Interior colour trends: The most & least popular decor shades around the world

Are colourful home interiors going extinct?

As home decor trends shift, the colour choices homeowners make for their own houses reveal intriguing changes in style and preference. With search volumes for grey skyrocketing and greige interiors taking over social media, neutral homes have become so popular that colourful interiors are seemingly disappearing.
Many people are opting for a neutral palette in their homes as they embrace the growing popularity of a more calming space, incorporating these tones into their spaces with grey sofas and beige cushions.

Others are drawn to dopamine decor, filling their homes with vibrant, mood-boosting shades, and adding pops of colour with bright accessories like pink cushions or vivid green lamps. This contrast between neutral minimalism and colourful maximalism highlights the diverse approaches to colour choices in home design that are unique to homeowners' personalities and styles.

We set out to explore these varying preferences by analysing and comparing search volumes and search trends for decor colour keywords across 250 cities, 30 countries and over 40 different shades. The results reveal which cities are losing colour the fastest and which are still embracing vibrant shades in their homes.

Key findings

1. Grey has become the dominant colour in UK interiors, with Glasgow as the least colourful city and Cambridge as the most colourful city.
2. In Europe, beige is the favourite colour, with Frankfurt recognised as the least colourful city and Sarajevo as the most colourful.
3. White tops the list of popular interior colours in Canada, with Montreal being the least colourful city, while Vaughan is the most colourful.
4. Purple is the leading interior colour in the U.S., with Denver being the least colourful city, while Honolulu is the most colourful city.

The UK's most popular and unpopular home colours

Homes in the UK are going grey at an alarming rate

Grey has emerged as the most popular colour choice in UK homes, with an average search volume on Google of 32,000 per month for grey furniture and decor, taking the top spot on the list.

"Grey has become a go-to colour for home interiors because it's so versatile and never goes out of style," says Daniela Venturini, Art Director and Trend Forecaster at Wayfair. "It's like a blank canvas that lets you highlight other colours, giving homeowners the freedom to play around with accent pieces and artwork without overpowering the space. Whether it's a grey sofa in the living room or a grey rug in the bedroom, this neutral shade fits seamlessly with all kinds of styles and colour schemes. Grey tones can vary from cool, bluish shades to warm, earthy hues, making them versatile for different rooms and lighting conditions. Their adaptability allows you to create everything from calm, serene spaces to sleek, modern living areas.”

Following grey, white ranks as the second most popular colour in the UK, with an average monthly search volume of 31,290. Pink takes the third spot, with 28,220 average monthly searches. Other neutral shades that also have a high average monthly search volume include beige with 19,670 and cream with 19,120 searches, reflecting a fast-growing interest in neutral shades among British homeowners.

The colours disappearing the fastest in the UK, such as Damson and Magenta, reflect a noticeable shift in design preferences. Homeowners are moving away from bold, saturated tones and embracing a more subdued, neutral palette, favouring calmer spaces in their homes to balance the chaos of the outside world.

Colourful homes are going extinct in Glasgow

Glasgow has been named as the city with the least colourful homes in the UK, as it transitions to neutral interior shades faster than any other city in the country. With an average monthly search volume of 2,550 for neutral tones, such as white, grey and beige.

Other UK cities with a growing preference for neutral tones include Derby which ranks second on the list with a high average monthly search volume of 730 for neutral shades and Oxford, which ranks third among the least colourful UK cities with a growing average monthly search volume for neutral interior colours.

Cambridge is embracing dopamine decor

Renowned for its stunning architecture, Cambridge is revealed as the most colourful city in the UK as the city has the greatest decline in search for neutral-coloured decor. Residents prefer vibrant shades of blue, which is the colour with the highest average monthly search volume. With an average monthly search volume of 2,180 for home decor in colourful shades, Cambridge residents favour bright interior colours over more neutral tones.

"Blue has a wide range of shades from deep navy to soft powder blue, making it a great option for different rooms and purposes. Adding blue into the home can create spaces that are not only visually striking but also calming.” says Daniela “One great way to introduce this colour is by adding a pop of blue through a nice blue sofa or bold blue curtains & drapes, instantly transforming the room with a sense of calm or depth."

Exeter, nestled in Devon, ranks second, showing a strong preference for green. Averaging 2,480 monthly searches for bright-coloured decor, residents here have shown a love for colourful homes. Whilst Norwich, comes in third place, where pink has come out as their favourite interior shade.

Europe's most popular and unpopular home colours

Colour is fading in European home decor

European homes are increasingly opting for a natural aesthetic in their decor, with beige taking the top spot for their favourite shade, with an average monthly search volume of 38,710. White closely follows in second place, with an average monthly search volume of 21,090.

“Beige and white are popular for their versatility, providing the ideal backdrop for a range of styles, from minimalist to rustic chic. Pieces such as a white dinner table or white cushions and throws easily complement different textures and materials like wood, linen, and stone, enhancing the natural feel of a space,” says Daniela

Green ranks third on the list, with an average monthly search volume of 16,190 it beautifully complements the preference for a neutral palette with its soft, earthy hues. Europeans are also embracing grey in their homes, which has an average monthly search volume of 9,900. Europeans are moving away from deep shades like Damson and Forest Green, which have the lowest monthly search volume, favouring lighter, more airy hues in home decor.

Homes in Frankfurt are going grey the fastest in Europe

Frankfurt/Main, Germany - a major financial hub in Europe - stands out as the city where residents are embracing shades of grey quicker than anywhere else on the continent. This colour takes the top spot, with the trend rising by 22% over the past year. With an average monthly search volume of 3,810 for neutral shades such as beige, grey and white, residents in Frankfurt prefer a calm, neutral living space.

Berlin, Germany, ranks second among European cities losing colour quickly. Known for its eclectic architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Berlin homes are increasingly favouring grey as the preferred interior colour, with a rise in search trend of 19% over the past year. With an average monthly search volume of 8,220 for neutral shades, Berlin’s cool toned interiors are only increasing.

The French capital Paris ranks third, with grey emerging as the top choice for Parisian homes. With an average monthly search volume of 2,080 for neutral shades, the city is also experiencing a rapid decline in colour within their homes.

Colourful home decor is growing in Sarajevo

Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranks top as the most colourful city in Europe, with the greatest decline in demand for neutral-coloured home decor. Green is the top choice for interior colours, reflecting the city's natural surroundings of lush hills and picturesque parks. With a monthly average search volume of 2,060 for bright interior shades, residents of Sarajevo enjoy incorporating vibrant colours into their homes.

"Green is a fantastic way to introduce colour into your space while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. With shades ranging from deep forest greens to soft sage, it brings a sense of harmony and balance, making it perfect for interiors. Adding green through plants, green curtains, or other decorative accents instantly refreshes the space, enhancing a sense of well-being," says Daniela.

Other colourful European cities include Milan, Italy, which ranks second among the most colourful cities in Europe. As a thriving hub of fashion and design, Milan has also seen green emerge as the top interior colour choice within its average monthly search volume of 3,680 for colourful decor.

Canada’s most popular home colours

Colour is quickly fading from Canadian decor

White tops the list as the most popular interior colour in Canada, with a monthly average search volume of 9,810. Homeowners here are crafting light and airy spaces that feel open and inviting. Following closely behind are shades of green and purple, with average monthly search volumes of 8,820 and 8,440, both of which add unique character and warmth to Canadian interiors.

“Mixing colours in your interiors can really transform a space,” says Daniela. “Blending softer tones with pops of colour adds energy and visual interest, letting you show off your personal style while keeping the overall look pulled together. A great way to do this is by selecting a neutral base, such as white or soft grey, and then layering in some bold accents or standout furniture pieces. This not only elevates the overall look but also makes it super easy to switch things up as trends evolve.”

Some less favourable colours in Canada include Damson and earthy pink, which have the lowest monthly search term volume across interior decor terms.

Canada’s East Coast cities are choosing grey home interiors the most

Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, has taken the lead among Canadian cities in losing its vibrant colour, with grey now reigning as the top choice for interiors. Residents are increasingly favouring lighter spaces, reflected in an average monthly search volume of 1,440 for neutral colours, that year-on-year increases indicate a fast decline in bright shades in their homes.

This shift toward a growing demand for muted aesthetics is echoed in other Canadian cities, such as Richmond and Brampton. Richmond has the second fastest increase in demand for grey neutral shades for interiors, whilst Brambpton sits in third.

Colourful homes are growing in Vaughan

Vaughan, a vibrant city just north of Toronto, ranks as the top Canadian city for colourful homes thanks to the greatest decline in search demand for neutral home interiors. Here, red emerges as the favourite colour choice, as well as having a high monthly search volume of 3,200 for vibrant interior shades.

“Red can feel like a scary colour to many when considering how to add it into the home,” says Daniela. “However, including pops of red through accessories like bright red cushions, wall art, or even a statement piece like a red sofa can introduce brightness and liveliness without being overbearing. This allows homeowners to enjoy the vibrancy of red while keeping everything nicely balanced in their design.”

Other Canadian cities rejecting the neutral home trend and embracing vibrant colours include Kitchener, Ontario, which ranks as the second most colourful city in Canada and Regina, which ranks third, showcasing a strong preference for purple as its top colour choice.

The U.S.'s most popular and unpopular home colours

Purple is the most popular interior colour in the USA

Across the pond in the U.S., purple has emerged as the colour of choice, with an average monthly search volume of 80,480. This vibrant shade is gaining popularity in homes, as many homeowners use it to inject a pop of colour into their interiors, which is something we love to see at Wayfair.

"Purple brings a lovely mix of warmth and sophistication, making it a great choice for modern homes,” says Daniela “Whether you want to create a bold focal point or just add a subtle touch, this colour brings both luxury and comfort to a home. Think about incorporating this shade through soft purple cushions or a statement purple armchair. With its wide range of shades - from deep, rich tones to lighter lavenders - there's a perfect option for every room."

Other loved colours in the U.S. include white, taking the second spot with an average monthly search volume of 70,740, and green coming in third with an average monthly search volume of 64,310. Similar to Canada, certain less popular colours in the U.S., such as damson and earthy pink, have the lowest search volumes.

Denver is going grey faster than any other U.S. city

Denver, Colorado, known for its stunning mountain views has ranked as the least colourful city in the U.S. Over the past year, the search trend for grey has risen here by an impressive 69%. With an average monthly search volume of 1,860 for neutral interior shades like grey, white, and beige, residents of Denver are favouring a more calming atmosphere in their homes.

Following closely behind is Cincinnati, located in southwestern Ohio, which ranks second for its growing preference for neutral interiors. The city has an average monthly search volume of 1,240 for these shades, and the search trend for grey interiors has risen by 24% in the past year, highlighting Cincinnati's love of calming interior colours. Chicago, the third-largest city in the U.S. and renowned for its deep-dish pizza, ranks third in its increasing demand for neutral interiors, with an average search volume of 3,980 for this tone of home decor.

Honolulu is home to the U.S’ most colourful interiors

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, has proudly earned the title of the most colourful city in the US with the greatest decline in demand for neutral home decor. Instead, purple stands out as the residents' colour of choice and has an average monthly search volume of 3,190 for colourful interior shades. Following closely behind are Newport News, Virginia, and Lakewood, Colorado, which rank second and third, respectively. Like Honolulu, demand for greige interiors is declining and both also favour purple, with average monthly search volumes of 2,520 in Newport News and 3,010 in Lakewood.

How to choose the right colours for your home interiors

Daniela Venturini, Art Director and Trend Forecaster from Wayfair shares her top tips for selecting the perfect colours for your home:

1. Consider Mood and Purpose

"Before picking paint colours, think about the mood and purpose of each room. Cool shades like soft blues and greens are perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms, as they help create a peaceful vibe. Warmer tones like yellows and oranges bring energy and warmth to spaces like living rooms and kitchens, making them feel cosy and welcoming for family and guests."

2. Room Size Matters

"The size of a room is key when choosing colours. Lighter shades can make small spaces feel more open and airy, creating a sense of roominess. On the flip side, darker colours add a cosy, warm touch, making larger rooms feel more inviting and comfortable."

3. Colour Matching

"After picking the main colour, it's important to match it well to create a cohesive look throughout the room. A colour wheel can really help with this! Complementary colours, like blue and orange, give a bold contrast, while similar shades, like greens and blues, create a nice flow that can elevate your space's overall vibe."

4. Cohesive Colour Flow

“To create a cohesive feel in your home, it’s important to ensure that colours flow nicely from one room to the next. You don’t need to use the same colours in every space, but keeping a consistent palette or tone can bring a lovely sense of unity throughout your home. You can achieve this by choosing different shades of a single colour or adding accent colours that pop up in various areas!”

5. Personal Style

"The best paint colours are the ones that truly reflect your personal style while complementing the room's purpose, lighting, and overall design. Think about which colours resonate with you and help create the atmosphere you want in each space. This way, your home will feel uniquely yours!"

Choosing a colour palette for your home can be hard as it ties the whole house together. Explore our furniture and home decor selections to find out what style suits your style and personality the best.

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Methodology

Looking at the UK, EU, Canada and the U.S. we identified the top cities by population and each city's search volume on Google for 540 search terms, across 30 different colours and 18 different home furniture items such as red sofa and red bed or blue sofa and blue bed. We then compared these, ranking them using combined colour search volumes, and the year-on-year increase or decrease in search volume for neutral colours such as grey.

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