The Once-Trendy Blue Paint Color That's Dating Your Home

Blue took the interior design world by storm when it was announced as Pantone's 2020 color of the year, with design pros weighing in on the places to go dark blue in your home or the best blue paint tone that'll inject a vibrant splash of color. Navy blue was particularly favored for its timeless charm and the sumptuousness of its hue. 

But despite its well-loved qualities, designers are bidding adieu to navy blue in 2025, noting that this is a once-trendy shade that could make your home look dated. Though navy blue still delivers a striking and sophisticated visual statement, design experts cited that these darker hues do not exactly translate to warm and welcoming, nor do they pair particularly well with ubiquitous black accents.

If you're thinking of retiring your navy blue walls, envisage earthy colors that mimic the warm neutrals of natural materials. Organic browns, warm yellows, and bold reds are the expected color trends slated to take center stage in 2025.

To venture away from outdated navy, you may want to look into olive green, which is a warmer alternative that maintains a touch of sophistication. Explore different shades of violet, which can span lilac, light purple, or lavender, if you want a calm and soothing aesthetic for your interiors. If you are still set on a darker tone, we suggest going for eggplant purple or a deep plum, which hint at the moodiness and drama of navy.

But we get it: Color, especially when it concerns your own living space, is a personal choice. If you aren't ready to give up on blue, exploring its variations could still yield refreshing results. Swap the darkness of navy for something lighter and more modern — think dusty or pale blues, or jewel tones like cobalt or aquamarine — which will brighten your interiors while still staying within the blue family. Cerulean is another blue shade that evokes whimsy while still pulling off a sophisticated, contemporary look, and plays well against lighter colors and accents.