Each year, paint brands and design experts unveil their Color of the Year, setting the stage for interior trends and providing inspiration for homeowners and decorators. The 2025 palette features a fascinating blend of hues that reflect a deeper connection to nature, individuality, and the desire for balance in our living spaces. Here's a look at the predictions for 2025, the history of these choices, and how you can integrate them into your home.
How Colors of the Year Are Chosen
The selection process for the Color of the Year is both scientific and artistic. Major paint brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Glidden assemble color experts, designers, and trend forecasters to analyze global events, cultural shifts, and emerging patterns in fashion and technology. For example:
- In 2024, Benjamin Moore's Blue Nova reflected vibrancy and optimism with its violet-blue tone.
- In 2025, they pivoted to Cinnamon Slate, a warm blend of purple and brown, highlighting a shift toward coziness and earth-inspired design.
These colors often resonate with larger societal moods, serving as a reflection of the collective consciousness.
The 2025 Colors of the Year
Several brands have announced their standout shades for 2025, with a clear trend toward muted, nature-inspired tones:
- Benjamin Moore's Cinnamon Slate: A rich blend of heathered plum and velvety brown, this hue is versatile and grounding, ideal for creating warm, welcoming interiors.
- Glidden's Purple Basil: A moody violet with earthy undertones, great for bold statements on accent walls or furniture pieces.
- Dutch Boy’s Mapped Blue: A blue-gray with hints of yellow undertones, offering a calming yet vibrant option for both modern and traditional spaces.
- Valspar’s Encore: A striking ultramarine blue with violet undertones, designed to bring energy and joy to any room.
- C2 Paint’s Raku: A deep brownish red inspired by Japanese earthenware, embodying balance and timeless elegance.
Using the 2025 Colors in Your Home
When incorporating these hues, consider their impact on different spaces:
1. Living Rooms
- Use Cinnamon Slate or Mapped Blue for a cozy yet sophisticated backdrop. Pair with natural wood furniture and metallic accents for depth.
- For a contemporary touch, try Purple Basil as a focal point wall or integrated into textiles like curtains and cushions.
2. Kitchens
- Muted tones like Raku can add warmth to cabinets or island bases, especially when combined with light countertops and brass fixtures.
- Encore's ultramarine energy works well in open-plan kitchens, creating a lively atmosphere.
3. Bedrooms
- Create a serene retreat with Mapped Blue or Cinnamon Slate for walls, pairing them with cream or soft pink linens.
- Add textured rugs or throws in complementary shades like sage or lavender.
4. Bathrooms
- Use Purple Basil for an accent wall behind the vanity or as a bold ceiling color to add intrigue to smaller spaces.
- Combine earthy hues like Raku with natural stone or tile for a spa-like feel.
Historical Perspective: Previous Colors of the Year
Understanding past trends helps put current choices into context:
- 2023: Sherwin-Williams' Redend Point offered a warm, blush-beige for grounding spaces in a rapidly changing world.
- 2024: Vibrant shades like Blue Nova and Behr's Blank Canvas reflected optimism and simplicity.
- 2025: This year leans toward nuanced hues, with rich undertones and a focus on creating peaceful, nature-inspired environments.
Benefits of Using Trend Colors
The Color of the Year concept isn’t just about aesthetics—it influences how we experience spaces:
- A Fresh Start: Introducing a trending shade can instantly update a home, creating a contemporary feel.
- Connection to Nature: Many of the 2025 colors, like Mapped Blue and Cinnamon Slate, evoke natural elements, fostering tranquility.
- Customizable Applications: Whether you’re painting an entire room, an accent wall, or just furniture, these shades are versatile and adaptable.
Working with Professionals
To fully harness the potential of these trending colors, consider consulting an interior designer. They can help:
- Balance Hues: Designers ensure that bold choices like Purple Basil integrate seamlessly with your existing decor.
- Explore Materials: From paint finishes to textiles, a professional can recommend complementary materials for a cohesive look.
- Optimize Light: The interplay of natural and artificial lighting can dramatically impact how a color appears.
Embracing the Color of the Year
The 2025 Color of the Year palette offers homeowners an opportunity to refresh their spaces with hues that are both stylish and emotionally resonant. Whether you choose the comforting depths of Cinnamon Slate, the bold vibrancy of Encore, or the tranquil charm of Mapped Blue, these colors can transform your home into a haven of balance and beauty. By understanding the history and intention behind these choices, you’ll not only stay on trend but also create spaces that truly reflect your personal style.
For more insights and ideas, explore the full 2025 color trends from your favorite brands and let your creativity shine. If you’re stuck in decision paralysis and looking for professional guidance on color selections this year—reach out to Kell Architects. We now have interior design services that can encompass the most difficult and color focused decisions..