Color Explosion: 2025 Color Trends

Now that the floodgates to a world of color have been opened and people are more willing to move beyond white and gray kitchens and bathrooms, it seems that there are few, if any, hues that those who work with color don’t reference when asked about designing with color. Recently, blues and greens have been at the forefront, and these colors are still definitely on-trend. Both Valspar and Dutch Boy selected blue shades, Encore and Mapped Blue, respectively, as their Color of the Year for 2025. 

But based on several other paint companies’ Colors of the Year, color is moving into other directions, too, including reds, purples and browns. For example, BEHR’s Rumors is a fresh take on the popular red of the 1990s. Glidden by PPG’s Purple Basil quiets timid voices that encourage their possessors to ‘play it safe’ while Benjamin Moore’s adaptable but distinctive Cinnamon Slate offers a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown. Krylon selected Hammered Black as its Color of the Year, while Pantone and Dunn-Edwards ushered in a wave of warmth with their Mocha Mousse and Caramelized, respectively. Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color Capsule of the Year captures a variety of hues, including Chartreuse, an historic yellow/green, and Mauve Finery, a subdued, sophisticated true mauve. Given this range of diversity, there’s almost no color family that isn’t currently receiving some level of love.

“It’s a really exciting time for kitchen and bath design, which has been traditionally very neutral,” says Stacy Garcia, CEO and chief inspiration officer for Stacy Garcia Design Studio and chairholder of the Color Marketing Group. “We saw an age when the all-white kitchen had its moment. That evolved into the all-gray kitchen. What I’m seeing in the market now is two separate parallels. One still leans more neutral, but it has a warming of the palette that includes more beiges and creams. Those lighter, warmer neutrals are mixing with light, natural woods as well as mid-tone and darker browns.

“The other parallel is jewel tones, which really gets me excited,” she continues. “They are richer, deeper and a bit more muted with a livable quality to them. One design trend that we’ve introduced from our Studio we’ve named Opulent Heritage. It’s all about classic inspiration mixed with modern. It isn’t about bringing the Versailles Castle into the home. Rather, it’s looking toward a classic design element and bringing it forward into the home for 2025 and beyond. We crave evolution. Nobody wants to stand still. And as we evolve, we embrace color. It’s enveloping and offers a rich quality to an interior.”

In this apartment overlooking the ocean, Crystal…

In this apartment overlooking the ocean, Crystal Maki designed a monochromatic kitchen in various shadesof teal, including cabinetry painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Still Water and fluted teal-colored tile from Tilebar. Brass accents, such as the Brizo faucet, Emtek cabinetry hardware and Visual Comfort pendants, enhance the modern design.

Photo: Will Ellis Photography

Crystal Maki’s clients wanted their new-construction…

Crystal Maki’s clients wanted their new-construction home to feel somewhat historic, thus the shaker cabinetry was painted in Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke and Shaded White. Gold-toned Schaub & Co. cabinetry hardware complements the Rohl Satin English Gold faucets and Coppersmith Brass ventilation hood.

Photo: Will Ellis Photography

Crystal Maki, principal of Silverwing Interiors, in Little Silver, NJ, is well-known in her area for working with color, and her clients on the East Coast and beyond look to her for her expertise.

“Color is on the rise and I’m so here for it!” she relates. “We’re seeing an interest in deeply saturated colors with warmth, earthiness and history. They aren’t the bright, loud colors of the Miami Vice era, but colors that are cozy with depth and personality. I think deep red and wine are trending, as are dusty pink, peach, olive, moss, sage, deep teal, navy and dark brown. Instead of stark white, we’re seeing warmer colors rule such as mushroom and stone.

Crystal Maki designed this bathroom to pay homage…

Crystal Maki designed this bathroom to pay homage to her clients’ Brooklyn roots by using Artistic Tile’s B Train subway tile in Indigo to sheath the walls. She complemented it with Artistic Tile’s Riverside Drive hexagon mosaic tile on the floor and Flavor Paper’s Brooklyn Toile wallpaper on the walls.

Photo: Will Ellis Photography

Zellige wall and shower tile, Zia Tile’s Absinthe, steals…

Zellige wall and shower tile, Zia Tile’s Absinthe, steals the show in this serene yet colorful bathroom designed by Crystal Maki.

Photo: Will Ellis Photography

“People are being braver about color and embracing bold hues,” she continues. “It’s almost as if we’re trending into emotional colors as a backlash from all the tech we’re exposed to. We’re overtired, overexposed, overmanufactured and overstimulated. We want a place to stop and think…to languish over a cozy dinner and spend all day Sunday making sauce. We want a place that is personal. We want to feel something in our homes so we embrace color, because on a visceral level, we understand what it does for our wellbeing.”

Sarah Robertson is excited about more color, too. “We are seeing much more color in the kitchen and bath…finally,” reports the principal of Studio Dearborn in Mamaroneck, NY. “Dark and muddy greens, blues, oxblood and even browns are all trending. Colors have definitely shifted a bit from saturated towards more subtle lights and dark, and we are enjoying seeing the resurgence of colorful cabinetry in the kitchen mixed with bold but neutral natural stone. 

“Fashion is always one of the largest influences in home décor color choices,” she adds. “But the movement towards ‘Grandmacore’ has also brought back a lot of colors popular during the Victorian Era. I expect to see more of the dark and dramatic tones over the next several years continue in popularity, especially more muted and organic darks.”

Amanda Welch agrees, adding, “I feel like we are in a time where anything kind of works in design, which is really fun. We were in the farmhouse trend for so long. Everything was natural, white, black and wood tone. But now people seem to be over seeing so many neutral spaces that look the same. They have a desire for something new and unique, and they are willing to be bolder with their choices.

“I don’t think neutral will ever go away as a base palette, especially in kitchens and baths, but there will still be color,” continues the interior designer and owner of Brooks Vale Design, based in Washington’s Seattle Metro area. “Green and blue are definitely on-trend, and lots of shades of tan are also becoming popular, which is nice to see as a shift from gray. Clients seem to be embracing darker spaces as a whole, meaning they are okay with dark cabinets and dark walls. Colors are more dusty and muted, which makes them more approachable and livable for a longer period of time. How long a color will be ‘in’ is definitely something that concerns my clients, so I try to make colors as approachable and long-lasting as possible.”

Like Welch, Caren Rideau believes neutral still has a place in design as she often layers neutral colors with organic woods to add texture, as well as to keep the palette clean to create an opportunity to incorporate color.

“I love to design with pops of color in my kitchens and bathrooms,” explains the owner of Kitchen Design Group in Pacific Palisades, CA. “I’m not afraid of color, so I use it a lot in my designs. It’s a great way to showcase someone’s personality. 

“But I like to use color in a more timeless approach,” she adds. “Because kitchens and bathrooms are designed on average every 15 to 20 years, I want to make sure they don’t have a trendy aesthetic. If I do design with a more trending color, I make sure it fits in with the architecture and the aesthetic of the home.”

Caren Rideau’s bachelor client loves how she…

Caren Rideau’s bachelor client loves how she designs with color, and in his space she chose Pertola Paint’s Nomad, a dusty shade of deep purple, which gives the cabinets a distinctive look without being too feminine.

Photo: Meghan Beierle-O’Brien

The main kitchen in this home is layered in various…

The main kitchen in this home is layered in various shades of neutral hues. To satisfy her client’s desire for some added color, Caren Rideau selected Benjamin Moore’s Marblehead Gold, a versatile shade of straw with muted amber undertones, for the cabinetry in the adjacent larder.

Photo: Meghan Beierle-O’Brien

Considering 2025’s Colors of the Year palettes, she is particularly excited about some of the cinnamon tones, deep lilacs and burgundies. 

“I could definitely see those as cabinetry colors,” she remarks. “In fact, we’re painting the door of our office a very deep wine burgundy. We’re also working on a kitchen now with cinnamon colored cabinetry. Around the corner in the larder we used a deep navy, all on a foundation of taupe. It reads very classic and sophisticated.”

Continuation of Blues and Greens

A conversation about color wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the continued popularity of blues and greens. In part, they remind people of nature, which satisfies a desire to bring the outdoors in. They also support the wellness trend by creating a calming environment.

“The fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces continues to trend in color and design, with consumers being increasingly drawn to nature-inspired shades for their homes,” notes Erika Woelfel, v.p. of color and creative services at BEHR in Santa Ana, CA. “Trending colors such as blue and green fit nicely with natural elements within the kitchen and bathroom. Greens like Boreal feel grounding, while tranquil, optimistic blues like Aerial View are great choices for bathrooms. Additionally, brown shades are continuing to grow in popularity, such as Gardener’s Soil and Wild Truffle. Retro is also trending in the design space, with vibrant accents like Colorful Leaves that add optimism to a space when paired with light warm neutrals like Even Better Beige.”

In addition to the Opulent Heritage trend identified by Garcia, she also draws attention to the Oasis trend. Inspired by the colors of nature, including sage and forest green as well as oat and caramel, its intent is to nurture the mind, body and spirit by creating spaces that are holistically supportive.

“These earthy tones evoke tranquility and foster a sense of grounding, perfect for creating environments that promote well-being,” she reports.

As well, Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends, MasterBrand Cabinets in Jasper, IN, indicates that shades of blue and green are popular cabinetry color choices to mix with white and mid-tone woods.

“After nearly a decade of white shaker cabinets being the default choice for homeowners, we’re seeing this field begin to open up,” she states. “[Now] when white cabinets are incorporated, they’re often mixed with other finishes, including mid-tone woods and shades of blue and green, the two most popular color families for cabinetry.

“With minimalism driving many home interior choices for years, people are now itching for color,” she continues. “The warm, nature-driven palettes that are trending are the result of homeowners looking for joyful color that also creates a serene and welcoming respite in an uncertain world.”

Also in support of blue is Valspar’s Color of the Year, Encore, a true blue with a violet undertone. 

“Encore bridges the hue from strictly timeless to future- seeking in design and allows for self-expression and elevated style at home,” stresses Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar in Minneapolis, MN. “Homeowners are trying to move beyond what was established as the norm during the pandemic, and the violet undertones of Encore help push interior aesthetics forward. People are also craving a happier home, and their color choices reflect that.

Sue Kim indicates that colors like Valspar’s Color of…

Sue Kim indicates that colors like Valspar’s Color of the Year, Encore, helps push interior aesthetics forward.

Valspar’s Color of the Year, Encore, painted on cabinets…

Valspar’s Color of the Year, Encore, painted on cabinets as well as window and door trim, captures different zones in a space such as a kitchen that is part of an open floor plan.

“For those who like to play with more color, blue and green are popular choices for a kitchen or bathroom because they are pulled from nature and help ground these hardworking spaces,” she continues. “The wellness trends are still important in our home life, too, so colors that embody or support comfort and a nurturing mood take center stage. Kitchen colors are getting lighter when paired with material in their raw state, like wood. On the other hand, the bathroom is getting moody with layers that help create a hotel spa-like ambiance. A color like Encore is versatile because it can fit into both spaces.”

Mark Woodman, owner/principal of Mark Woodman Design + Color in Laurel, MD, sees a continuation of blues and greens, but with a move to lighter versions. 

“Navy blue and the dark green are still staying,” observes the Color Marketing Group member and aesthetics consultant for Corian Design. “But we’re starting to look at a slightly pulled back misty version of blue, and greens that are more pale sage. We did see sage a long time ago, but I think this new sage is going to be a precursor to a really nice olive.

“These muted colors have some gray tones in them, which make them marvelous choices for people looking to renovate their gray kitchens with some color,” he continues, noting that they also work well with lighter stained woods that are emerging. “Dusty pinks are also a way of bringing in some color and transitioning through the gray. When we look at warm colors, some taupes and camels are the next direction coming through, which complement wood. Overall, it isn’t as much about specific colors as it is a treatment of the colors. These colors have a muted, softened quality to them, which comes back a bit to the mindset of people right now. We’re still needing something that gives us a moment of calm contemplation…a moment of quiet because there is so much coming at us all the time. Having said that, dark colors can do the exact same thing. They can be rich and contemplative. We’ll still see dark colors, but not so much as an accent. Rather, dark colors can be full on. Black kitchens, for example, are gorgeous.”

Gerri Chmiel, senior design manager, Formica Corporation in Cincinnati, OH, also indicates that, for many of the currently trending color palettes, it’s less about a specific color and more about how it feels.

“Homeowners are eager to incorporate color again, and when it comes to specific hues, anything goes,” she stresses. “When it comes to countertops, we’re seeing a surging interest in moody hues, including black, brown, green and dark gray. Through stone patterns, these colors can at once anchor a modern space or add a fresh perspective to a more traditional room. 

“Also, wellness hues, like biophilic greens, soft warm whites and luxury beiges are pairing with deep desaturated browns, blues and greens to keep moody and bold interiors cozy. Rich wood cabinetry is returning to the kitchen in warm brown tones.”

Making a Case for Brown

Designers and color experts agree that color palettes are warming, thereby paving the way for earthy tones of beige, tan and brown, all of which parallel the rise in wood.

“Light and dark neutrals, such as beige, gray and brown, are going to be seen a lot more in kitchens and bathrooms,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams in Cleveland, OH. “The trend of quiet luxury has been taking over the home and design space, and these shades help achieve that. Also, most of the shades we’re seeing being chosen as Colors of the Year, including our own 2025 Capsule of the Year, have shades that pair really well with materials of nature in kitchens and baths, such as wood-toned cabinets and butcher block countertops.”

As reference, she cites colors such as Malabar, Clove and Sunbleached from Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color Capsule of the Year, and Mindful Gray and Thunderous from its 2025 Colormix Forecast Capsule.

“Consumers are going either very light or very dark,” she adds. “They are shying away from pure colors and going for more understated and complex shades. I love the idea of creating a soft and feminine bathroom using Malabar and Mauve Finery. And for the kitchen, Sunbleached is the perfect color for a cozy and refined, yet bright, kitchen.”

Pantone made a big move into the world of brown by selecting Mocha Mousse as its Color of the Year. The warm and mellow brown hue is infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth that transports the senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires, conjuring up visions of cacao, chocolate and coffee that appeal to a desire for comfort.

“Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute in Carlstadt, NJ. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace the aspirational and luxe. Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement, Mocha Mousse presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour. A flavorful brown shade, Mocha Mousse envelopes us with its sensorial warmth.” 

“The everlasting search for harmony filters through into every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, the work we do, our social connections and the natural environment that surrounds us,” adds Laurie Pressman, v.p. of the Pantone Color Institute. “Harmony brings feelings of contentment, inspiring a positive state of inner peace, calm and balance, as well as being tuned in with the world around us. Harmony embraces a culture of connection and unity as well as the synthesis of our mental, spiritual and physical well-being. With that in mind, for Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a color that reaches into our desire for comfort and wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can give and share with others.”

Tineke Triggs, founder of Tineke Triggs in San Francisco, CA, also sees value in brown, having selected Signal Brown as BlueStar’s Color of the Year. For the past five years, the appliance manufacturer has chosen a pivotal designer partner to select a Color of the Year from the company’s 1,000-plus custom color and finish offerings. 

“Part of why I selected Signal Brown is that it is a great warm baseline that has the versatility to complement a broad range of colors and materials often found in the kitchen,” notes the designer. “Signal Brown pairs well with deep, dark blues, softer greige-beige tones, and neutrals. It looks great with soft white oak and dark black finishes and is deep enough to pop against gold and silver, adding a jewelry-like effect. It’s a color we’ve seen trending in fashion, and we are seeing that momentum pick up in design, as interior trends often follow the runway.” 

Color experts at Benjamin Moore reiterate the relevance of warm neutrals, adding that homeowners’ better understanding of colors paves the way for colors such as Cinnamon Slate, a purple/brown hue chosen as the company’s Color of the Year.

“Moving away from crisp white kitchens, homeowners are embracing warmer and moodier colors to reflect their personal style,” says Hannah Yeo, senior manager, color marketing at Benjamin Moore in Montvale, NJ. “These rich, nuanced hues are not confined to walls or cabinetry alone, but they extend to trim and ceiling, enveloping the space with color. This color- drenching technique creates a custom, built-in look while adding depth and visual interest.

“As we looked at the transition over the past few years, the idea of quietly colorful hues came to the forefront,” she continues. “While there is still a strong interest in embracing color, the colors that feel most relevant have a beautiful muted quality. We found homeowners are leaning towards a more subtle take on color that best reflects their unique personality, while ensuring long-lasting appeal. Cinnamon Slate encapsulates this sentiment, along with nine other thoughtfully curated hues from the Color Trends 2025 palette. It is a color that has a presence, without distraction.

“For the past couple of years, we’ve seen people reach for more saturated hues, like Raspberry Blush and Blue Nova, which deepen our understanding of color and its application in design,” she adds. “Coming out of this, homeowners now have a better understanding of how color impacts the overall design, and they have a clearer vision to create a space that reflects their individuality. By understanding the undertones and how those intricate nuances bring depth, homeowners can create a space that feels both soothing and familiar with colors they can enjoy for years to come.”

Living Bold

There’s no denying that neutrals and brown hues are gaining ground. But as many designers and color experts indicate, there is really very little that is off limits, including bold choices that include dark tones, reds and purples.

“When it comes to cabinetry, I’m keeping my eye on the evolution of white to become less stark with more undertones of warmth,” notes Pierce. “I also have a close eye on the red family, from dusty roses to deep maroons. These hues are rising in popularity in a similar way that blues and greens did in the past few decades.”

Chmiel expects to see a juxtaposition of neutrals and darks within interior palettes. 

“Neutrals and darks will be used to bring much-needed balance and stability, while pops of color will add excitement and allow for personal expression,” she stresses. “Warm neutrals and near neutrals, such as undyed cotton, wool, mushroom and soil, set the foundation for a restorative palette that will bring comfort and calmness, while darks – think cocoa and red-based browns – will offer stability and longevity. Wood stains will continue to darken and woodgrains will become more high contrast, while tinted blacks will add understated luxury. Mineral tones like dusky purple, purple/brown and teal, which are inclusive to all genders and ages, feel premium and transcend seasons, which give them long lifespans within the home.”

As well, BEHR’s selection of Rumors as its Color of the Year supports the desire to make a statement.

“Typically, we see consumers reaching for calming colors for the kitchen and bathroom spaces, but as we head into 2025, we see an increased desire for bolder hues to reflect a confidence and energetic force,” says Woelfel. “Dark greens like Amazon Jungle or blue-blacks like Black Sapphire achieve this effect. 

“We also see consumers reaching for nostalgic colors with a modern twist such as Rumors,” she continues. “It can be incorporated in various ways within kitchen and bathroom spaces. For example, it works as a striking accent on kitchen cabinets against neutral backdrops. Alternatively, the red hue can be used to color drench a bathroom for an unexpected bold moment. While neutrals will remain popular, we see consumers craving colors that energize and make a statement in a space.”