It’s that time of the year again. As we move closer to 2025, the top paint brands have released their anticipated “Colors of the Year,” setting the tone for design trends in both residential and commercial spaces. Whether you’re redecorating or staging a home, understanding the psychology of color can help you create the desired mood and impact.

The days of stark white kitchens and agreeable grays may be dwindling. In their place, warm, earthy, and inviting tones are beckoning painters to embrace deeper hues and cozy vibes.  Dark and Moody is still a thing, and I’m all for it.

In Part 1, I’ve concentrated on the two top trends in paint colors: Brown Tones and Deep Reds. These 2025 Colors of the Year span a wide range of moods, from bold and dramatic to soft and serene, allowing for endless possibilities in design and home styling.

The Psychology of Color in Interior Design

Color psychology plays a pivotal role in how a space makes us feel. By choosing the right colors, you can create environments that boost moods, foster relaxation, or increase productivity. Here’s a quick overview of how some common colors impact emotions:

• Red: Passion, energy, and excitement—best used in areas where you want to stimulate action, such as dining rooms or exercise spaces.
• Blue: Calm, trust, and serenity—perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms to promote relaxation.
• Green: Balance, growth, and nature—great for any room where you want a refreshing, grounding energy.
• Yellow: Optimism, happiness, and warmth—ideal for kitchens, offices, and playrooms.
• Purple: Luxury, creativity, and spirituality—adds a touch of opulence to living rooms and bedrooms.

By blending the latest trends with color psychology, you’ll be equipped to make informed design decisions that resonate with both aesthetics and emotions.  We’ll explore the 2025 color picks from Dunn Edwards, Little Greene, Graham & Brown, Stainmaster, Behr and C2 Paint.

Browns

Think honey caramel, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, clay, terracotta, etc. Brown fell out of favor for years and years, but now it’s back in a big way. Check out my blog post on how brown is trending. Is Brown the New White?.

Dunn Edwards – Caramelized

Caramelized by Dunn Edwards is a rich terracotta brown like sunbaked natural clay. It’s historic in color but it can soften a modern design or complement historic architecture equally.

This color brings a sense of comfort to any space, offering a timeless and sophisticated look. The warmth of Caramelized makes it ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens, where it can foster a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and leather.

Little Greene – Mochi

Mochi from Little Greene is a light brown with peach-pink undertones and a touch of warmth that feels fresh, light, and playful. This gentle color is perfect for creating serene and inviting spaces that feel both modern and timeless.

Little Greene’s creative director, Ruth Mottershead, describes Mochi as a “soft, complex neutral that’s both timeless and modern. It can be used in a variety of settings, from bedrooms and bathrooms to living rooms, and can be paired with earthy shades, greens, grays, or wooden accents. Mochi can also be used as a neutral base to introduce bolder tones”.

Graham & Brown – Elderton

Medium Brown

Stainmaster – Truffle

Truffle by Stainmaster is a rich, earthy brown with hints of cocoa and mahogany. This luxurious hue brings warmth and sophistication to any space, making it an excellent choice for both modern and traditional interiors.

Truffle’s depth works particularly well in living rooms or home offices, where it can create a grounded, cozy atmosphere. Paired with lighter neutrals or bold, jewel-toned accents, Truffle adds richness and depth while maintaining a sense of calm and comfort.

Use it on all four walls for a dramatic, contemporary feel or to accent a light, neutral color palette. It’s also perfect for drenching an entire room in its warmth or to accentuate and add depth to specific areas of the home.

Deep Reds

Deep Reds have been trending all year and I know you’ve seen all the burgundies and maroons out there. Fashion has been leaning into this trend also and I just love all of the deep wine colors. Very sophisticated.

Behr – Rumors

Rumors by Behr is a deep, classic burgundy that exudes opulence and tradition. This color is ideal for those looking to add a sense of luxury and formality to their interiors. Rumors’ rich, wine-like hue is perfect for dining rooms, libraries, or formal living spaces, where it can create an atmosphere of warmth and refinement.

This deep shade pairs beautifully with brass or gold accents, and its timeless appeal ensures it will make a bold yet elegant statement in any home.

C2 Paint – Raku

Raku by C2 Paint is an earthy, deep brownish red (maroon) and it can take on a chameleon like quality depending on the lighting going from almost brown to a rich wine color. The ancient Japanese tea ceremony inspires the C2 Raku shade. Its color comes from Raku pottery, full of variegated patterns, imperfections, and rich texture.

It really has something to offer to any design style picking up the tones of the colors surrounding it, making it a magical addition to any room. Continuing the global need for getting back to nature and feeling safe and secure, Raku is the most striking and yet calming at the same time. 

Whether you’re inspired by the soft tones of Little Greene’s Mochi or the energetic hue of Behr’s Rumors, choosing the right paint color can transform your home into a space that truly reflects your personality and meets your emotional needs. The 2025 paint colors of the year are designed to offer versatility while setting the stage for a more mindful and aesthetically pleasing living environment.

Understanding the psychology of color and integrating these trending shades into your home can elevate your design. As these 2025 Colors of the Year demonstrate, color choices are more than just decorative—they’re transformative. Whether you’re vamping your living space or renovating your whole home, these colors can help you create environments that are not only beautiful but emotionally enriching. If you missed last year’s blog post, you can check it out here: The 2024 Colors of the Year. I find it so interesting to see how the colors evolve from year to year.

Stay ahead of the curve by incorporating these 2025 color trends into your next project! Let me know what your favorites are in the comments.

See ya next time.