As we approach fall, it’s suddenly that time of year again when we start to reflect on the defining interior trends and predict which ones are here to stay for the coming year. This includes color trends, which play a huge role in shaping the design and decor of our homes.
And so, since I spend a large chunk of my time writing about color and paint trends – from specific paint shades to wider color themes – I thought I would reflect on the year so far and get in some (early) color predictions for 2025.
I’ve seen so many interesting colors used across interior projects this year, some fleeting, and some already set to endure well beyond 2024 and into the new year. Read on to hear my take on the five color trends I can’t imagine going anywhere once the new year is upon us, from bold hues to pared-back neutrals.
1. Dark, earthy colors
(Image credit: Studio McGee)
Throughout 2024, we’ve seen endless appeal for dark, earthy colors used to create cozy and warming spaces. More specifically, color trends like dark green and chocolate brown are among the most popular for good reason; they have a relaxed quality while adding plenty of drama to our homes.
At the start of the year, Shea McGee’s pantry remodel was revealed with a dark green paint, proving to us all how these deep, moody hues make the perfect – and slightly unexpected – color choices in small rooms for added drama and interest.
What’s more, these colors are bound to really come into their own as soon as fall hits. Given their popularity so far this year, even through the summer months, I think it’s safe to say we’re going to see plenty more dark browns and rich greens throughout fall and winter, and I fully expect to see them endure into the new year, too.
Keen to try this moody color trend out for yourself? I’ve seen so many dark paints recommended by designers this year, but some of my favorites are Benjamin Moore’s Dark Olive (which was used in Studio McGee’s Tahoe Pines home office); Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green, an incredibly rich green that reads almost black; and Little Greene’s Ganache, a rich chocolate brown.
2. Red
(Image credit: Mylands)
Ever since the unexpected red theory filtered through to the interior design world at the beginning of 2024, it’s been a standout color trend that’s had an impressive impact. While red is often regarded as a brave color choice, reserved for those who love maximalist color ideas, the new talk around red has in many ways made us (myself included) reconsider this vibrant hue.
Although the unexpected red trend is all about using this warm color in smaller doses to boost the overall appeal of a room, we can take this trend a step further and use red to inform a whole room’s color scheme. It may sound daunting, but many designers have shown just how successful decorating with red can be, and I count myself a convert to this vibrant color.
For 2025, I predict we are going to see just as much red crop up in our home decor ideas. When Behr recently unveiled Rumors as its Color of the Year for 2025, a rich and warming ruby red, I was excited to see this color on track to continue into the new year in a sophisticated way that won’t overwhelm spaces.
3. Calming blues and greens
(Image credit: Samantha Stathis-Lynch, Trevor Parker Photography)
One color trend I’ve loved this year is gentle blue and greens, used in place of a more traditional neutral color palette. Although pared-back, these understated hues are a great way to add more interest to rooms while still maintaining a classic look.
In this relaxing bedroom designed by Samantha Ware Designs, Farrow & Ball’s Cromarty is used across the walls, a soothing, muted gray-green paint, showing just how stylish these gentle shades are. In a similar vein, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams recently announced Quietude as its 2025 Color of the Year, a calming blue-green, further cementing these restful hues as ones to continue well into the new year.
4. Warm neutrals
(Image credit: Neptune)
When it comes to decorating with neutrals, there’s been one standout trend this year, and that’s the appeal for warm-toned neutrals in place of cooler shades. Throughout 2024, I’ve noticed so many warm neutrals feature in interior projects, and I can’t imagine them going anywhere once we enter 2025.
More specifically, it’s the subtle difference between cooler whites and those with a very subtle yellow undertone. While there’s nothing wrong with cool-toned whites (especially in very well-lit, south-facing rooms) they can risk appearing stark and even cold; essentially the opposite of the homey, relaxed feel we all want to achieve in our spaces.
Beyond the best warm white paints, this theme extends to richer neutrals too. From beige tones to taupe, there’s a shift towards those with subtle doses of warm undertones, and I anticipate even more popularity for this color trend next year.
5. Color drenching
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Lastly, and although not a specific color trend, I couldn’t not include color-drenching ideas in this roundup. Color drenching is where one color is used throughout a room – ‘drenching’ a room completely to include the walls, doors, ceiling, trim, and any built-in cabinetry.
This is one of my favorite paint trends right now, and I’m eagerly awaiting to see designers’ take on it for 2025. The days of using a bold paint color as an accent wall are wavering and for good reason: fully leaning into our color choices creates a far more cohesive look that avoids awkward cut-offs often caused by highly contrasting tones.
Having seen just how stylish color drenching is, whether it’s with bold colors in small rooms or mid-tones in social spaces, I’m fully anticipating color drenching to continue its popularity throughout 2025.
Only time will tell how these early predictions fare, but there’s certainly a timeless quality to these five trends that gives them a level of longevity in the design world.
If you’re looking for some seasonal color ideas, take a look at our roundup of fall color schemes, covering the best shades to decorate with this cozy season.
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