonder why so many people are drawn to them because I find them drab. Could you share your thoughts on this matter? I'd greatly appreciate your insights.

Warm regards,

Ann - Des Mornes, Iowa

Transitional style living room with gray walls. AI generated via Imagine.

Hi Ann,

Thank you for raising such an excellent question about the prevalence of the gray wall trend. I share your observation that gray walls seem to be virtually everywhere nowadays, and personally, while I do love them in the right situation, I find the color overused. The idea behind using gray as a color is to foster a sense of calmness within a space; it's often regarded as a neutral tone. However, some individuals have perhaps become a little too taken with this trend, mimicking the exact paint colors and brands used by others they know, without considering whether that particular shade suits their own unique home or space. Every home or space is distinct and should reflect that individuality rather than mirroring identical looks everywhere, echoing your sentiment.

I’ve always advocated against blindly following interior design trends. These trends tend to have a fleeting presence, with some enduring longer than others. It's preferable to concentrate on what truly works best for each person and brings them genuine happiness.

Interestingly, I recently came across a Facebook post by HGTV that inquired about the "worst interior design trend of 2023," and the majority of respondents singled out "gray walls." It's reassuring to know that many others share our viewpoint. Personally, I believe the gray wall trend may be on its way out in the near future.

Warmly,

Joshua

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