Every year, I get excited to see which colors will define the next twelve months. As an artist and designer, color plays a huge role in my creative process, and this year’s selections are particularly inspiring. The trend? Warmth, nostalgia, and balance. Gone are the neon brights and ultra-modern cool tones—2025 is embracing earthy, sophisticated, and calming shades that feel timeless yet fresh.
From deep, moody hues to soft, nostalgic pastels, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home, experiment with new palettes in your art, or just appreciate the psychology of color, let’s dive into this year’s standout selections!
Pantone’s Pick: Mocha Mousse
Pantone’s Mocha Mousse is a luxurious, warm brown that exudes comfort. Imagine the color of a perfectly frothed café mocha or the deep tone of well-worn leather. It’s the kind of shade that makes a space feel grounded and refined. As someone who appreciates warm neutrals in both fashion and interiors, I can see this being a go-to for creating that quiet, sophisticated vibe.
Behr’s Bold Choice: Rumors
Behr’s Rumors is a deep, dynamic ruby red that instantly commands attention. It’s rich, dramatic, and just the right amount of bold. I see this color working beautifully in statement walls, vintage-inspired designs, and elegant evening wear. It feels like a modern take on classic red, evoking warmth and nostalgia while still being fresh.
HGTV Home’s Quietude: The Color of Serenity
Soft, muted, and utterly calming—Quietude by HGTV Home is a blend of green and gray that feels like a breath of fresh air. If you love tranquil, nature-inspired interiors, this is a perfect choice. It reminds me of misty mornings, cozy reading nooks, and minimalist aesthetics that focus on simplicity and peace.
Valspar’s Deep & Dreamy Encore
Valspar’s Encore is a deep blue with an Old World charm. It’s a sophisticated yet understated shade, perfect for those who love classic European-inspired interiors. I personally love how this color could work in both modern and traditional settings—whether as a bold statement wall or a subtle accent in home decor.
KitchenAid’s Butter: A Nostalgic Pop of Color
KitchenAid brought something completely different to the table with Butter, a soft, creamy yellow that oozes vintage charm. It’s warm, inviting, and reminds me of old-school kitchens, retro appliances, and sunny breakfasts. If you love a pop of happy, nostalgic color in your space, this might be the perfect shade for your next kitchen refresh!
Sherwin-Williams’ Color Capsule of the Year
Rather than choosing just one shade, Sherwin-Williams curated a Color Capsule of the Year, featuring a harmonious palette of warm browns, dusty blues, mauves, soft neutrals, and even a golden green. I love this idea—it gives more freedom to mix and match, making it easier to find a combination that speaks to your personal style.
Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate: A Warm, Earthy Neutral
Benjamin Moore selected Cinnamon Slate, a blend of purple and brown that feels rich yet understated. It’s one of those colors that can shift depending on the lighting, which makes it great for dynamic interiors. It feels cozy, welcoming, and just a little bit moody—perfect for creating an intimate atmosphere.
Glidden’s Purple Basil: A Sophisticated, Earthy Hue
Purple lovers, this one’s for you! Purple Basil by Glidden is a deep, earthy purple that leans into sophistication. It pairs beautifully with warm neutrals and bold reds, creating a layered and luxurious feel. I love how unexpected yet versatile this color is—it would look stunning in both fashion and interiors.
Dunn-Edwards’ Caramalized: A Warm, Inviting Hue
When I first saw this colour, I instantly felt a sense of warmth and comfort. This golden, earthy hue reminds me of cozy moments with something sweet in hand. It’s perfect for creating a relaxing, inviting space and works beautifully with natural textures like wood or stone. Whether as a main color or an accent, Caramelized brings warmth and elegance without being overpowering, and it pairs well with both muted and bolder tones—definitely a color to watch in 2025.
Dutch Boy’s Mapped Blue: A Modern Yet Timeless Blue-Gray
Mapped Blue by Dutch Boy is a medium blue-gray with a hint of warmth, making it incredibly versatile. It works with both warm and cool palettes, making it an easy choice for those who want a fresh but not overpowering color. This is the kind of shade that would look stunning in a workspace or bedroom, offering just the right amount of depth without being too dark.
C2 Paint’s Raku: A Japanese-Inspired Earthy Red
C2 Paint took inspiration from traditional Japanese pottery for their 2025 Color of the Year, Raku. This brownish-red has an organic, handcrafted feel to it, making it perfect for those who love rustic yet modern aesthetics. I can already picture this color in a minimalist, nature-inspired setting, paired with raw materials like wood and stone.
STAINMASTER’s Truffle: A Rich, Chocolate Brown
If you’re looking for a deep, grounding neutral, Truffle by STAINMASTER is a perfect choice. It’s a dark chocolate brown that adds warmth and sophistication without feeling too heavy. Browns are making a huge comeback, and this one feels especially refined.
What’s the Common Theme?
Looking at all these selections together, I notice a clear shift towards earthy, rich, and comforting tones. Whether it’s deep browns, sophisticated reds, muted blues, or soft neutrals, the focus is on timelessness rather than trendiness.
As someone who works with color daily, I love this direction. These shades feel lived-in, natural, and versatile—perfect for creating cozy, elegant spaces and designs that stand the test of time.
Which Color Speaks to You?
Are you drawn to the rich warmth of Mocha Mousse and Truffle, or do you love the deep sophistication of Purple Basil and Viridian Odyssey? Maybe you’re feeling the nostalgic charm of Butter, or the modern calmness of Quietude?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let’s talk about what colors are inspiring you for 2025.