Embrace the Nuance: Unveiling the Paint Trends of 2025
As we journey into 2025, the world of interior design is experiencing a fascinating shift in color preferences. Gone are the days of stark minimalism and predictable neutrals. Instead, we're seeing a surge of interest in colors that tell a story, evoke emotions, and create spaces that feel both comforting and stimulating. The paint trends of 2025 are all about embracing nuance, celebrating nature, and expressing individuality.
This blog post will explore the key paint trends that will define interior design in 2025. From earthy tones that ground us to vibrant hues that uplift us, we'll delve into the colors, palettes, and application tips that will help you create a home that's both stylish and reflective of your personality.
The Reign of Earth Tones: Grounding Our Spaces
If there's one dominant trend in 2025, it's the resurgence of earth tones. After years of cool grays and stark whites, people are craving colors that connect them to the natural world. Earth tones encompass a wide range of shades, including greens, browns, beiges, and even burnt reds and oranges [4]. The common thread is that they all resemble something you'd find in nature. Interior designers are leaning into this trend as part of the larger shift towards creating "sanctuary spaces" in homes [14].
Why Earth Tones?
Several factors contribute to the popularity of earth tones:
- Connection to Nature: In an increasingly digital world, people are seeking ways to reconnect with nature. Earth tones provide a visual link to the outdoors, creating a sense of calm and tranquility [3].
- Emotional Resonance: Colors can evoke specific emotions and memories. Earth tones can remind us of family vacations, hiking adventures, or the comfort of a cozy cabin [4].
- Versatility: Earth tones are incredibly versatile and can be used in various design styles, from bohemian to contemporary [3].
- Creating Balance: There's a need for balance and reassurance, and restorative colors like earth tones capture that feeling in the home [19].
Examples of Earth Tone Palettes
- Terracotta, Ochre, and Sage: This palette brings a grounding, calming effect to interiors. Pair these tones with natural materials like linen, wool, and jute to create a cohesive, organic look [3].
- Browns, Beiges, and Creams: These classic earth tones provide a warm and inviting backdrop for any room. They work well with both traditional and modern furnishings [11].
- Olive Green, Burnt Sienna, and Caramel: This sophisticated palette adds depth and richness to spaces. It's perfect for creating a cozy and stylish atmosphere [14].
How to Use Earth Tones
- Layer Different Shades: Create a multi-dimensional design by layering different shades of earth tones.
- Incorporate Natural Materials: Enhance the connection to nature by incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and plants.
- Use as a Base Color: Earth tones can be used as a base color for an entire room or as accents to complement other colors [3].
Cinnamon Slate: Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2025
Benjamin Moore has named Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 as its Color of the Year 2025 [2, 6]. This "quietly colorful" hue is a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown [2, 6, 22]. It's a nuanced color that brings a smooth familiarity to any design [2].
Why Cinnamon Slate?
According to Andrea Magno, director of color marketing & design at Benjamin Moore, there is a growing interest in more nuanced colors, whose undertones add intricacy and dimension [6]. Cinnamon Slate is an inviting hue that offers enduring style and modern sensibility [6]. Its depth and richness bring an air of approachability and sense of comfort throughout the home, making it a new favorite for years to come [6].
How to Use Cinnamon Slate
- Living Rooms: Use Cinnamon Slate as the base shade in a living room and accent it with neutrals in various materials [19].
- Bedrooms: Create a cozy and inviting bedroom by painting the walls Cinnamon Slate.
- Home Offices: Add warmth and sophistication to a home office with this versatile color [7].
- Accents: Use Cinnamon Slate as an accent color on doors, trim, or furniture to add a touch of elegance [3].
The Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2025 Palette
Benjamin Moore's Color Trends 2025 palette includes ten hues that balance accents of vibrancy mingled with notes of subtlety [6, 22]. The palette celebrates the uniqueness of each hue while all working together in color harmony [6]. The colors include [6]:
- Cinnamon Slate 2113-40
- Sea Salt CSP-95
- Leather Saddle Brown 2100-20
- Chowning's Tan CW-195
- Tissue Pink 1163
- Stained Glass CSP-685
- Ashwood Moss 1484
- Rosepine 461
- Paris Rain 1501
- Glacier White OC-37
Boreal and Nature-Inspired Greens
Another prominent trend in 2025 is the use of nature-inspired greens, particularly shades like Boreal. Boreal, a deep green-gray, mirrors the lush forest evergreens [7, 10]. These colors align with the biophilic design trend, which emphasizes connecting with nature in the built environment [13, 18].
Why Greens?
- Calming and Restorative: Green is known for its calming and restorative properties. It can reduce stress and create a sense of well-being [7].
- Connection to the Outdoors: Green is the color of nature, and it can bring a sense of the outdoors inside [3, 15].
- Versatility: Green can be used in various rooms, from living rooms to bedrooms to kitchens [7].
Examples of Green Palettes
- Boreal, Wood Tones, and Marble: This palette creates a sophisticated and fresh kitchen [7].
- Ashwood Moss, Soft Beiges, and Pale Grays: This palette adds a touch of elegance to any living room [7].
- Frosted Jade, White, and Natural Wood: This palette creates a calming and relaxing bedroom [13].
- Quietude (HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams), Delft, and Rocky River: This palette can be used to create a kitchen and pantry with a natural refined look [23]
How to Use Greens
- Accent Walls: Use a bold green shade on an accent wall to add a pop of color.
- Kitchen Cabinets: Paint kitchen cabinets a soft green-gray like Frosted Jade for a calming effect [13].
- Bedrooms: Create a restful bedroom by using green on the walls or ceiling [13].
- Combine with Natural Materials: Enhance the natural feel by combining green with wood, stone, and plants [3].
Optimistic Yellows and Oranges
While earth tones and greens dominate, optimistic yellows and oranges are also making a splash in 2025 [1]. These colors infuse spaces with energy and positivity [1].
Why Yellows and Oranges?
- Energy and Positivity: Yellow and orange are associated with happiness, optimism, and creativity [1].
- Warmth and Comfort: These colors add warmth and comfort to spaces [3].
- Creating a Focal Point: Yellow and orange can be used to create a focal point in a room [8].
Examples of Yellow and Orange Palettes
- Jackfruit and White: This palette creates a vibrant and bright space [13].
- Colorful Leaves (rust orange) and Neutrals: This palette adds a touch of retro flair to home interiors [1].
- Convivial Yellow and White: This palette can be used to create a cheerful and welcoming space [23].
How to Use Yellows and Oranges
- Accent Walls: Use a bold yellow or orange on an accent wall to add energy to a room [13].
- Entryways: Create a welcoming entryway with a cheerful yellow or orange [13].
- Kitchen Cabinetry: Add a playful touch to kitchen cabinetry with a vibrant yellow or orange [13].
- Accessories: Incorporate yellow and orange through accessories like pillows, throws, and artwork [3].
The Return of Rich Jewel Tones
While earthy tones are popular, rich jewel tones remain relevant in 2025 [3]. Emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple add a sense of luxury and opulence to interiors [3]. They pair beautifully with both neutral and bold color schemes [3].
Why Jewel Tones?
- Luxury and Opulence: Jewel tones evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication [3].
- Depth and Richness: These colors add depth and richness to spaces [6].
- Creating a Statement: Jewel tones can be used to create a bold statement in a room [3].
How to Use Jewel Tones
- Accent Walls: Use a jewel tone on an accent wall to add drama and sophistication.
- Furniture: Incorporate jewel tones through furniture like velvet sofas or armchairs [3].
- Accessories: Add pops of jewel tones through accessories like pillows, curtains, and artwork [3].
- Combine with Metallics: Pair jewel tones with warm metallics like gold or bronze to enhance the sense of luxury [3].
Beyond the Walls: Other Color Considerations
While paint color is a significant aspect of interior design, remember that other elements contribute to the overall color scheme:
- Fabrics: Incorporate color through upholstery, curtains, and rugs. Consider layering different textures and patterns for added visual interest [3].
- Accessories: Use accessories like pillows, throws, artwork, and decorative objects to introduce color and personality.
- Lighting: Lighting can significantly impact how colors appear in a space. Experiment with different types of lighting to achieve the desired effect [3].
- Metals: Use warm metallic finishes in lighting fixtures and hardware to create a layered, sophisticated look [3].
Out with the Old: Colors to Consider Avoiding
As new trends emerge, some colors begin to fade from popularity. While personal preference always reigns supreme, here are a few colors that designers suggest might be on their way out in 2025 [21]:
- Beige and Greige: These once-ubiquitous neutrals are being replaced by brighter, bolder, and more saturated colors [21].
- Sage Green: Overused and predictable, sage green is making way for more vibrant and spirited green paint colors [21].
The Future of Color: Personal Expression and Sustainable Choices
As we move further into 2025, the paint trends will likely continue to evolve, reflecting our changing needs and desires. The key takeaways are [3, 16]:
- Personal Expression: Decorating is all about personality, comfort and a healthy dose of fun [20].
- Sustainability: Focus on creating beautiful spaces that are also kind to the planet [3]. Vegan leathers, non-toxic materials, and eco-friendly products are not just options but essentials [3].
Next Steps: Bring the 2025 Paint Trends Home
Now that you're armed with the knowledge of the top paint trends for 2025, it's time to start planning your next decorating project. Here are a few actionable steps you can take:
- Gather Inspiration: Browse magazines, websites, and social media platforms to find images of rooms that inspire you.
- Order Samples: Order paint samples of your favorite colors and test them in your home to see how they look in different lighting conditions [17].
- Create a Mood Board: Create a mood board with paint swatches, fabric samples, and images of furniture and accessories to visualize your design [8].
- Consult with a Professional: If you're feeling overwhelmed, consult with an interior designer or color consultant for expert advice.
- Start Painting: Once you've made your decisions, it's time to break out the paintbrushes and transform your space!
By embracing the paint trends of 2025, you can create a home that's not only stylish but also a reflection of your unique personality and values.