As a new year begins, many individuals are starting home improvement projects, leading them to consider paint colors for their upcoming renovations. Paint industry experts are offering insights on the colors we should let go of in the approaching year and those we should welcome in 2025. The consensus points towards a shift from the popular gray, black, and stark white tones of recent years to warmer neutrals and rich earthy hues in 2025. Ashley Banbury, the color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, notes that our approach to color and its use in our living spaces is constantly evolving.
Light grays are making space for gentler shades of beige, while deep black tones are being replaced by equally striking yet slightly softer chocolate brown tones. Interior design is embracing a cozy, warm, and inviting aesthetic, with a fresh coat of paint being a great way to set the tone. To keep up with the trends, here are the paint colors that are on their way out and the ones expected to make a splash in the new year.
1. Say Goodbye to Grays and Welcome Taupes and Khakis
While gray shades have been a staple neutral in interiors and exteriors, the trend is now moving away from this cool hue. “We’re shifting from gray and cool neutrals towards warm neutrals like modern beiges and taupes to add warmth to our spaces,” says Banbury. Embracing the trend towards warmer tones, Khaki is predicted to be a popular color in 2025. This minimalist warm neutral, such as Stucco, is expected to create a sense of calm and relaxation in homes.
2. Swap Black for Chocolate Brown
Like grays, black hues have been trendy for adding drama to home decor. However, consumer interest is now transitioning towards other dark and dramatic shades like charcoal tones and chocolate brown. Banbury suggests that rich, deep browns are currently in the spotlight, reflecting a trend seen in street style fashion that is influencing home design. Saturated chocolate brown shades are recommended for setting a mood and bringing warmth to any space.
3. Embrace Warm Reds and Purples Over Cool Tones
Warm reds and purples are gaining popularity for their emotional depth and cultural significance. BEHR has selected Rumors as their 2025 Color of the Year, a deep ruby red, in response to this trend. Erika Woelfel, BEHR’s VP of color and creative services, highlights the appeal of reds and purples in both fashion and global design, making them a compelling choice for adding vibrancy and character to interior spaces.
The latest trends in design indicate a strong desire for confidence and self-expression through color choices. According to industry experts, red’s passionate energy and purple’s creativity-inspiring qualities are particularly popular as they resonate with individuals seeking vibrancy and richness in their surroundings. Speaking on the matter, Woelfel emphasizes how these colors offer a dynamic aesthetic and a bold presence in both interior design and fashion.
In a shift away from stark whites, industry insiders predict that cooler tones will be replaced by warmer hues in 2025. Jamie Davis, co-founder of Portola Paints, foresees a decline in stark whites and grays, making way for more saturated, earthy colors like rich browns, blues, and greens. This departure from stark white tones is indicative of a broader trend towards cozy and welcoming interiors that embrace deeper, more inviting hues such as Portola’s Wellfleet and Newbury Port.
Echoing this sentiment, Banbury suggests exploring shades of yellow as a substitute for bright whites. The popularity of butter yellow during the spring and summer seasons is expected to endure as we look ahead to the warmer months in 2025. Banbury notes that pastel yellows, with their green undertones, exude a newfound sophistication and connection to the natural world, exemplified by hues like Convivial Yellow.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, another emerging trend in painting involves moving away from accent walls towards a technique known as double-drenching. Banbury describes this method as a departure from traditional accent walls, focusing instead on enveloping a space in a monochromatic color scheme. This approach entails painting walls in a single hue and using lighter or darker shades from the same palette for ceilings and architectural elements like crown molding, creating a cohesive and harmonious look throughout the room.
As individuals seek new ways to express themselves through color at home, the double-drenching technique offers a creative and stylish alternative to the conventional accent wall. By incorporating this trend, homeowners can infuse their living spaces with a sense of unity and aesthetic sophistication, transforming their interiors into personalized expressions of style and individuality.
In conclusion, the evolving trends in color and design reflect a shift towards bold, expressive choices that prioritize warmth, vibrancy, and creativity. Whether through the passionate energy of red, the inspirational qualities of purple, or the earthy richness of browns and greens, individuals are embracing colors that speak to their desire for confidence and self-expression in their living environments. By staying attuned to these trends and exploring innovative painting techniques like double-drenching, homeowners can create spaces that not only reflect their personal style but also embody the latest in design aesthetics for the coming year.
