I Hate to Break it to You, But Gray is Here to Stay – Joanna Gaines Has Revitalised this 'Dull' Color in the Simplest and Most Elegant Way
Rediger Design was featured in Homes & Gardens' analysis of Joanna Gaines' gray living room. Founder Brittany Rediger contributed expert perspective on how to use soft gray as a warm, livable neutral, covering undertones, texture layering, and why greige has remained a reliable choice for nearly a decade.
Brittany Rediger, Founder and Principal Designer of Oregon-based Rediger Design explains:
'Soft gray works beautifully as a neutral because it adds depth without overwhelming a space. For homeowners who default to white walls because color feels risky, soft gray is a safe starting point. It introduces dimension while remaining versatile.'
If you want to know how to use gray in 2026, to create a warm and inviting space like Joanna Gaines' living room, it's all about the tone as Brittany explains:
'If you want a room to feel inviting rather than stark, choose a gray with warm undertones rather than cool, blue-based ones. Look for hints of taupe, brown, pink, or beige. There is a reason ‘greige’ has remained popular for nearly a decade. It is a reliable, livable neutral that plays well with white and creates subtle contrast, allowing architectural details like mantels and window frames to pop while softening the overall scheme.'
And don't forget to look to texture too, in upholstery, textiles, and rugs, reminds Brittany:
'Warm natural materials like leather, linen, jute, and wool enhance the layered feel and prevent the palette from reading flat.'
