Monday Market Update: Design Dilemma Solved Here

There is only one thing that is certain about change… it will always be here! Nothing stays the same in the real estate and housing world, and as design colors and trends shift, your paint brush doesn’t have to!

A new article from Realtor.com® expands upon some themes we touched on at the end of 2025 – which are now here in force. The newly published article ‘Gray Walls? Here’s How to Embrace the 2026 Color Shift Without Painting’ defines what colors are out, what is in – and how to make it happen without having to tape off a single door frame! (Let’s face it, prepping to paint can be painful!) 

What Design Experts Say Is OUT:  Cool-toned grays and stark whites are losing traction, and often deemed as cold, impersonal and isolating according to many designs. The brief trend that followed - saturated jewel tones - is also out as that intensity became visually exhausting and overwhelming. 

What Design Experts Say Is IN:  Nature inspired warmth and tranquility is here; interior experts advise that environment-inspired greens, soft taupes and terracotta and muted clay colors are driving design. Creams and off-whites are the ‘new’ neutral as they are more comforting and inviting than sterile white or cool gray. 

How To Make It Happen:  So, what do you do if your walls are gray or your kitchen cabinets are white? The easiest thing that experts advise to change first is: textiles! Adopt the ‘in’ colors listed above in your kitchen and bath towels, rugs and bathmats, curtains, throw pillows and couch blankets. If you want to go one step further, invest in wall art, lamps and accent tables that can layer in warmth into your rooms. If you are ready for a bigger (and pricier!) commitment, purchase furniture in the trendy hues such as a high-quality chair, fabric headboard or new sofa. 

If you are not ready to change your interior yet, try adding some exterior fun! I can easily see a terracotta and taupe striped door mat, soft green potted planters and clay stepping stones as easy ways to adopt a serene and welcoming vibe. 

Cheers to changes big or small,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
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Bobbi Decker & Associates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. For more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/