A shocking 75% of interior designers are predicting a significant shift away from the long-reigning grey palette in home decor for 2025, embracing a more vibrant color scheme instead.
This shift towards color is not just a fleeting trend but a response to our collective desire for more expressive and emotionally resonant living spaces. As we move into 2025, the home decor landscape is expected to be dominated by rich, bold colors that add depth and personality to our homes.
The era of minimalism is giving way to a more personalized approach to interior design, with colors playing a central role. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 home decor trends that are set to brighten up 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Rich, bold colors will dominate the home decor scene in 2025.
- The shift away from grey is driven by a desire for more expressive living spaces.
- Five key color trends have been identified for 2025.
- Practical advice will be provided on incorporating these trends into your home.
- The future of home decor is all about personalization and emotional resonance.
The End of the Grey Era in Home Design
Grey, the neutral of choice for the 2010s, is giving way to a more vibrant palette as we move into 2025, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards authenticity and personalization in interior design. This change is not sudden but rather a gradual evolution driven by a growing desire for warmth and expression in home interiors.
Why Grey Dominated the 2010s
Grey emerged as the defining neutral of the 2010s, fueled by minimalist design movements and Scandinavian influences. It was marketed as a sophisticated, timeless choice that worked well with nearly any accent color, making it a safe option for homeowners concerned about resale value. The rise of the “modern farmhouse” aesthetic, championed by popular home renovation shows, further solidified grey’s dominance in interior style.
The Shift Toward Warmth and Expression
However, after nearly a decade of grey dominance, design experts began noticing a collective fatigue with cool-toned, emotionally restrained interiors. The shift toward warmth and expression began gradually, with warmer neutrals like beige and taupe making a comeback. This transition reflects a broader cultural movement away from the sterile perfection of social media-friendly spaces toward more authentic, personalized interior design trends that express individuality, marking a new era in home decor trends.
Why Colorful Interiors Are Making a Comeback in 2025
The year 2025 is witnessing a resurgence of colorful interiors, driven by a combination of psychological, environmental, and social factors. This shift is not merely aesthetic; it reflects deeper changes in how people interact with their living spaces.
Post-Pandemic Design Psychology
The post-pandemic era has fundamentally altered our relationship with our homes, transforming them into multifunctional environments that need to support our emotional wellbeing. Color psychology research indicates that after prolonged periods of stress and uncertainty, people gravitate toward spaces that provide both comfort and stimulation—a balance that colorful interiors can effectively deliver. As people spent more time at home during lockdowns, they became acutely aware of how their surroundings affect their mood, leading to a desire for more joyful, energizing environments.
The Influence of Nature and Sustainability
Sustainability concerns are driving consumers toward colors inspired by nature, with earthy tones and biophilic design elements becoming increasingly important in home decor. As noted by Sherwin Williams, their 2025 Chrysalis palette was inspired by “raw” and “elemental” tones that speak to layers of nature beyond typical blues and greens, highlighting the grounding and serene qualities these colors bring to spaces.
The return to colorful interiors also reflects a broader cultural shift toward authenticity and self-expression, with homes becoming more personal statements rather than neutral backgrounds. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have accelerated this trend by showcasing bold, colorful interiors that stand out in feeds and inspire others to take design risks.
| Trend | Description | Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Pandemic Design | Multifunctional living spaces | Emotional wellbeing |
| Nature-Inspired Colors | Earthy tones and biophilic design | Sustainability |
| Social Media | Showcasing bold interiors | Cultural shift towards self-expression |
Trend 1: Dessert Browns – The New Neutral
As we step into 2025, the world of interior design is embracing a new neutral tone that’s as warm as it is inviting: dessert browns. This trend marks a significant shift away from the cooler grey interiors that dominated the previous decade, towards a warmer palette that exudes comfort and serenity.
From Chocolate to Caramel: The Sweet Spectrum
The dessert browns trend is all about embracing a range of sweet-inspired hues, from rich chocolate and coffee to warm caramel and toffee tones. Design expert Mottershead notes that this embracing of brown is a continuation of the trend we’ve seen shifting away from cooler grey interiors to a warmer palette of natural hues that deliver comforting, soothing schemes.
Major color authorities are confirming this trend, with Little Greene selecting Mochi as their “it” color for 2025, Pantone naming Mocha Mousse their color of the year, and C2 Paint announcing Raku, a rich mahogany shade, as their color for 2025. These earthy yet refined brown shades make the perfect backdrop for natural materials currently trending in contemporary interiors.
How to Pair Browns with Natural Materials
To incorporate dessert browns into your space effectively, consider pairing them with natural materials such as wicker, rattan, warm woods, and stone finishes. The key is to balance these elements with the right lighting; northern-facing rooms can benefit from warmer toffee tones, while southern-facing spaces can handle deeper chocolate hues without feeling too dark.
For maximum impact, pair these browns with contrasting textures: smooth leather against rough linen, glossy ceramics against matte walls, creating a multi-sensory experience that adds depth to monochromatic brown schemes. By doing so, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that embodies the warmth and coziness of the dessert browns trend.
Trend 2: Otherworldly Blues Take Center Stage
As we step into 2025, the world of interior design is embracing a new wave of captivating colors, with otherworldly blues taking center stage. This year, we’re witnessing a dramatic shift towards deeper, more enchanting blue hues that create a sense of depth and mystery in interior spaces.
Cosmic Cobalt and Sapphire Statements
VERANDA has chosen Cosmic Cobalt, a brilliant ultramarine shade, as their 2025 Color of the Year, celebrating its “captivating yet calming presence that makes a statement.” This celestial cobalt shade draws inspiration from the night sky and deep sea, establishing an unexpected connection to nature. Valspar agrees, announcing Encore, a rich and versatile sapphire shade, as their Color of the Year for 2025. These deep blues can be dramatic on all four walls or used as statement pieces on furniture.
Balancing Deep Blues with Lighter Elements
To balance these intense blues, designers recommend incorporating lighter elements such as cream textiles, brass accents, or natural wood tones. The versatility of these otherworldly blues makes them suitable for various rooms—from cozy bedrooms to dramatic dining areas. Adequate illumination through natural light and strategically placed lamps is crucial to highlight the color‘s richness.
| Design Element | Deep Blues | Lighter Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | Cosmic Cobalt | Soft Cream |
| Furniture | Sapphire Velvet | Brass Accents |
| Accents | Ultramarine | Natural Wood Tones |
Trend 3: Bold Ebony and Statement Blacks
Bold ebony and statement blacks are revolutionizing interior design in 2025, offering a fresh take on elegance and sophistication. As noted by design forecasts, rich hues of ebony and black olive are being used as accents within a room to ground a brighter and lighter palette, creating balance and sophistication.
The Return of Gothic and Brutalist Influences
The resurgence of gothic and brutalist design influences is a significant factor in the comeback of bold ebony and statement blacks. Spray paint brand Krylon has named Hammered Black their color of the year, citing these architectural movements as inspiration. This rich ebony shade embodies the blend of raw and tactile materiality that is characteristic of these styles.
Using Black as an Accent Rather Than Overwhelming
Rather than overwhelming spaces with all-black walls, designers recommend using ebony tones strategically. Statement furniture pieces, architectural details, window frames, or interior doors are ideal for incorporating bold blacks. The key to success lies in contrast—pairing these dark elements with lighter components to create dramatic visual interest.
| Design Element | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| Furniture | Statement pieces, such as a black sofa or armchair |
| Accents | Black olive hues used in throw pillows, rugs, or wall art |
| Architectural Details | Black paint on window frames, interior doors, or baseboards |
Trend 4: Ruby and Nostalgic Reds
With 2025 upon us, it’s clear that ruby and nostalgic reds are set to revolutionize home decor. The “red thread theory” is gaining momentum, with both stunning rubies and nostalgic reds playing a significant role in interior design trends.
The Red Thread Theory in Modern Spaces
The “red thread theory” suggests that a touch of red creates visual harmony and energy in a space. Color forecasters have observed that consumers are drawn to historical colors that evoke nostalgia and familiarity. Behr’s 2025 color, Rumors, is a sultry ruby shade reminiscent of ’90s hues, marking a departure from recent soft greens and blues.
Incorporating Fiery Tones Without Overwhelming
To incorporate ruby and red tones without overwhelming a space, designers recommend using them in smaller doses. A single accent wall, kitchen cabinets, or upholstered furniture pieces can introduce the color. Balancing these tones with neutrals like cream or taupe creates sophisticated, livable spaces. Texture also plays a crucial role, with materials like velvet and linen softening the visual impact of red.
Trend 5: Striking Plum and Aubergine
With the dawn of 2025, color experts predict a surge in the adoption of striking plum and aubergine shades in home decor. These earthy purples are anticipated to bring a sense of warmth and sophistication to interiors.
Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate and Other Purple Variations
Benjamin Moore has announced Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 as their 2025 color of the year, a nuanced blend of heathered plum and velvet brown. This choice reflects the growing trend towards earthy purple tones. Other brands like Glidden have also jumped on the bandwagon, naming Purple Basil their color of the year for 2025.
Creating Depth with Earthy Purples
These rich purple tones can add depth and character to various rooms, including bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. They work particularly well with natural materials like wood, stone, and leather, creating spaces that feel grounded and refined. For those hesitant to commit to purple walls, these tones can be incorporated through textiles, artwork, or kitchen cabinetry.
- Earthy purples like plum and aubergine are set to make a statement in 2025 home decor.
- Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 is a leading example of this trend.
- These hues can be used to create a sense of luxury and comfort in various rooms.
How to Incorporate 2025’s Color Trends in Your Home
With 2025’s color trends, you don’t need to overhaul your entire home to make a stylish impact. Strategic implementation can be just as effective and less overwhelming for both your space and budget.
Small Accent Pieces vs. Bold Statements
For those new to bold colors, starting with small accent pieces like throw pillows, vases, or artwork allows you to experiment with trending hues without a major commitment. If you’re ready for a bigger change, consider statement walls or larger furniture pieces in one of 2025’s trending colors.
Mixing Multiple Trends Harmoniously
When combining multiple color trends, interior designers recommend establishing a dominant color (about 60% of the room), a secondary color (30%), and an accent color (10%) to create visual harmony. This approach helps in balancing different trends in a single space.
Budget-Friendly Ways to Update Your Space
Budget-friendly updates include repainting existing furniture, adding colorful slipcovers, or incorporating trending colors through textiles like curtains and bedding. These methods allow you to refresh your home decor without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Embracing Color in the Post-Grey Era
The shift towards colorful interiors in 2025 represents a fundamental change in how people perceive their living spaces. After years of neutral tones, homeowners are now embracing colors that bring joy, energy, and personality to their homes.
The five color trends explored offer a spectrum of options for those ready to move beyond grey. Design experts suggest that this color renaissance is connected to broader cultural shifts toward authenticity and emotional wellbeing. As we move further into the post-grey era, expect more personalized approaches to color, balancing trend-forward choices with timeless design principles.
Ultimately, the key is to choose colors that resonate with you personally, creating a space that reflects your unique style and preferences.
FAQ
What are the top home decor trends for 2025?
The top trends include Dessert Browns, Otherworldly Blues, Bold Ebony and Statement Blacks, Ruby and Nostalgic Reds, and Striking Plum and Aubergine, all of which are bringing warmth and expression to interiors.
How can I incorporate the 2025 color trends into my existing decor?
You can start by adding small accent pieces such as throw pillows, vases, or wall art in the trending colors. For a bolder statement, consider repainting a single wall or replacing a piece of furniture with one in a trending hue.
Are natural materials still in style for 2025?
Yes, natural materials like wood and fabric are still very much in style and are being paired with the new color trends to create a harmonious balance between warmth and modernity.
How do I mix multiple trends in my home without overwhelming the space?
To mix multiple trends, start with a neutral base and then add accent pieces in different trending colors. Balance bold statements with lighter elements to avoid overwhelming the space.
What is the best way to update my kitchen with the 2025 trends?
Consider updating your kitchen with a bold new backsplash or accent wall in one of the trending colors. You can also incorporate trending colors through accessories like kitchen utensils, appliances, or a statement light fixture.
Can I still use grey in my decor if I’m not ready to switch to the new trends?
While grey is no longer the dominant color it once was, it can still be used as an accent or background color to complement the new trends. Consider pairing grey with one of the trending colors for a balanced look.
No responses yet