The Rise & Fall of "Millennial Gray"

Once hailed as the epitome of modernity, "millennial gray" has seen its heyday come and go. Homebuyers across the east end and the United States are ditching the monochromatic color scheme to embrace more vibrant surroundings. Once touted as a real estate code word for “old”, homes with character are sought after- but what does that say about us as a society?  More are seeking dwellings with characteristics that are reminiscent of days gone. Are we hankering for a dose of nostalgia or has our world lost its color?

In a 2021 article by media outlet, Vox, a deep dive examination of the continuing renovations of McDonalds was causing a stir with lovers of architecture and funky vibes

across the country. The article, aptly named Why McDonald’s looks sleek and boring now, examines the modernization that the fast-food giant has experienced over the past 30 years in an appreciative nod to the ‘Geography of Nowhere’ by James Howard Kunstler. Though certain areas in the United States retain a similar style and individualistic homes with an influence to a certain era (lookin’ at you Sag Harbor) without an HOA. 

The longing for homes with character certainly doesn’t come without its own issues. Most homes with character are, indeed, old. Unless meticulously maintained, most of these homes need to be upgraded to meet the current building code unless grandfathered/grandmothered in. They could still have clay pipes as their main plumbing line, maybe the lolly columns aren’t “built like they used to be”. Many homeowners who opt to take on these challenges also move towards a greener initiative (as we all should) which can be challenging on its own. Bonus points if you opted to purchase a home declared historic. 

There is no right and wrong answer here. Some homes that fall under the “millennial gray” category are strikingly beautiful, and some homes with character are actually teardowns (no matter how hard you try to save them). Whether you opt for a home filled with character, or a monochromatic manor, it’s important to ensure they’ll hold up in the long run to maintain and build upon its value. 

As the demand for character-filled homes continues to surge, developers are taking note. Many new builds on the east end incorporate features like exposed brick, vintage fixtures, and reclaimed wood accents into their properties to spark visual interest but also tell a story, giving each home its own distinct identity on the baseline.  It’s you, the homeowners, place to really dig deeper and make it yours.