Brush Up Your Interiors: The Paint Colors Making Waves in 2025
December 5, 2024
10 min read
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt calm, energized, or inspired? That’s the power of color. Paint isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a mood, shaping perceptions, and expressing your personality. For me, refreshing a room with a new paint color feels like giving my home a mini makeover—except without the stress of rearranging furniture or buying new decor.
As someone who’s tried everything from safe neutrals to bold, dramatic shades, I know the struggle of staring at those endless swatches at the paint store, wondering which one will make your space sing. Well, good news: the paint colors trending in 2025 are nothing short of spectacular. They’re versatile, impactful, and—dare I say it—fun to work with.
Gray-Blue: A Subtle Masterpiece
There’s something effortlessly chic about gray-blue. It’s understated yet captivating, balancing the cool tones of blue with the grounding qualities of gray. Every time I see this color, it reminds me of a calm morning sky before the world gets busy.
Gray-blue has an almost magical ability to adapt to different spaces. In natural light, it feels airy and serene, while in low light, it takes on a moody, cocoon-like vibe. It’s no wonder designers are calling it the new neutral.
How to Use It
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms: This shade brings a sense of calm, making it perfect for spaces where you want to relax and recharge.
- Kitchens: Pair gray-blue cabinetry with marble countertops and brass hardware for a modern, luxurious feel.
- Living Rooms: Use it on walls and complement it with white or cream furniture for a polished look.
Gray-blue tones are having a moment! Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore have chosen them as their Colors of the Year.
Dusty Pink: Elegance with a Twist
Let’s be honest—pink hasn’t always been the first choice for interiors. But dusty pink is different. It’s refined, romantic, and has just the right amount of depth to feel grown-up.
This muted hue exudes warmth and softness, making it an ideal alternative to beige or cream. It’s also surprisingly versatile—you can style it up with gold accents for a glamorous vibe or tone it down with wood for a more rustic feel.
Where It Shines
- Living Rooms: Use dusty pink on an accent wall to add personality without overwhelming the space.
- Dining Areas: Pair it with dark wood furniture and soft lighting for a cozy, inviting ambiance.
- Home Offices: This shade creates a warm yet energizing environment—ideal for staying productive without feeling stressed.
It’s soft, approachable, and incredibly versatile—perfect for adding warmth to any room.
Creamy Taupe: Neutral Perfection
Creamy taupe is like your favorite pair of jeans—it goes with everything and never goes out of style. This warm neutral is the perfect backdrop for just about any design scheme, whether you prefer minimalist, boho, or traditional styles.
This shade is beloved for its ability to add warmth and depth without stealing the show. It’s soft and inviting yet sophisticated enough to stand the test of time.
Best Places to Use It
- Hallways and Entryways: Create a cohesive flow by using creamy taupe in transitional spaces.
- Living Rooms: Layer it with plush throws and textured pillows for a cozy yet elegant vibe.
- Bedrooms: Combine it with crisp white linens and natural wood furniture for a clean, serene look.
Pair creamy taupe with black or metallic accents for a contemporary edge, or keep it classic with muted greens and soft whites.
Muted Plum: Quiet Drama
Muted plum is one of those colors that surprises you in the best way. It’s rich without being overpowering and adds a sense of sophistication and depth to any room.
This moody shade brings an understated elegance to interiors, making it perfect for creating intimate, cozy spaces. Plus, it pairs beautifully with both warm and cool tones, giving you endless styling options.
Where to Use It
- Home Offices: Add muted plum to a feature wall to inspire focus and creativity.
- Bedrooms: Pair it with gold or brass accents for a luxurious feel.
- Dining Rooms: Create a dramatic yet welcoming space by combining muted plum with deep wood tones.
Daily Check-In: Have you been playing it safe with neutrals? Maybe muted plum is the bold move your space needs.
Quietude: A Breath of Fresh Air
This soft blue-green is like a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the moment. Quietude is inspired by nature and has a calming effect that’s perfect for today’s busy world.
Quietude bridges the gap between blue and green, creating a shade that feels both fresh and familiar. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking to bring more natural elements into their home.
Where to Use It
- Kitchens: Use Quietude on cabinets for a refreshing, unexpected look.
- Bathrooms: Create a spa-like retreat with Quietude walls and white or gray accents.
- Ceilings: Surprise your guests by painting the ceiling this soothing shade—it’s a subtle, creative twist.
“Within the collection, the softened sage green Quietude stands out as the 2025 Color of the Year and sets the stage for a quiet space to promote relaxation.”
Truffle: Rich, Warm, and Sophisticated
Truffle is like wrapping your home in a warm embrace. This deep, earthy brown adds depth and richness to any room, making it a favorite for designers looking to create luxurious, grounded spaces.
Truffle feels modern yet timeless. It’s bold enough to stand on its own but also plays well with other colors, making it a versatile choice for accent walls or cabinetry.
Where It Stands Out
- Dining Rooms: Set the mood with truffle walls paired with candlelight and dark wood furniture.
- Cabinetry: Update your kitchen or bathroom with truffle-toned cabinets for a sophisticated touch.
- Living Rooms: Create a cozy, high-end look by layering truffle with soft textures like velvet or wool.
Peacock Blue: Bold Elegance
If you want your home to make a statement, peacock blue is your color. This jewel-toned shade is rich, luxurious, and impossible to ignore. Peacock blue adds instant drama and sophistication to any space. It’s bold enough to stand out but versatile enough to complement a variety of other colors.
How to Use It
- Entryways: Make a grand first impression with peacock blue walls or a front door.
- Powder Rooms: Go all in with this dramatic shade for a luxurious, jewel-box effect.
- Accent Furniture: Add a pop of peacock blue with an upholstered chair or a painted dresser.
Pair peacock blue with warm metallics like brass or copper for a high-end, polished look. Peacock blues, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Connor’s Lakefront, are set to trend in 2025—bringing a bold, saturated pop of color to any room.
Daily Check-In: Could a bold color like peacock blue help make a statement in your home.
Choosing the Right Shade for Your Space
Choosing a paint color is an art, but it’s also a science. It’s about understanding your space, your personality, and how you want your home to feel every time you step inside.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best paint decisions happen when you pause, think about your space holistically, and give yourself room to experiment.
Understand Your Space’s Personality
Every room in your home has its own personality, whether it’s intentional or accidental. Is your living room the bright social hub where everyone gathers, or is it more of a cozy nook for Netflix marathons? Is your kitchen the heart of the home where you whip up family dinners, or does it double as your office these days?
Colors can complement or clash with what the room already has going on. For instance:
- A living room that gets a lot of natural light can handle deeper, moodier shades like muted plum or moody teal. These colors feel rich without being overwhelming, especially when sunlight softens them during the day.
- A small bedroom with limited light might need a softer color like creamy taupe or gray-blue to open up the space and make it feel airy.
- In a kitchen, bold colors like peacock blue can make cabinetry pop, but be sure to balance them with lighter walls or countertops to avoid a dark, cavernous vibe.
Consider the Mood You Want to Create
Okay, here’s where it gets fun. Think about how you want each space to feel. Paint is one of the most powerful tools you have to influence the mood of a room, so get intentional about it.
- Calming and serene: For bedrooms or reading nooks, colors like gray-blue or dusty pink create a peaceful, inviting vibe. These shades help your brain decompress after a long day.
- Energizing and bold: For creative spaces or social areas like a dining room, muted plum or moody teal can boost energy and make the room feel vibrant and alive.
- Elegant and sophisticated: Creamy taupe and peacock blue are excellent choices if you’re going for that effortlessly chic, magazine-ready look.
For me, deciding on the mood comes down to how I want to feel when I walk into the room. Am I looking for cozy vibes? A shot of inspiration? A space that feels timeless and neutral? I try to imagine how I’d want to describe the room to a friend—like, “My kitchen is bold and energizing,” or “My bedroom is my little slice of calm.” That always helps narrow down the options.
Lighting
Let’s talk about lighting—because even the most gorgeous paint color can look completely off if the lighting doesn’t play nice. Natural light, artificial light, and even the direction your room faces all impact how a color appears.
- Natural light: North-facing rooms tend to get cooler, bluer light, so warmer colors like dusty pink or creamy taupe balance that out beautifully. South-facing rooms, on the other hand, get warmer light all day, which can make cooler shades like gray-blue or moody teal feel more balanced.
- Artificial light: Pay attention to your bulbs! Incandescent bulbs cast a warm, yellow glow, while LED or fluorescent lighting can lean cool. These subtle differences can make your creamy taupe look yellowish, or your moody teal feel too gray.
- Time of day: Paint swatches look one way in bright afternoon light and totally different at night when you flip on the lamps. Always test your options at different times to avoid surprises.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, paint large sample swatches on your walls. (And I mean large—none of that postage-stamp-sized nonsense.) Live with them for a few days to see how they look as the light shifts.
Test Before You Commit
I can’t stress this enough: don’t trust the swatch. Those tiny squares are great for narrowing down options, but they’re just the beginning. Before you buy gallons of paint, grab some sample pots and test them out in your space.
Here’s how I like to do it:
- Paint swatches directly on the walls. Test at least two or three different areas in the room, especially where light hits differently.
- Use poster boards if you’re renting. Paint a big sheet of poster board and tape it up—it’s an easy way to visualize without committing.
- Observe for a few days. Look at the swatches in morning light, afternoon light, and under your lamps at night. Do they shift in unexpected ways?
Testing isn’t just about how the color looks—it’s also about how it makes you feel. I’ve had colors I thought I loved turned out to feel too stark or dark once they were up on the walls.
A World of Color
The paint colors of 2025 aren’t just about what’s trendy—they’re about creating spaces that feel authentic and personal. Whether you’re drawn to the calming vibes of Quietude, the soft elegance of Dusty Pink, or the bold drama of Peacock Blue, there’s a shade out there that’s perfect for you.
Remember, your home is your canvas. Choose colors that make you feel at peace, inspired, and uniquely yourself. And when in doubt, grab some samples and start experimenting—you might be surprised at what feels just right.
