The Exterior Paint Color That Looks Severely Outdated Going Into 2025

It dominated homes, wardrobes, and Instagram grids, but the reign of the "millennial gray" color trend is finally fading to black. Now is not the time to paint your home's exterior gray — its moment has passed. Design trends and popular colors constantly evolve, mirroring shifts in culture, mood, and how we want our spaces to feel. Historically, color trends have had a 20-year lifespan, but it appears that social media may have accelerated that cycle. Gray first emerged as trendy in the 2010s, a striking contrast to the browns and beiges that had been popular in millennials' childhood homes. It soon gained popularity as a minimalistic neutral that some found soothing, providing a bit of calm in a busy world. 

However, designers are seeing signs that gray is going out of style in favor of bolder color choices. Even Pantone's recent color of the year was mocha mousse, a departure into warmer earth tones. Now, if you're planning to sell your home, a gray exterior might feel a bit dated. Even the shade matters — a recent study by Zillow found that buyers are willing to pay more for darker, dramatic grays than for lighter grays or whites. Charcoal gray, with its rich and striking tone, may be the only shade of gray still holding its own. With new colors taking center stage, it's time to leave millennial gray behind and look toward fresher, more vibrant options for your space.

If you're looking for the trendier alternative to a dated gray paint, consider looking beyond traditional neutrals. Sherwin Williams recommends considering "the 'new neutrals': values of yellow, orange, red, blue, green and purple." You can also take inspiration from designers like "Home Town" star Erin Napier, who recommends modern exterior paint trends such as choosing a dark color palette for the exterior of your home. Deep, rich colors can evoke a timeless, old-world feel, bringing an added depth to a home's design. 

With so many vibrant and versatile options available, it's easier than ever to find a paint color that feels fresh and contemporary. Whether you choose a bold new neutral or a trendy, dramatic shade recommended by top designers, your home's exterior can stand out in style.

However, if your home has a lot of shades of gray and you aren't up for a complete overhaul, never fear — there are ways you can modernize it without starting from scratch. The first color palette in Sherwin Williams' Colormix 2025 Forecast, Chrysalis, features a few grays mixed with shades of brown to add those fresh, earthy undertones. By incorporating warmer neutrals or earthy accents, you can breathe new life into your space while keeping some of the gray you've loved.