This Color Trend Is About to Take Over Homes in 2026

Goodbye, gray

Author image: Candace Davison, PureWow executive editor

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Published Aug 26, 2025

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams/PureWow

“Beige” is a loaded word: It often conjures images of drab, boring interiors, aesthetically pleasing yet creatively unfulfilling nurseries, and the Tuscan kitchen explosion of the early aughts. But if that’s all that comes to mind when you envision the color, it’s time for a paradigm shift. Beige is so back, baby, and it’s taking on a luxe, Nancy Meyers-meets-coastal-dreamscape role in homes everywhere.

Designers have been talking about the return of beige—replacing the cool-toned “millennial gray” that dominated homes over the past decade—since 2022. PureWow even lamented the “beigification” of all areas of life in 2023, addressing how the oversaturation of a desaturated look had become synonymous with quiet luxury, but in the process, fashion, homes and kids’ toys lost their personality. Well, it seems the pendulum is swinging toward a less-stark approach, and in an era where our accessories have accessories (have you seen they make clothes for Labubus now?!), we’re all craving warmth—and whimsy. That comes down to the type of beige you use and what you pair with it.

And that’s where ‘sanded’ beiges, specifically, stand poised to take over homes as the new go-to neutral. As you can see from the Instagram image above, it’s a bit softer and mellower than previous iterations.

“Homeowners are seeking calm, inviting spaces that still feel refined, and these natural, earthy neutrals strike that perfect balance,” explains Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, who noted rising interest in this color family among shoppers. “Unlike the cooler grays that have dominated for years, sanded beiges offer warmth and softness, transforming homes into havens of comfort while still feeling sophisticated and timeless.”

So What Are Sanded Beiges?

Picture the pale tan of the sand at the beach; that’s the type of color you’re going for. It isn’t super saturated; it’s more of a “grounding” base that pairs well with other, less-saturated hues (particularly those echoing the sea and forest).

When it comes to choosing a shade for your home, “the key is to pay attention to undertones, especially how they interact with your space’s lighting, existing finishes and overall palette.,” Banbury says. “Even within sanded beiges, some lean warmer while others have a cooler, taupe-like quality. Think about what else is happening in your room – your flooring, cabinetry or trim – and let those elements guide you toward a beige that feels harmonious. A shade like Stucco (HGSW7569), for example, offers warm undertones that promote a cozy, grounded atmosphere.”

It works in any room of the house, and it pairs particularly well with light color palettes. Coastal design (and Nancy Meyers) fans, for example, may find sanded beige works well with sea-inspired blues and soft neutrals. (Banbury cites Dover White (HGSW6385) and Restful (HGSW6458), or g Watery (HGSW6478) and Oyster Bar (HGSW7565), as pairings that feel “coastal without being too literal.”)

It isn’t just for beachy aesthetics, though—you can also skew moodier, with other muted tones inspired by nature, like terracotta, olive and ochre. (Smoky and “mineral tones” offer an inky dose of color without overpowering the space and are emerging as early fall home trends.) It’s also a great base to make heirloom-style dark wood pieces stand out, without competing for your attention.

What If My Whole House Is Gray?

Many of us have been living in a cool gray world, and the thought of repainting all the walls doesn’t just sound like a project—it feels like an aesthetic overhaul. Banbury suggests doing some “thoughtful layering” to transition into this warmer neutral.

“Many grays and beiges share similar undertones, so the trick is to choose sanded shades that echo the coolness of existing elements. For example, pairing a cooler-toned gray with a taupe-based beige will feel much more cohesive than introducing something overly warm,” she says. “If your space features a lot of crisp gray, try a muted tone like Softer Tan (HGSW6141) to bridge the gap and bring in warmth without clashing.”

Are There Any Colors That Don’t Work with Beige?

While neutrals tend to play well with others, sanded beige is designed to create a soothing, laid-back environment. As a result, Banbury suggests taking a closer look at tone (how much gray is in the color, giving it a more “neutral” or muted effect) and contrast when pairing colors. “Overly saturated or high-contrast colors can sometimes compete instead of complement,” she elaborates. “To keep the look serene and cohesive, steer toward colors that echo the natural world – soft greens, watery blues and muted whites work particularly well and allow sanded neutrals to create that calming, timeless foundation.”

At the end of the day, beige only means boring if you allow it to be.

Candace Davison

VP of editorial content

Oversees home, food and commerce articles
Author of two cookbooks and has contributed recipes to three others
Named one of 2023's Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of South Florida, where she studied mass communications and business

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