The colors in your home have the power to do more than decorate—they can energize your mornings, soothe your evenings, and transform your well-being. For years, the interior design world has been awash in shades of white, gray, and beige. These neutrals have been the safe, go-to palette for homeowners seeking simplicity and timelessness. But for those ready to bid farewell to the neutral trend and welcome a more vibrant, soulful aesthetic, 2025 is shaping up to be your year.
This year's top color picks from leading paint brands offer a rich, earthy spectrum that feels as luxurious as it does comforting. These warm and rich tones invite us to reimagine our spaces with depth and personality, setting the stage for a home that truly nurtures the soul. Here’s a closer look at the standout hues of 2025 and how you can incorporate them into your home with intention and flair.
The boldness of 2025’s palette begins with Behr Paint’s Rumors, a deep ruby red that manages to be both invigorating and soothing. This timeless shade radiates warmth and luxury, perfect for feature walls in dining rooms or as an accent in a powder room. Complementing this is Dunn-Edwards’ Caramelized, with its earthy terracotta undertones reminiscent of sunbaked clay. These two reddish hues create an energizing yet grounded vibe, ideal for spaces where conversation and connection flourish.
On the other side of the spectrum, Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate introduces a rich plum-brown that exudes understated elegance. Ideal for libraries or cozy reading nooks, it brings an unexpected depth to kitchen cabinetry, offering a balance of boldness and warmth. Meanwhile, Pantone’s Mocha Mousse rounds out the palette with its deliciously rich brown, evoking the comforting essence of coffee and chocolate. These two brown-based hues work beautifully to create nurturing, serene environments, perfect for bedrooms or spaces designed for relaxation and introspection.
Together, these colors form a cohesive story of richness and comfort, balancing energy with tranquility and making each room in your home feel intentionally designed.
So, why are these colors resonating now? As we emerge from a decade dominated by gray and white, homeowners are seeking palettes that feel personal, welcoming, and alive. These earthy hues offer a sense of connection to the natural world, creating spaces that inspire comfort and emotional well-being.
Psychologically, warm tones like Rumors and Caramelized are known to energize and uplift, while deeper shades like Cinnamon Slate and Mocha Mousse promote calm and introspection. These colors reflect a collective desire to create environments that nurture both body and mind—a design philosophy that aligns beautifully with today’s wellness-focused lifestyles.
If these colors don’t quite speak to you, that’s perfectly okay. The key to great design isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about finding what resonates with you personally. Whether you gravitate toward bold jewel tones or prefer softer palettes, your color choices should reflect your personality and how you want to feel in your home.
To make the most of these trends, consider the emotional impact of color in different spaces. Living areas can benefit from the inviting and energetic atmosphere created by warm tones like Caramelized or Rumors. For bedrooms, soothing shades like Mocha Mousse or Cinnamon Slate help promote restful sleep and relaxation. Kitchens gain depth and richness through accent walls or cabinetry in Cinnamon Slate or Caramelized.
How do you know what will make you happy in the design of a room? Start by asking yourself some essential questions. What colors truly resonate with you on a personal level? Color choice is deeply individual and sets the tone for how you’ll feel in the space.
Next, consider comfort—how do you and your family live in this room? Whether it’s a casual hangout space or a more formal setting, the functionality should align with your lifestyle.
Think about formality and how it fits into your daily life. Many traditional spaces, like formal dining rooms, are becoming less common as homeowners rethink the purpose of their rooms.
Finally, infuse your personality into the design. Whether through a cherished collection, a love for a specific color, or showcasing hobbies like wine tasting, these details make a room uniquely yours.
I had the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on Pantone’s Mocha Mousse in a recent Forbes article discussing its wellness potential. Thrilled to see this warm, earthy neutral chosen as the Color of the Year, I noted how it feels rich and grounded—exactly the kind of depth and sophistication we’ve been missing after years of sterile whites dominating interiors. It’s a color that invites a sense of calm and connection to nature, perfectly suited for creating spaces that are as nurturing as they are stylish. You can read more about it here.
Your home is more than a collection of rooms; it’s a reflection of your life and priorities. By thoughtfully incorporating color, you can transform your home into a space that not only looks stunning but also supports your well-being. Whether you’re drawn to the rich warmth of Rumors or the grounding comfort of Mocha Mousse, 2025’s palette offers endless inspiration.
Remember, color is deeply personal. Choose what brings you joy and creates a sense of sanctuary—because at the end of the day, that’s what great design is all about. I simply don’t care what other people think of what I choose for a home, nor should the person who’s creating a home for themselves—a good house and a good room really celebrates the person that’s living there.
View an article in Apartment Therapy, where Tanya Shively, owner and principal designer discusses "What Is a Warm Color Palette, and How Can One Work in Your Home?"
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