Choosing the right color for your living room might seem simple — but anyone who has spent hours torn between shades of beige, green, or blue knows that this decision has more impact than it seems. After all, we’re talking about the heart of the home: the space where we welcome guests, relax, and spend most of our time.
To get straight to the point, I asked two experienced interior designers what, in their opinion, is the worst color for a living room. And the answer was unanimous — cool gray.
+ Grandma’s Living Room Is Back in Style! Here’s Why the Retro Look Has Made a Big Comeback
Why has cool gray fallen out of favor?
During the 2010s, shades of gray dominated paint catalogs and interior design projects. They were seen as elegant, modern, and neutral. But according to the designers I spoke with, cool gray has lost its appeal — and not just for aesthetic reasons.
“Cool gray creates an impersonal, and often even melancholic, atmosphere. It might work in corporate or ultra-minimalist environments, but it rarely benefits the living room, which should feel warm and full of life,” explains Carolina Duarte, an interior designer with over 10 years of experience in contemporary residential projects.
Designer Renato Salles, a specialist in open-concept spaces, supports her argument:
“Many people still choose gray thinking it’s a ‘safe’ color. But in practice, we often see the opposite: rooms that look unfinished, cold, or even dull. Especially when natural light is limited.”
The emotional impact of color in a space
Colors directly influence our mood and how we perceive space. In a social area like the living room, the ideal is to create an atmosphere that encourages connection, well-being, and creativity. Too many cool or neutral tones — especially blue-tinted or silvery grays — can have the opposite effect.
“The home is becoming a space of affection again, and interior design reflects that shift. People want to feel good — they want color, texture, and identity. Cool gray runs counter to all of that,” says Carolina.
So, what colors should you use in the living room?
If you’re aiming to avoid cool gray, what are the best alternatives for a cozy and stylish environment? Both designers recommend warm and earthy tones that create a sense of comfort and connection to nature.
Here are some safe and elegant suggestions:
- Olive green or sage, which pair well with wood and natural fibers
- Terracotta, clay, or caramel, ideal for depth and warmth
- Sand, cream, or warm off-white, which act as a neutral base without cooling the space
- Petrol blue or navy, used on accent walls or in details to add sophistication
The color of your living room has the power to transform how the space is perceived — and the emotions it evokes. According to the designers, avoiding cool gray is an important step toward creating a more inviting, contemporary space aligned with 2025 trends, which emphasize well-being and personality.
Before choosing your paint color, think about how you want to feel in the space. If the answer is “welcomed, energized, and inspired,” then it might be time to say goodbye to gray — and open yourself to a whole new world of color.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
