5 color trends to run from

Here are the top color trends we’re just not loving and timeless alternatives that we suggest you try instead.

buttery yellow

This sweet hue is gives major '90s nostalgia, but not the good kind. Buttery yellow can easily date a room and be very difficult to pair with furnishings.

• try instead: complex, sun-washed tones like muted ochre or wheat.

fire engine red

Bright, primary reds often feel one-dimensional and visually chaotic in modern homes. They lack the sophistication needed for a truly lived-in space.

• try instead: Reach for moodier, grounded reds like burgundy, oxblood, or mahogany.

plum purple

Plum had its moment in the spotlight, but pros are finding it a bit too dominant. Instead of enhancing a room, it can sometimes overwhelm the other design elements.

• try instead: Opt for a nuanced heathered plum or dusty rose for a softer touch.

icy cool white

Stark, clinical whites can make a home feel like a bleached paper gallery. They often come off as severe rather than airy. Very few people actually look great in cool icy white.

• try instead: Go for chalky off-whites, ivory, or creamy plaster finishes to add instant warmth.

flat gray

The reign of "millennial gray" is officially winding down. Experts agree that cool grays can feel dreary and lack the personality homeowners are craving now. The world can be a dreary place. Lets not put it in out homes.

• try instead: Transition to warmer neutrals like taupe, sandstone beige, or mushroom.