Joanna Gaines' grounding twist on gray is enough to keep this former color trend alive
The Magnolia designer revealed a gray-green alternative to the previously loved neutral – in the most unexpected of spaces


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If anybody has the power to revive formerly-loved color trends, it is Joanna Gaines, and she may have done precisely that in her son's bedroom.
The designer, known for HGTV's Fixer Upper (and her Magnolia empire), offered a glimpse inside Crew Gaines' bedroom – complete with an antique-style cabinet and a monochromatic gallery wall. However, above all, its coloring caught our attention.
In this space, Joanna has chosen a distinctly gray-green paint: celebrating a hue that, designers say, is the color that's replacing gray – while simultaneously allowing it to live on for seasons ahead.
While it is no secret that conventional shades of gray have suffered a controversial reputation in recent months, some say that this color trend will endure with a grounding twist – and we'd say Joanna's paint is the perfect choice. But what do other designers think?
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'Previously, cooler grays with blue undertones dominated interior design palettes, evoking a modern and sleek aesthetic. However, the current trend is leaning towards warmer variations of gray: Green grays,' says designer Jennifer Davis.
'Green grays, which infuse a touch of natural serenity into spaces, are gaining popularity. These tones bring a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors, creating a harmonious and refreshing atmosphere.'
Jennifer fell in love with design at a young age and has been working in the industry for over 25 years. She has developed an eye for detail and a talent for creating timeless designs. Jennifer offers a balance of creativity and forward-thinking with a structured, organized, and detailed mentality. Jennifer is driven by her deep passion for design while curating an exceptional client journey, ensuring pure delight from the very beginning to the end.
As mentioned, Joanna has chosen to bring the hue into her son's bedroom – naturally, a space where feelings of serenity are prioritized. However, this doesn't mean we should reserve gray-green exclusively for sleep-including spaces. Instead, Teri Simone, the head of design at Nieu, explains that the hue is just as soothing in more sociable spaces around our homes.
'Gray and green work beautifully in the home because they are neutral, soothing earth tones,' she says.
A passionate and dynamic Head of Design and Marketing at Nieu Cabinet Doors Inc., a bespoke cabinet doors company offering luxury products at DIY-friendly prices. Teri works closely with American and Canadian customers and has collaborated with notable home influencers and celebrities (such as Queer Eye's Bobby Berk and HGTV's Kortney Wilson) to help achieve custom dream spaces.
In Crew's bedroom, Joanna has paired the paint with similar earthy hues, including the aforementioned wooden cabinet and neutral soft furnishings. However, Teri reassures us that, when going gray-green, we also have a license to play with more vibrant tones.
'Greens with a hint of a gray undertone make for a balanced color palette, and both provide grounding elements that can be accented with pops of other bright tones to warm up the space,' she says.'Think a yellow or pink throw pillow as a bright splash or soft linen curtains for a subtle contrast.'
Or, for another space that's sure to be Joanna Gaines-approved, we're looking to her latest collection via Magnolia. We've listed some of our bedroom best buys below.
Soft and lightweight, this angora throw is the closest thing you’ll get to touching clouds. The layers of cotton give it a relaxed look, so it’s the perfect neutral tone for the end of your bed.
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Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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