The Rug Color That Took Over Modern Homes Is Now Officially Outdated

Home design trends come and go. One trend that's definitely on its way out the door? Sparse, cool minimalism. In 2025 and beyond, homeowners and designers are looking to enliven spaces with vibrant colors, coziness, and warmth. They're ditching the gray paint, adding their own personal touches, and leaning into texture and character so that depth and personality can ooze out of every space. It's not only a way to make spaces more welcoming when you want to invite people over, but also more relaxing for when you want to escape the world's chaos and embrace 2025's cozy homebody era.

Unfortunately, this means that there many plenty items in relatively modern homes that might now be considered outdated. One in particular that will stand out is gray rugs. Since rugs are comfy and warm by nature, turning to neutral colors like charcoal grays helped them seamlessly fit into the cooler, minimalist spaces that dictated past trends. However, as home design shifts towards warmth and color, gray rugs can feel too somber and heavy to keep around.

If you are looking to move beyond a gray rug in an effort to make your home feel more warm and cozy, there are plenty of options. Don't feel like you have to immediately switch up your rugs with bright primary colors or bold patterns. Instead, look for rugs with texture, like a braided or woven rug, to add intrigue and personality to any room. 

One color scheme that can work as a subtler transition is using earthy reds like burnt sienna, terracotta, or clay. These lend themselves to being more muted and minimalist — meaning you don't have to entirely give up that aesthetic if you enjoy it. With that said, their earthy tones can give off a more natural, inviting vibe than a serious gray. Similarly, warm greens like olive or even khaki can work as more muted options while still feeling welcoming. Plus, they can add an instant jolt of grounded coziness to a room. Ultimately, keep in mind that you're the decision-maker when it comes to designing your home. If you'd prefer to stick with a gray rug, remember that there are many other ways to still add warmth to your space.