5 colour trends for 2025 – and how to use them in your home
While we would never encourage painting a room based on trends alone, it can be helpful to understand which colours will feel current in your home.
The recent overuse of grey has made it feel tired and the colour doesn't have the same invigorating effect that it had 4 or 5 years ago. Instead, reaching for a warmer beige or off-white is likely to make a room feel fresher.
In fact, there's a general move to bolder, more uplifting colours heading into 2025.
"A move to more comforting tones has been in motion over the past few years and the days of sterile white or greyscale homes are dwindling," says Amy Wilson, interior designer and style expert at 247 Blinds. "Even those who aren’t a fan of colourful homes still feel the desire to add warmth and character to their space."
Today, that warmth and character comes in the form of wood tones, nudged along by the popularity of antiques, a rich burgundy that feels like an exciting alternative to navy, and neutrals infused with hints of pink that are cosy and cosseting.
Below, we look 5 colours to take into 2025...
Burgundy
In 2024, red arrived in our homes in brazen letterbox accents – and an accent is really all you can get away with.
But looking forward, expect to see bright reds soften to a more sophisticated and liveable burgundy – especially in larger spaces.
"Burgundy is like the more mature sister of red and a little easier to work with," says Amy. She uses all the depth and drama of burgundy to create traditional and vintage-infused spaces. "The more red your décor becomes, the more contemporary,” she says.
Burgundy is an effective alternative to green or navy in a kitchen, with a similar sense of heritage. "A richly sophisticated deep burgundy feels fantastic on cabinetry," says Melissa Klink, creative director at Harvey Jones.
And it is fairly easy to whip up a colour palette. “Burgundy pairs beautifully with warm neutrals such as beige, cream and taupe," says Cassandra Leisz, Creative Director at Ruggable. "Pairing the boldness of burgundy with the comfort of these other basics provides an approachable depth and interest in any space in the home."
Sunset shades
A welcome respite from the cool greys and greens that have so dominated interior design – nourishing shades of yellow, terracotta and buttery magnolia create a room that looks as if it is permanently bathed in sunlight. "Buttermilk yellow, reminiscent of gentle sunlight, adds a glow to interiors, instantly making them more uplifting," says famed interior designer, Matthew Williamson.
It's something we're likely to see more of too, with Dulux announcing True Joy, a brazen yellow shade, as the Colour of the Year 2025.
“When we think of yellow, we think of hazy summer days, ripe and zesty lemons, and vibrant sunflowers: so much of yellow is tied to nature’s finest and most familiar offerings, and can be used to energise us," says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux.
"Pops of yellow have a playful zing to them. Adding little touches of it here and there is great way of introducing the shade into your rooms without overwhelming the space – one of my favourite places to do this is in doorways.”
Wood tones
The popularity of antiques – where you find deep walnut, mahogany and oak in abundance – has ignited an interest in rich wood tones. "I’d encourage you to see wood as a colourway, rather than just a material," says Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village.
The bravest of decorators are advocating for brown walls, ceilings and floors. "For those who go for it – colour drenching a whole room in a deep chocolate brown – the result is striking but cocooning," says Amy.
Matthew Williamson uses wood tones "to anchor a space," which in decorating terms usually refers to dark colours or pieces that add a bit of weight to a lighter room – picture the impact a mahogany console has in a cream hallway.
Mid blue
"Softer than royal blue and more vivid than a pastel shade, mid blue strikes the perfect balance, and feels both rejuvenating and comforting," says Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product & Display at Barker and Stonehouse.
"The boldness and warmth found in blue will continue to be prominent in our homes," says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. "Start your transformation in a cloakroom or small bedroom, since richer colours work well in such spaces, despite the accepted wisdom that white paint makes a room seem larger."
A mid blue can be deceptively difficult to get right, and you might go a bit too dark on your first try – Farrow & Ball's Yonder is a great choice if you have plenty of natural light, and in dark rooms go a touch lighter with Southwold Blue by Sanderson.
Pink-infused neutrals
Neutrals with a yellow undertone can feel a bit sallow in some homes – especially in the cool light of north-facing rooms, which can undo even the best of colours choices. Neutrals with pink undertones reminiscent of a muddy clay are for more forgiving of cooler light.
Matthew Williamson considers these plaster pink tones "an elevated neutral," that bring a "warm, earthy softness while remaining easy to live with," and COAT sells a Bare Plaster Pack – six sample shades that mimic the varying tones of wet-to-dry plaster.
Amy encourages lots of layering of neutrals, so you don't end up with a single note of colour. "It doesn’t just involve choosing one colour and letting it do all the leg work," she says. "By thoughtfully combining and layering multiple warm shades, you can create a palette that works in harmony."
You Might Also Like
