Within the last 10-ish years, you may have noticed the extreme focus on grey paint colors. It’s not that grey is that bad. It was safe, calming, and matched just about anything. But after living with it for years, a lot of people are ready for something fresh. Not trendy just to be trendy, but they need something that actually feels comforting, livable, and a little more personal.
Enter sage green.
It’s popping up everywhere: in kitchens, on accent walls, on the front doors, and even on lower cabinets. If you’re curious about why everyone seems to be reaching for green these days—and whether it’s just another phase like “millennial grey” once was, this article will walk you through it all.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been painting homes in Omaha since 1996. We’ve seen plenty of color trends come and go, and we’ve also seen how colors look and feel once they’re on the wall, not just in the sample book. Our team works closely with homeowners choosing interior and exterior paint colors every week, and sage green is one we’re seeing more and more.
By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of:
- Why sage green is gaining popularity right now
- How does it compare to “millennial grey”
- Where people are using sage green paint in their homes
- What colors, materials, and finishes pair well with it
- How color trends evolve (and how to tell if a color has staying power)
If you’re thinking about repainting your walls, cabinets, or exterior, and you want something classic but still current, this guide will help you decide if sage green is the right fit.
Why Are People Choosing Sage Green Paint?
One reason sage green has taken off is simple: people are craving calm.
After the long stretch of neutrals, especially cooler tones like grey, homeowners are leaning into paint colors that still feel soft but bring more personality into a room. Sage green fits this perfectly. It’s a muted, earthy green with just enough gray undertone to keep it from feeling bold or too colorful.
Here’s what people like about it:
- It feels natural and restful. Especially in Omaha homes that get a lot of natural light, sage green reflects that light in a soft, relaxing way.
- It works in nearly every room. From bathrooms to living rooms to kitchen cabinets, sage green adds interest without overwhelming the space.
- It blends well with other materials. Wood tones, stone, soft white trim, it plays nicely with most finishes.
- It feels fresh but not flashy. Unlike brighter greens or trendy jewel tones, sage green has a timelessness to it.
Why Are People Moving Away From Grey?
Grey had its time, and for good reason. It was a refreshing alternative to the beige and taupe tones of the early 2000s. It felt cool, modern, and clean. But in recent years, homeowners have started to notice that all those grays can make a home feel cold or impersonal, especially when everything is painted in a similar tone.
Here’s why grey is being replaced:
- It became too common. When every home starts to look the same, people naturally start looking for ways to stand out again.
- Warmth is trending. Many homeowners want their space to feel cozy and inviting, especially with more time spent at home.
- Grey can be tricky in Omaha’s lighting. North-facing rooms or cloudy days can make grey walls look dull or even slightly blue.
Where Are People Using Sage Green?
One of the reasons sage green is catching on is how versatile it is. Homeowners in Omaha are using it all over the house.
Cabinets
Sage green has become a favorite for lower cabinets or islands, especially paired with white uppers or quartz countertops. It adds contrast but still feels soft and livable.
Bedrooms
People are painting bedrooms in sage green to create a calm and cozy space. It’s especially popular in primary bedrooms or guest rooms.
Living Rooms and Dining Rooms
Used as an accent wall or full wall color, sage green brings warmth without feeling heavy. It pairs nicely with both wood floors and painted trim.
Bathrooms
It’s a nice break from white or grey without being too bold. Plus, it looks great with brass or matte black fixtures.
What Colors and Materials Go Well with Sage Green?
The appeal of sage green is that it works as both a neutral and an accent. Here are some common pairings we’re seeing in Omaha homes:
Trim Colors
- Crisp white (great for contrast)
- Cream or off-white (adds warmth)
- Soft greige (for an earthy, modern look)
Metals
- Brushed gold or brass: adds warmth and sophistication
- Matte black: sharp and modern
- Oil-rubbed bronze: great for rustic or farmhouse styles
Materials
- Natural oak or walnut
- Honed stone like marble or quartz
- Linen, rattan, and natural fibers for textiles and furniture
Is Sage Green Just a Trend?
That’s the big question, and one that comes up a lot.
Paint trends work in cycles. A color gets popular, gets used a lot, then eventually gets replaced by something new. But not all trends fade quickly. Some stick around because they’re not just fashionable, they’re also functional and beautiful to live with.
Sage green seems to be one of those. While it’s having a moment, it also has roots in nature and a softness that feels timeless. While it was the color of the year in 2022, it doesn’t scream “2022” the way some trendy colors might. And because it’s so easy to pair with other finishes, it’s not likely to become an eyesore in a few years.
How to Choose If Sage Green Is Right for Your Home
Here are a few things to think about if you’re considering sage green:
- Lighting matters. Try a sample first, especially in rooms that get less natural light.
- Start small. Try it on a bathroom vanity, a piece of furniture, or a single wall.
- Pair it with your existing finishes. Sage green works well with natural wood, but might not pop against some beiges or reddish tones.
- Go with your gut. If it makes you feel calm, happy, and more at home, it’s probably a good fit.
Painting in Omaha, NE
If your home still has walls painted grey and you’re wondering what’s next, sage green might be the fresh start you’re looking for. It brings warmth without going too bold, personality without feeling overwhelming. It’s being used in real Omaha homes every day—on cabinets, walls, exteriors, and even trim, and it’s making spaces feel a little softer, a little more relaxed.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve seen how this color transforms rooms, especially when paired with the right finishes. If you’re planning a painting project, and you’re not sure where to start, it’s worth considering whether sage green fits your home and your style.
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And if you’re still deciding on a color and not ready to start your project, we have a free color and design guide that includes 7 tips for choosing the right paint colors for your home. It’s a helpful resource whether you’re painting one wall or the whole house.
