Paint colors of the year to put on your radar
Paint manufacturers and other companies announce their “color of the year,” and demonstrate how color can capture cultural shifts and emotions while encouraging fresh approaches to its application. By emphasizing the relationship between color and societal trends, these picks capture the attention of homeowners, designers, stylists and many others. They inspire us to explore different tones and step outside of our comfort zones, especially when it comes to repainting different surfaces throughout our homes.
These annual colors also serve as indicators of future trends, hinting at which shades will influence design in the near future.
So, what stands out among the paint colors of the year for 2025? Plenty, the experts agree.
“For 2025, we are seeing a resurgence of earthy, grounded tones that connect us back to nature — think muted terra-cottas, soft greens like sage, and deep ocean blues,” says Elissa Hall, lead interior designer with Awning.com. “The influence behind these choices is a collective yearning for calm and tranquility in our living spaces, driven by the ongoing need to create a sanctuary within our home. These colors reflect a desire to bring the outside in, fostering a sense of well-being and connection to the natural world.”
Chenise Freidus, a home stager with ZFC Real Estate, says she’s particularly enamored of C2 Raku by C2 Paint.
“This burned, earthy brownish-red with mahogany undertones is inspired by the Japanese Raku pottery technique. It’s perfect for creating a warm, intimate atmosphere in spaces like dining rooms or offices,” she says. “You can pair it with soft grays or gold accents to add depth and sophistication.”
Freidus’ second favorite new color is Mapped Blue by Dutch Boy Paints, a versatile medium blue with subtle yellow undertones that evokes calm and brings focus to bedrooms and living rooms. She’s also wowed by Valspar’s Encore, a rich jewel-toned blue that “embodies luxury and modernity. It’s ideal for accent walls in a home office or living room, especially when combined with bright whites or metallics for a striking contrast.”
Andrew Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters of North Shore in Chicago, loves Rumors by BEHR.
“I’m a big fan of what I like to call colorful neutrals — hues that are technically not a neutral range of whites, blacks or shades of brown or beige but still have a neutral appeal — and this color fits the bill exactly,” he says. “Rumors is a red, but it has brown undertones and a rich, deep shade that stands out without being shocking to the eye.”
Don’t sleep on Quietude, HGTV/Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color of the Year — a soothing fusion of soft sage and a delicate touch of blue. This tranquil hue brings a refined, calming essence to any setting, creating an atmosphere of harmony and subtle sophistication.
Freidus says she’s more impressed than usual by these 2025 color announcements.
“Each brand has embraced deeper, more saturated tones that are both bold and versatile. What I love about this year’s batch is their ability to balance warmth with sophistication, making them suitable for both traditional and contemporary spaces,” she adds.
Before committing to any paint color, it’s always smart to test samples on your walls in different lighting conditions throughout the day. Remember that colors can shift significantly depending on light exposure.
“Also, ensure that your walls are completely clean and prepped before attempting to paint,” recommends Chris Langley, an interior designer with Heritage Windows. “Brushes, rollers, and drop cloths of high quality should be a staple to guarantee a professional finish. And always use painter’s tape for all the edges so you can have perfectly straight lines without any bleeds.”