Outdated Paint Colors You Should Replace

If your home feels a little bit blah and uninspired, it could come down to the walls (and ceiling). A color that's fallen out of favor could make your home look and feel dated. Fortunately, one of the most affordable ways to give your home an update is with a fresh coat of paint (especially if you're willing to pull out the brush and DIY the fresh paint job yourself). See if your current paint colors are on the way out of fashion—and what you can do (including some fast fixes) to give your home a fresh look.

❖ Lisa Hudson, president of Fresh Coat Painters 

❖ Amy Wax, color expert and author of Can't Fail Color Schemes 

 

Millennial Gray 

 

Sad, but true: It may (finally) be time to say goodbye to that steely millennial gray that's been everywhere for the past several years. "The current paint trend is shifting toward warmer, more complex hues, which gives a fresh take on home interiors," says Lisa Hudson, president of Fresh Coat Painters. "The cooler, once popular and purely gray shades are starting to feel less in tune with the richer, more inviting tones now in demand. Colors with noticeable blue or purple undertones—once a neutral staple—can now seem a bit flat compared to the depth and warmth of the newer palettes." 

Your Paint Fix: Opt for warmer neutrals in place of cool grays, like soft greiges and creamy whites, Hudson says. "They create spaces that feel cozy and welcoming. If your home’s neutral color feels a little too cool or lacks a bit of that earthy warmth, it might be time for a change." 

Bright, Over-Saturated Colors 

 

We've all seen lots of those deep, moody-hued rooms that are in vogue. But finding the right shade can be tricky—and if you go on the brighter end of the saturated palette, you may head into dated territory. "Colors that tend to be out of style, or are simply less popular, are colors that are overly saturated—brilliant royal blue or neon yellow," says Amy Wax, color expert and author of Can't Fail Color Schemes. "Any color that is too bright, too intense, or too strong tells you right away that they are out of style." 

Your Paint Fix: Look for subtler colors that are still bold, but not as bright. "Softer versions, such as a rich blue with a hint of gray in it, or a creamy yellow that is not too bright, are colors that are easier to use and easier on the eyes," Wax says. "Look for colors that are a little calmer, and they will be easier to live with over time and easier to decorate around. Those softer colors will also stand the test of time when they are used well."

Yellow-Toned Beiges 

 

"The old, muddy beiges look flat," Hudson says. "Those yellow-toned paints, which were everywhere in the pre-2010s, have dull pigments that make the walls look heavy and lifeless, rather than clean or sophisticated." 

Your Paint Fix: Swap out the "builder's grade" beige for an on-trend earth tone that gives you a more vibrant backdrop for your home. 

Trendy Picks 

 

Every paint company releases a color (or colors!) of the year, which may entice you to make a big leap into a new hue for your rooms. But while we often adore the picks, they don't always work for every room and every situation. 

Your Paint Fix: We're not here to say that you shouldn't pick a color of the year. But before you jump on that bandwagon, consider whether you really like it. "Every color you choose—whether you are choosing colors that are trending or colors that are going to jump start a new design—they should always be colors that you love, that draw you in, and bring you happiness inside," Wax says. "Think about what colors you would love to surround yourself in and let that guide you to designing something that feels new." 

Flat Finishes 

 

"Beyond the color itself, a dated paint look often comes down to finish," Hudson says. "Flat paint looks dull, shows every scuff, and can't be cleaned." 

Your Paint Fix: Say hello to a little bit of sheen for your paint colors. "If you want your walls to look current and last, ditch the completely flat or matte finish for anything other than the ceiling," Hudson says. "Instead, use an eggshell or satin for a subtle, durable sheen."

Accent Walls 

 

The single bold accent wall has been a design technique for years—but it's now showing its age. "It chops up the room and is visually outdated," Hudson says. 

Your Paint Fix: Give all four walls the same shade—whether you go bold or decide to stick with a neutral. "If you want a bold shade, commit to painting all four walls, or better yet, introduce the strong color using large art, rugs, or furniture instead of paint," Hudson says. 

Are You Due for a Repaint? 

 

You'll want to assess whether the paint color and style truly suit your needs right now. "When you are no longer excited to use the space or spend time in a room, perhaps it is time for a refresh," Wax says. "In my mind, if a room looks tired, it is time to reconsider its use, its design, or maybe just its wall color." 

Here's what you'll need to know about when to repaint—and other tricks and techniques you can use to refresh a space without a completely new painting job. 

Repaint high-traffic areas sooner 

 

Your kitchen, hallways, and bathrooms are prime candidates for more frequent repainting. "They need a fresh coat or at least a deep scrub every three to five years to fight off scuffs and grime," Hudson says. Rooms that see less action, like your bedrooms or dining rooms, could likely go for a decade or even more without a fresh paint coat, unless you're starting to see some fading due to sunlight—or you're just tired of the color. 

Change up your lighting 

 

Fun fact: Swapping out your light bulbs for a different color temperature—a super easy feat with smart bulbs—can give your room a whole new look. For instance, you can counteract a too-cool millennial gray by introducing warmth through lighting, Hudson says. "The simplest trick is swapping out harsh, cold light bulbs for soft, warm LEDs (2700K–3000K); the warmer light immediately neutralizes those blue undertones."

Refresh the trim and ceiling 

 

You may not need to do a full repaint, even if you've used a color that feels a little blah. "Muddy, yellow-toned beiges look dull because they lack crisp edges," Hudson says. "Frame those walls with a clean, bright white trim to make the beige look deliberate, not just faded." 

Accessorize to balance out a dated color 

 

If you're not ready to repaint, you can use artwork, pillows, and other accessories to bring in new colors that'll freshen up your look. "Bring in bold, sophisticated accent colors, like deep olive green, rust, or terracotta, in your art and pillows," Hudson says. "Then layer in rich, tactile textures like aged brass metals, warm woods, and chunky fabrics."