Small space? Make a room look bigger with Benjamin Moore's 'it' colour
The Colour of the Year 2025 forecasts are still rolling in, with Benjamin Moore unveiling a sophisticated, pared-back plum hue as its shade du jour.
Capturing the mood of the moment, Cinnamon Slate is a subtle, delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown. Quietly colourful, this sophisticated shade offers enduring style and a modern sensibility, perfect for many high-traffic areas in the home, including a living room, hallway or dining area.
Cinnamon Slate's rich, cosy, cocooning quality doesn't mean it's off-limits for small spaces. In fact, you can use this 'it' colour to make a bijou space look bigger.
'Smaller rooms can be a challenge to decorate, so white or light hues are often the go-to. However, colour drenching the space in a bolder hue can blur the edges and create the illusion of a larger room,' Helen Shaw, director of marketing (international) at Benjamin Moore, tells House Beautiful UK. 'Benjamin Moore’s Colour of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, works well in these smaller spaces such as bathrooms or snugs for an eye-catching colour moment while also maintaining softness. The mix of heathered plum and velvety brown becomes enveloping without overwhelming.'
To create the illusion of more space, opt for a gloss paint finish; it has a higher sheen level and therefore is more reflective. 'Add an element of gloss for the ultimate design statement, either in the ceiling or detailing up to the picture rail,' suggests Helen. 'This not only creates a cosy yet luxurious look but choosing a finish that reflects the most light can deceive the eye and make the room seem larger.'
Colour drenching aside, you can pair Cinnamon Slate with other neutral shades or moodier tones for a perfect transition from room to room. Benjamin Moore's accompanying 2025 colour palette consists of nine comforting and calm, yet quietly confident hues.
'For a combination that is slightly unexpected, pair Cinnamon Slate with a deep green, such as Ashwood Moss, or a saturated blue green like Stained Glass. These hues complement each other for a unique take on mixing colour,' explains Helen.
'For a more subtle and elegant combination, Cinnamon Slate works well with a nuanced neutral that effortlessly balances between warm and cool, such as Sea Salt. Use this off-white on woodwork to lift the space for a more premium feel.'
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