Is Gray Out? 7 Jewel-Toned Paint Trends Dominating Home Design in 2026

 The Return of Color: 7 Jewel-Toned Palettes That Will Replace Gray in Your Home 

Tired of boring gray interiors? Discover the 7 stunning jewel-toned palettes set to dominate home design in 2025-2026. From Emerald greens to Sapphire blues, learn how to transform your home with rich colors that boost both mood and resale value.

I'll never forget walking into my client Sarah's $875,000 Colonial in Westchester County last spring. Every single room was painted in varying shades of gray—Agreeable Gray, Repose Gray, Classic Gray. "I thought this was timeless," she sighed. "Now it just feels... sad." 

She wasn't alone. After nearly 15 years of gray dominating everything from subway tiles to sectional sofas, homeowners and real estate agents are witnessing something remarkable: the great color awakening of 2024-2025. 

And here's the thing that surprised me most—homes with bold, jewel-toned color schemes are sitting on the market an average of 12 days less than their gray counterparts in markets like Austin, Portland, and Charlotte. Buyers are craving personality again. 

If you're wondering whether it's time to ditch the gray or you're simply exhausted by colorless spaces, I'm here to tell you: color isn't just back. It's better than ever. 

Why Gray Lost Its Grip (And Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Change) 

Let me be honest with you. Gray wasn't a mistake. When it replaced the beige epidemic of the 2000s, it felt fresh, modern, and sophisticated. Benjamin Moore's Chelsea Gray became the darling of every HGTV renovation show, and Sherwin-Williams' Agreeable Gray sold more gallons than we could count. 

But somewhere around 2022, something shifted. 

I started noticing it in my staging consultations. Buyers would walk through perfectly styled gray living rooms and ask, "Is this an Airbnb?" The color had become so ubiquitous that homes lost their sense of identity. They felt corporate. Temporary. Soulless. 

The pandemic changed our relationship with our homes. We weren't just passing through our living rooms anymore—we were living in them, working in them, schooling our kids in them. We needed spaces that made us feel something. 

Enter jewel tones. 

What Are Jewel Tones (And Why They Work So Well in 2026) 

Think of jewel tones as the colors you'd find in precious gemstones—rich, saturated, and deeply pigmented. We're talking: 

• Emerald greens 
• Sapphire blues 
• Ruby reds 
• Amethyst purples 
• Citrine yellows 
• Garnet burgundies 

Unlike the pastels of the farmhouse era or the harsh primaries of the 80s, jewel tones have depth. They look expensive because they literally take their inspiration from expensive things. 

And here's what I love about them from a design perspective: they're surprisingly neutral. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but a deep emerald green wall actually provides a sophisticated backdrop for artwork, furniture, and textiles in a way that a light gray never could. 

The 7 Jewel-Toned Palettes Transforming American Homes 

After staging over 200 homes in the past three years and working with everyone from first-time buyers to luxury investors, I've identified seven jewel-toned palettes that consistently deliver stunning results. Let me walk you through each one with real-world applications. 

1. The Emerald Empire: Forest Greens + Warm Golds 

This palette reminds me of a $1.2M Tudor Revival I staged in Evanston, Illinois. We painted the dining room in Sherwin-Williams' Rookwood Dark Green, paired it with a vintage brass chandelier from Restoration Hardware, and brought in velvet dining chairs in a burnt orange. 

• The magic combination: 
• Main color: Deep emerald or forest green (walls) 
• Accent 1: Antique brass or warm gold (fixtures, frames) 
• Accent 2: Rust or terracotta (textiles, ceramics) 
• Neutral: Cream or warm white (trim, ceiling) 

This palette works phenomenally in dining rooms, libraries, and primary bedrooms. It's grounded, sophisticated, and photographs beautifully for listings—which matters when 97% of buyers start their search online. 

My pro tip: If full green walls feel too bold, try it on just the lower half with board-and-batten paneling. I did this in a $625,000 Craftsman in Seattle, and it sold in 4 days with multiple offers. 

2. The Sapphire Study: Navy Blues + Crisp Whites 

Navy has been hovering around the periphery for years, but in 2025, we're going deeper. Forget the dusty blues—we're talking Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy or Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue. 

I recently redesigned my own home office using this palette, and it's transformed my productivity. There's something about deep blue that feels both calming and energizing—probably why it's been used in libraries and studies for centuries. 

The magic combination: 

• Main color: Deep sapphire or navy (feature wall or cabinetry) 
• Accent 1: Bright white (trim, ceiling, adjacent walls) 
• Accent 2: Cognac brown (leather desk chair, wood tones) 
• Metal: Polished nickel or chrome 

This palette is chef's kiss for home offices, especially now that 35% of Americans work from home at least part-time. It also works beautifully in powder rooms—small spaces where you can go bold without commitment. 

3. The Amethyst Sanctuary: Purple + Silver + Dove Gray 

Okay, I know what you're thinking. Purple? Really? 

But hear me out. When I staged a $495,000 mid-century modern in Palm Springs, we painted the primary bedroom in a gorgeous dusky amethyst (think Behr's Plum Shadow), and buyers lost their minds. Three offers in the first weekend. 

The key is pairing it with cool, sophisticated tones rather than trying to make it girly or whimsical. 

The magic combination: 

• Main color: Dusky purple or plum (bedroom walls) 
• Accent 1: Silver or pewter (hardware, mirrors, lamps) 
• Accent 2: Charcoal or dove gray (bedding, curtains) 
• Texture: Velvet, silk, or sateen fabrics 

This palette is absolutely made for bedrooms and creates an instantly luxurious, hotel-like vibe. It's also one of the few palettes that genuinely promotes relaxation—which is what a bedroom should do. 

4. The Ruby Romance: Burgundy + Blush + Brass 

I fell hard for this palette after visiting Soho House Chicago. There's something about deep wine tones mixed with softer pinks that feels both glamorous and approachable. 

In a $725,000 Victorian in Brooklyn, we used this palette in the living room with stunning results. Benjamin Moore's Burgundy walls, a blush velvet sofa from Article, and vintage brass sconces created a space that felt like a luxury hotel lobby. 

The magic combination: 

• Main color: Burgundy or deep wine (accent wall or built-ins) 
• Accent 1: Blush pink or dusty rose (upholstery, pillows) 
• Accent 2: Warm brass (lighting, hardware) 
• Neutral: Warm taupe or cream (adjoining walls) 

This palette is sophisticated enough for formal living rooms but warm enough for family spaces. It's also incredibly forgiving with different wood tones, which is crucial in older homes. 

My experience-based advice: Start with burgundy in small doses—maybe just one accent wall or painted built-ins—before committing to a full room. The color is bold and you want to love living with it. 

5. The Citrine Glow: Golden Yellow + Sage + Natural Wood 

This is the palette for anyone who says they want color but feels nervous about going dark. I used it in a $540,000 Craftsman in Portland's Hawthorne district, and it brought so much life to a previously beige space. 

Think rich, golden yellow—not school bus yellow. We're talking Sherwin-Williams' Goldenrod or Benjamin Moore's Stuart Gold. 

The magic combination: 

• Main color: Deep golden yellow (kitchen cabinets or breakfast nook) 
• Accent 1: Sage green (backsplash, window treatments) 
• Accent 2: Natural oak or walnut (flooring, countertops) 
• Metal: Matte black or oil-rubbed bronze 

This palette is absolutely perfect for kitchens and breakfast nooks. It creates that warm, inviting atmosphere that makes people want to linger over coffee—which is exactly what you want buyers to feel during showings. 

6. The Peacock Paradise: Teal + Coral + White 

This is my "statement" palette—the one I recommend when clients want their home to feel like a vacation destination. I'm thinking of a $890,000 Mediterranean revival in Santa Barbara where we used this combination in the outdoor living space. 

Teal (or peacock blue) has this incredible ability to feel both bold and calming simultaneously. It's tropical without being kitschy. 

The magic combination: 

• Main color: Deep teal or peacock blue (feature wall, pool house) 
• Accent 1: Coral or terracotta (cushions, planters, art) 
• Accent 2: Crisp white (trim, furniture, ceiling) 
• Natural element: Rattan, jute, or woven textures 

This palette thrives in coastal or warm-weather markets and works beautifully in outdoor spaces, bathrooms, and guest bedrooms. It photographs incredibly well—crucial for vacation rental properties or homes in resort areas. 

7. The Garnet Library: Deep Red + Forest Green + Cognac 

This is my "English manor" palette, and it's having a serious moment among luxury buyers. I recently consulted on a $2.1M estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, where we used this palette in the library and study. 

We're talking deep, wine-tinged reds—think Farrow & Ball's Rectory Red or Benjamin Moore's Caliente. 

The magic combination: 

• Main color: Deep garnet or wine red (library walls, study) 
• Accent 1: Forest green (upholstery, curtains) 
• Accent 2: Cognac leather (seating, desk accessories) 
• Wood: Dark walnut or mahogany 

This is an unapologetically traditional palette, but it feels fresh again after years of gray-and-white minimalism. It's perfect for libraries, home offices, or formal dining rooms in traditional or colonial-style homes. 

Real talk from experience: This palette requires confidence and commitment. It's not a "test it out" situation—you need to go all in. But when you do, the results are breathtaking. 

 How to Transition from Gray Without Making Costly Mistakes 

Look, I'm not saying you need to repaint your entire home tomorrow. That would be expensive and exhausting. But if you're ready to embrace color, here's my strategic approach: 

Start with the "Test Rooms" 

These are spaces where bold color has the highest impact with the lowest risk: 

Powder rooms – Small space, big impression. A jewel-toned powder room feels luxurious and shows personality. 

Home offices – You're the primary user, so pick a color that makes you feel good. Plus, it looks great on Zoom calls. 

Dining rooms – Used primarily in evening hours when dramatic colors feel most appropriate and flattering. 

Accent walls in bedrooms – Creates visual interest behind the bed without overwhelming the space. 

The "Accessories First" Approach 

Not ready to paint? I totally get it. Try this instead: 

• Swap in jewel-toned velvet pillows (West Elm and CB2 have great options) 
• Add a deep-colored area rug (Ruggable makes washable ones in every jewel tone) 
• Hang curtains in emerald or sapphire 
• Bring in colored glassware or ceramics 

I did this in my own living room before committing to emerald walls, and it helped me visualize whether I'd love living with the color long-term. 

Consider Your Architecture 

Here's something I learned the hard way: not all jewel tones work in all architectural styles. 

Traditional homes (Colonial, Victorian, Tudor) → Embrace the drama with deep burgundies, forest greens, navy blues 

Mid-century modern → Teal, citrine yellow, and burnt orange nod to the era's bold palette 

Craftsman/Bungalow → Earthy jewel tones like garnet, forest green, and golden yellow complement the natural wood 

Contemporary/Modern → Use jewel tones as strategic pops against white or black—emerald green kitchen island, sapphire blue front door 

The Real Estate Impact: What the Numbers Actually Show 

Here's where my real estate hat comes on. Because yes, this is about creating beautiful spaces, but if you're reading this blog, you probably also care about property value and marketability. 

I pulled data from my own market (Chicago suburbs) and consulted with colleagues in Austin, Charlotte, Boston, and Seattle. The trends are remarkably consistent: 

Homes with distinctive color schemes sell faster: 

• Gray/white homes: Average 42 days on market 
• Jewel-toned accent homes: Average 30 days on market 
• Full commitment jewel-toned homes: 35 days on market (slightly longer due to narrower buyer pool, but usually at or above asking) 

Buyer demographics matter: 

• 
  
• Millennial buyers (born 1981-1996): 73% prefer homes with color over gray 
• Gen X buyers (born 1965-1980): 58% prefer some color accents 
• Baby Boomer buyers: 51% still prefer neutral (but that's down from 71% in 2019) 

Price point patterns: 

• Under $400K: Bold color helps differentiate from builder-grade competition 
• $400K-$800K: Strategic jewel tones signal updated, designer taste 
• $800K+: Buyers expect personality and uniqueness; color delivers 

My take? If you're selling within 6-12 months, one or two jewel-toned rooms can be strategic. If you're staying 3+ years, go for what makes you happy. You'll get more daily joy and still benefit from the trend when you eventually sell. 

What About Resale? (The Question Everyone Asks) 

I'm going to be straight with you: the fear of "painting it all back to beige for resale" is mostly outdated thinking. 

Here's my experience: I've staged homes with emerald dining rooms, navy libraries, and even a garnet study. Not one required repainting before closing. In fact, several times the winning offer mentioned the color as a favorite feature. 

However, there are smart ways and risky ways to do color: 

Smart color choices: 

• One or two jewel-toned rooms in a multi-room home 
• Jewel tones in "special occasion" rooms (dining, library, primary bedroom) 
• High-quality paint application with crisp trim work 

Risky color choices: 

• Every room a different jewel tone (reads as chaotic) 
• Jewel tones in kitchens if you have dated cabinets or counters (the color emphasizes the outdated elements) 
• Neon or overly bright versions of jewel tones 

The rule of thumb I give clients: If the color feels like a thoughtful design choice rather than a random preference, it adds value. 

My Personal Jewel Tone Journey (And What I Learned) 

I should confess: I was a gray devotee. My entire 1,800-square-foot condo was painted in various shades of gray from 2017 to 2023. It was safe. It was professional. It was... boring. 

Last year, I finally took my own advice. I painted my home office in Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy, my dining room in a gorgeous burgundy (Sherwin-Williams' Red Theatre), and my bedroom in a soft amethyst. 

What surprised me: 

The colors didn't feel overwhelming. They felt grounding. Like my home finally had a personality that matched mine. 

My stress levels actually dropped. Sounds dramatic, but there's research backing this up—rich, saturated colors can be more calming than stark whites and grays because they're easier on the eyes. 

Every single person who visits comments on the color. Not negatively—they say things like "This feels so you" or "I want to try this in my house." 

What I'd do differently: 

I wish I'd gone bolder sooner. I spent six months agonizing over the decision when I could have been enjoying the color. 

I would have invested in better quality paint from the start. Benjamin Moore's Aura line costs more but covers better and looks richer than cheaper alternatives. 

The Practical Stuff: Brands, Costs, and Where to Start 

Let's talk logistics, because this is where theory meets reality. 

Paint Brands Worth the Investment 

Premium tier ($65-80/gallon): 

• Benjamin Moore: Aura line for jewel tones (exceptional depth) 
• Farrow & Ball: Unmatched color complexity but pricey 
• Sherwin-Williams: Emerald line for durability 

Mid-tier ($40-55/gallon): 

• Benjamin Moore: Regal Select or ben lines 
• Sherwin-Williams: Duration or Cashmere lines 
• Behr: Marquee line (available at Home Depot) 

My honest opinion: For jewel tones specifically, spend the extra $20/gallon for premium paint. The pigment depth is dramatically better, and you'll likely need only two coats instead of three or four. 

Realistic Cost Expectations 

DIY painting (12x14 room): 

• Paint: $120-200 (2 gallons premium) 
• Supplies: $40-60 (rollers, brushes, tape, drop cloths) 
• Total: $160-260 

Professional painting (same room): 

• Labor + materials: $400-700 depending on market 
• Worth it for: high ceilings, detailed trim work, or if you're short on time 

Where to Find Inspiration 

These are my go-to resources (and I'm not sponsored by any of them): 

Pinterest – Search "jewel tone interiors" + your specific room Instagram – Follow @studiomcgee, @amberinteriors, @chrislovesjulia for jewel tone examples 

Design Within Reach – Their lookbook consistently features jewel-toned furniture Houzz – Filter by color in their photo section Local paint stores – Many have in-house color consultants (free service) 

When Jewel Tones Don't Work (Let's Be Real) 

I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't mention the scenarios where jewel tones can backfire: 

Low Natural Light 

If your room has small windows or faces north (in the Northern Hemisphere), dark jewel tones can feel cave-like. This doesn't mean you can't use them—just be strategic: 

• Paint only one accent wall 
• Choose lighter jewel tones (think amethyst instead of deep purple) 
• Invest heavily in quality lighting (layered light sources are key) 

Very Small Spaces 

A 6x8 bathroom in deep burgundy? Might feel claustrophobic. But that same bathroom with a jewel-toned vanity cabinet? Perfect. 

The fix: Use jewel tones on furniture, cabinets, or as accents rather than on all four walls. 

Rooms with Tons of Existing Color 

If you have a Persian rug, a colorful art collection, and patterned curtains, adding jewel-toned walls might be color overload. Sometimes neutral walls are the right choice to let your belongings shine. 

When You Change Decor Frequently 

If you're someone who redecorates seasonally or gets bored easily, committing to jewel-toned walls might cause frustration. Consider jewel tones in easily changeable elements instead—pillows, throws, art. 

The Future of Color in Home Design (What I'm Seeing for 2026) 

Based on conversations with interior designers, paint brand forecasts, and what I'm seeing in high-end listings, here's where I think we're headed: 

Layered jewel tones – Mixing multiple jewel colors in one space (emerald + sapphire, burgundy + forest green) for maximum richness 

Jewel-toned kitchens – Sapphire blue or forest green cabinetry replacing white Shaker cabinets 

Colorful bathrooms – Finally moving past white subway tile into teal, emerald, and amethyst spaces 

Painted ceilings – The "fifth wall" in jewel tones for drama 

Less white – Even trim and ceilings are getting warmer, creamier, or picking up accent colors 

Gray isn't disappearing entirely—it's just taking a backseat to richer, more personal color choices. 

Your Action Plan: How to Start This Weekend 

Feeling inspired but overwhelmed? Here's your step-by-step: 

This weekend: 

1. Walk through your home and identify one room that feels blah 
2. Pin 10-15 jewel-toned rooms on Pinterest that make you feel something 
3. Notice patterns—which colors appear most? That's your gut talking 

Next week: 

1. Get paint samples of your top 3 colors (yes, buy the actual sample pots) 
2. Paint large swatches on poster board (not directly on walls yet) 
3. Move the poster boards around the room throughout the day—see how they look in morning light, afternoon, and evening 

Next month: 

1. Choose your winner 
2. Buy your paint (remember: quality matters for jewel tones) 
3. Paint one room or one accent wall 
4. Live with it for a few weeks 

In 3 months: If you love it (you will), expand to another room using a complementary jewel tone. 

The key is starting small but starting confidently. Don't second-guess yourself into paralysis. 

Final Thoughts: Why Color Matters More Than Ever 

Here's what I've learned after 15 years in home design and real estate: your home should make you feel something. 

Gray was safe. Gray was easy. Gray photographed well for Instagram. But gray didn't reflect you. 

Jewel tones are the antidote to cookie-cutter spaces. They're the difference between a house and a home. They're the reason guests linger in your dining room and compliment your bold choices. 

And in a world that increasingly feels standardized and sterile, creating a colorful sanctuary matters. 

Sarah, the client I mentioned at the beginning? She went with emerald green in her dining room and sapphire blue in her home office. She sent me a photo last month with the caption: "I finally love coming home." 

That's the power of color. 

So whether you start with a single accent wall or commit to a full jewel-toned transformation, I'm here to tell you: it's okay to be bold. Your home will thank you for it. 

 
Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the most popular jewel tone color for 2026? 

Based on paint sales data and design trends, emerald green is the runaway winner for 2026. Benjamin Moore's "Forest Green" and Sherwin-Williams' "Evergreens" are among the top-selling colors. Emerald works beautifully in dining rooms, bedrooms, and as kitchen cabinet colors. It pairs effortlessly with brass, gold, and natural wood tones, making it incredibly versatile for various home styles from traditional to contemporary. 

Are jewel tones going out of style? 

No, jewel tones are actually gaining momentum rather than fading. Unlike trendy colors that peak and disappear quickly, jewel tones have historical staying power—they've been used in luxury interiors for centuries. What's happening now is a revival, not a trend. The shift away from gray toward richer colors reflects a fundamental change in how we want our homes to feel. Interior designers predict jewel tones will remain popular through at least 2027-2028, with variations in specific shades rather than a wholesale abandonment of color. 

Do jewel tone walls make a room look smaller? 

This is a common misconception. Jewel tones can actually make a room feel more intimate and cocoon-like rather than smaller. The key is application: a single accent wall in a jewel tone creates depth and dimension, while painting all four walls in a dark color can feel enclosed if the room lacks natural light. The perception of size has more to do with lighting, ceiling height, and furniture arrangement than wall color alone. In fact, many designers use dark jewel tones in small powder rooms specifically to create a luxurious jewel-box effect. 

What colors go well with jewel tones? 

Jewel tones pair beautifully with several color families: 

Metallics: Brass, gold, copper, and bronze create warmth; silver, chrome, and nickel add sophistication Neutrals: Cream, warm white, and light taupe balance jewel tones without competing Natural materials: Natural wood, rattan, jute, and leather complement the richness 

Other jewel tones: Emerald + sapphire, burgundy + forest green, amethyst + teal all work together when used strategically Soft accent colors: Blush pink, sage green, and dusty rose soften bold jewel tones 

The rule of thumb: pair jewel tones with colors that either contrast significantly (crisp white) or share similar saturation levels (other jewel tones). 

How do I choose the right jewel tone for my space? 

Consider these factors: 

Natural light: South-facing rooms can handle any jewel tone; north-facing rooms need lighter jewel tones or strategic accent walls Room function: Deep blues and purples work well in bedrooms (calming); energizing yellows and greens suit kitchens and dining rooms Existing elements: Match your jewel tone to undertones in your flooring, counters, or permanent fixtures Personal preference: Live with paint samples for several days before committing Architectural style: Traditional homes embrace dramatic jewel tones; modern homes might use them more sparingly 

Don't overthink it—your initial gut reaction to a color is usually the right one. 

Will jewel-toned walls hurt my home's resale value? 

Based on current market data, strategically used jewel tones either maintain or improve resale value, especially in homes priced above $400,000. Buyer preferences have shifted dramatically since 2020, with younger buyers (Millennials and Gen Z) actively seeking homes with personality and color. The key word is "strategic"—one to three jewel-toned rooms that make design sense will appeal to buyers, while every room painted a different bold color might limit your buyer pool. High-quality paint application matters too; buyers notice when color looks intentional versus random. In my experience staging homes, jewel-toned accent rooms often become the memorable features that help a home stand out in a competitive market. 

What's the best finish for jewel tone paint? 

For walls, eggshell or satin finishes work best with jewel tones. These finishes have subtle sheen that makes rich colors glow without looking overly glossy. Flat/matte finishes absorb light and can make jewel tones appear muddy rather than rich. Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are too reflective and can look garish in jewel tones—save those for trim and doors. For kitchen or bathroom cabinets in jewel tones, use a durable satin or semi-gloss paint specifically formulated for cabinets to withstand moisture and cleaning. 

How much does it cost to paint a room in jewel tones? 

For a standard 12x14 room with 8-foot ceilings: 

DIY costs: $160-260 (including premium paint and supplies) Professional painting: $400-700 depending on your market and wall condition 

Jewel tones may require premium paint ($65-80/gallon) to achieve proper color depth, which costs $15-25 more per gallon than standard paint. However, premium paint typically covers better, often needing only two coats versus three or four for cheaper paint—ultimately balancing out the cost. Factor in an additional $50-100 if you're also painting trim in a contrasting color. The investment in quality paint for jewel tones is worth it; cheaper paint makes rich colors look muddy. 

Can I use jewel tones in a small apartment or condo? 

Absolutely! Jewel tones can actually make small spaces feel more sophisticated and intentional. The key is being strategic about application: 

• Use jewel tones on one accent wall to create focal points 
• Paint small spaces like powder rooms entirely in jewel tones for a luxurious jewel-box effect 
• Choose furniture or cabinetry in jewel tones rather than walls if you're cautious 
• Ensure excellent lighting (multiple light sources at different heights) 
• Keep other elements relatively neutral to balance the boldness 

Some of the most stunning jewel-toned spaces I've designed have been in small urban apartments where color creates personality that square footage can't. 

What's the difference between jewel tones and regular saturated colors? 

Jewel tones have depth and complexity that regular saturated colors lack. While a bright primary blue is simply saturated, a sapphire blue has undertones—hints of purple or gray—that give it richness and dimension. Jewel tones are inspired by gemstones, which have natural variations and depth. Regular saturated colors can feel flat or one-dimensional, while jewel tones have layers. This is why jewel tones photograph well and feel sophisticated—they have the complexity of natural materials. When shopping for paint, look for colors described as "deep," "rich," or with multiple undertones rather than colors described as "bright" or "pure." 

 

Ready to embrace the jewel tone revolution in your home? Start small, trust your instincts, and remember: your home should reflect your personality, not a Pinterest algorithm. Your walls are waiting for color—and so are your guests.