The annual color wheel has spun again. It’s time to say farewell to brat green and hot pink; for 2025, the hues to use are largely dark or dusky.
Topping the lists of many of the major coatings manufacturers and color consultants are shades of purple and brown. While burgundy and chocolate may sound like the ideal menu for a Friday night at home after a tough week, experts say that variants on these colors reflect a desire for harmony and balance in living, as well as a search for a more authentic, deeper connection with nature.
Applied to interiors, the palette produces a vibe that is cozy rather than stuffy, thanks to a blend of moderated tones.
“As the use of more saturated color in design has increased in recent years, we are seeing a growing interest in more nuanced colors, whose undertones add intricacy and dimension,” said Andrea Magno, director, color marketing & design at Benjamin Moore.
Warm Colors
Mocha Mousse, the Pantone color of the year, is a subtle yet elegant shade that evokes the quiet luxury trend. Versatile, it works well as a textured surface; complements a broad range of materials, including stone and tile, wood and metals; and is compatible with both soft and vibrant shades.
Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets, puts Mocha Mousse in perspective.
“Warm, earthen tones have made a significant comeback in the home as organic influences dominate interiors, and this color supports that trend beautifully,” she said. “It’s a perfect complement to the evolution of the neutral palette to include softer, creamier off-whites. Light undertones of pink and red hues have been on the rise lately, and Mocha Mousse effectively pairs this softer, more feminine undertone with the more masculine, rich brown.”
While comforting browns are dominating the warm color families this year, there is a nascent interest in complex reds, too. NKBA Design Council member Caleb Anderson said, “The more unusual sources of earth tones are catching my eye lately. The depth of color of a beet, whether it be a deep muddled red or a golden hue, illustrates a return to naturalism and experimentation in design.”
Cool Colors
When it comes to lowering peoples’ stress levels and simultaneously indulging their need for personal expression, purple reigns in 2025.
In selecting Violet as its COTY, Minwax tapped into younger generations’ rising appreciation for quality craftmanship and upcycling, demonstrated by their embrace of heirloom furniture and thrift-store finds. A quirky choice when used to refinish antique pieces, it adds contemporary character to them, especially when paired with natural wood tones.
“Warm, energetic purples can be seen across historical design schools, including Arts and Crafts, Organic Modern, Art Moderne or Postmodern styles,” said Ashley McCollum, PPG color expert for the Glidden brand, which named Purple Basil its hue of 2025. Designers can recreate those styles or reinterpret them in a fresh way.
Another cool color for the coming year, a rich blue tone that Valspar dubbed Encore, was developed as an antidote for anxiety, a catalyst for introducing and increasing peace and restoration into lifestyles and surroundings.
Designing With Color
The refined palettes of 2025 have broad potential in the hands of creatives; these “brushes with greatness” span colorful detail treatments to maximalist, immersive applications.
For example, painting the jamb of a cased opening in an unexpected hue can foster a chromatic connection between transitional spaces. A consistent-color staircase quickly becomes the focal point of a foyer if the treads, risers, trim, post and handrails all match.
“When views are extra important, consider painting window frames in the same shade as the walls. They’ll fade away and let the view take center stage,” said Joel Marsh, owner of Park City, Ut.-based Marsh Painting.
A “jewelry box” effect can be achieved by coupling abstract or vintage-style wallpaper with single paint color on the trim, ceiling, accent wall or wainscotting.
For the ultimate aesthetic statement, try a color drench – coating an entire room, its walls, ceilings, bookcases and millwork in a single shade. Varying the sheen on each surface will highlight key features and disguise a room’s less desirable elements, like radiators.
The Impact of Color
At the end of the day, utilizing color is about balancing fun and sophistication. As the ultimate personalizer, it’s a powerful design tool. Kristen McCory of Burlington, Conn.-based McCory Interiors sums up its appeal: “When using color, be experimental. Beautiful things will unfold.”
