Every year, major paint companies and color experts announce their “Color of the Year,” setting the tone for trends in design, fashion, and interior spaces. The chosen shades often speak to the mood, energy, and aspirations of the moment. As we approach 2025, these selections hold special significance, reflecting the societal influences, psychological considerations, and evolving design principles.

In my previous post, 2025 Colors of the Year – Part 1, we discussed how societal factors such as the continued evolution of work-from-home culture, climate change awareness, and a growing emphasis on mental health will influence color choices. As people seek balance between their digital lives and real-world experiences, there is likely to be a push toward colors that offer serenity, grounding, and connection to nature. Earthy tones like deep reds with brown undertones like clay, terracotta and maroon and sunbaked browns might be featured, signaling a desire to return to nature amidst a technology-driven world.

In this post, we’ll discuss:

1.        The return of Purple

2.        Serene Blues and Greens

3.        Bold and Vibrant hues

Purple Rain

As much as I love Prince (yes, present tense because I still love him), I’ve never decorated with purple, but I do have quite a few pieces of clothing in eggplant and plum colors so I might have to partake in this trend, hmmmm.

In addition to the natural world, societal movements around inclusivity and diversity may also shape the palette. Colors that celebrate warmth, acceptance, and belonging will emerge like in the purple family which will bring a therapeutic quality to interiors.

Benjamin Moore – Cinnamon Slate

Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore is a mix of heathered plum and a velvety brown. This nuanced color brings a smooth familiarity to any design. It’s an inviting hue that brings an air of depth and richness but also approachability.

“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 Benjamin Moore director of color marketing and design, Andrea Magno.

Minwax – Violet Stain

Violet by Minwax is a bold and saturated color that is both playful and expressive. It embodies the future as it makes traditional spaces feel new again without sacrificing the natural beauty of wood grain. Violet signals a bold new era of home design where self-expression takes center stage.

“Violet, when paired with natural wood tones, creates a striking contrast that feels both classic and contemporary. From subtle color accents to bold statements with color drenching, this versatile shade offers homeowners countless ways to infuse depth and character into any space”, said Lisbeth Parada of Minwax.

Glidden by PPG – Purple Basil

Purple Basil by Glidden is a dark violet color that represents the appreciation for self-discovery and self-expression that has led to the rise of maximalism across industries, including design, fashion and consumer goods. In the year ahead this trend will lead us to unapologetically embrace the rich warmth and energy delivered by colors like Purple Basil.

Glidden chose Purple Basil to encourage people to paint with colors they love, and to celebrate the rise of self-expression and self-discovery. The color is described as warm and high-impact, with a slight red undertone that gives it a sense of warmth while still feeling modern and fresh.

Subtle and Serene

Tthe cultural emphasis on personal well-being is likely to inspire colors that evoke warmth, comfort, and emotional security. These tones are particularly useful in spaces like bedrooms or living rooms, where the focus is on relaxation and mental wellness.

Society plays a pivotal role in shaping the Color of the Year. Color trends often act as a mirror, reflecting the hopes, anxieties, and values of the time. For instance, in years marked by global instability, we tend to see a surge in calming, grounding colors like soft blues and greens.

HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams – Quietude.

Quietude by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams is a soft sage with a hint of blue. The color of the year was inspired by society’s shift toward more leisurely living. It’s a soothing, pastel color that can create a sense of peacefulness in any space. It’s a modern take on vintage paint colors, and can be used for timeless design.

When you look at this color, you can’t help but feel calm. This soothing color can be mixed and matched with other bolder colors and not be overwhelmed. Try it on molding and trim as well as walls and you’ll see a sense of sophistication as well as comfortability.

Dutch Boy Paint – Mapped Blue.

Mapped Blue by Dutch Boy is in response to consumer interest in spaces that promote well-being and longevity. A beautiful, medium tone blue with slight yellow undertones, it adds modern charm to any space. 

This color is meant to be a timeless foundation that can work with a variety of styles. It can also be used as an accent color on the exterior of a home, paired with wood, brick or natural stone. 

Vibrant and Bold

During times of cultural excitement or technological advancement, more vibrant and bold hues like bold blues or bright yellows may take center stage.

The psychology of color also suggests that bold, energizing tones will continue to play a pivotal role in 2025. These vibrant and bold hues may be used to stimulate creativity and motivation, particularly in workspaces or communal areas. These colors can inject a sense of energy and excitement, balancing the more subdued shades found in living or relaxation spaces.

Valspar – Encore

Encore by Valspar is a deep blue with a tinge of violet that bridges both digital and physical spaces. Using crisp, cool shades in the home mimics the mood in virtual space. Low lighting will amplify the violet undertone that helps ease our eyes back into reality. This atmospheric blue is at home anywhere.l

Blue is enjoying its comeback — its encore, if you will. Valspar Encore is a shade that embodies constancy and confidence to let you create a joyful respite from the ebbs and flows of life.

Dulux – True Joy

True Joy by Dulux is a vibrant yellow shade that is intended to fill spaces with optimism, pride, and creative energy. This color was chosen to represent the desire to break free from old patterns and move forward with confidence. Yellow was selected because it can evoke feelings of happiness and energy, and is often associated with sunshine and warmth.

It works brilliantly on its own as a statement color or as a striking accent color to complement other shades.

 

The 2025 Colors of the Year will be a harmonious blend of society’s collective desires for peace, well-being, and progress. The selection process is deeply rooted in cultural observation, psychological understanding, and a keen eye on design trends.

The colors we surround ourselves with usually serve as a reflection of our times and emotions. In this ever changing world, calming neutrals, vibrant pops of color, or nature-inspired tones, will play a key role in defining the aesthetics and feeling of our homes and public spaces.

Let me know what colors are your favorites and whether you’ll be trying any of these in 2025.

See ya next time!