Every 2025 Color Of The Year (& Ways To Use Them Around Your Home)

With each year comes fascinating trends in the world of design, including the unveiling of the most cutting-edge colors chosen by industry leaders and trendsetters. And, if you've decided that your home's no longer in its neutral era, you're in luck. With 2025's color of the year cycle, experts are giving you a reason to step away from airy grays and basic beiges and get inspired by serene blue, earthy brown, and dramatic purple picks. 

Each year's choices are influenced by everything from cultural movements, technological trends, and current worldwide events. So, if you want your home to reflect the current zeitgeist, use these colors to spark your design goals and bring your home into the moment. From your front door to your powder room, integrating one (or more) of 2025's hues can give your home the refresh you've been craving.

Pantone is a pioneer when it comes to revealing an annual 'It' color. The brand's Color Institute is a worldwide trendsetter, each year picking a shade that pops up everywhere from home decor to fashion to graphic design templates. This year, Pantone has selected Mocha Mousse as its anointed hue. The rich tan color exudes elegance while being neutral enough that newbie home decor enthusiasts can easily incorporate it.

The leaders at Pantone selected Mocha Mousse for its balance of comfort and luxury. Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, Laurie Pressman, explains that the pick re-enforces the warm vibes of 2024's choice, Peach Fuzz. She describes this year's pick as extending "further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others." The comfort-food-themed color echoes this year's drive for "indulging in what makes you happy," mirroring the color of cozy treats like chocolate and coffee.

This is an ideal shade to lean into the quiet luxury trend, where elevated neutrals create sophisticated yet restrained spaces. To embrace this look, use Mocha Mousse to drive a luxe palette of creams, tans, and chocolatey browns. Layer jute rugs, boucle pillows, and velvet furnishings in these colors to inject texture while keeping the space visually calm. Or, anchor your room with a large piece of Mocha Mousse furniture. Pieces from the Joybird x Pantone Collaboration are a stylish twist on a standard gray or white couch, but are neutral enough to stand the test of time.

Benjamin Moore is a leader in the painting industry and has developed iconic neutrals such as Chantilly Lace and Revere Pewter. This year, the brand stepped into color and named Cinnamon Slate as its on-trend pick. The dusty purple is a mix of brown and mulberry, and is slightly dramatic yet just neutral enough to read as classic.

Andrea Magno, the director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore, explains, "As the use of more saturated color in design has increased in recent years, we are seeing a growing interest in more nuanced colors, whose undertones add intricacy and dimension. Cinnamon Slate is an inviting hue that offers enduring style and modern sensibility." It was chosen as the perfect companion for the rising biophilic trend, which brings nature indoors and creates a sense of comfort and calmness in an increasingly digital world. In fact, Benjamin Moore recommends using this color in rooms decorated with loads of natural elements such as wood, marble, leather, and fur. 

With a low light-reflective value of just under 20, it features layers of color that are unveiled depending on the room's layout and the lighting used. This makes the shade somewhat of a chameleon. It can be paired with dim lighting and bold black accents to design a moody formal dining room. Or, in a kitchen with lots of natural light, it can read as a pretty pale plum.

This year, HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams unveiled a Naturally Refined Color Collection that elevates hues from the outdoors with a luxurious twist. According to its press release, the color choices were "born out of the cultural shift toward cultivating a slower, more sustainable pace." And, the brand's color of the year, Quietude, is part of this appealing mix. The powdery aqua is both soothing and welcoming, making it a perfect choice for a variety of spaces.

Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, said that the collection, also including soft yellows and earthy tans, was created for its timelessness. After all, nature never goes out of style. She explained, "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."

If you want to find a home for this soothing blue in your space, there are plenty of options. It's an ideal bathroom wall color for those looking for a muted, green-infused alternative to powdery sky blue. Its subtle uniqueness can also give cabinets and vanities a dynamic yet timeless look. Thanks to its versatility, it can work well with nearly any countertop color or fixture finish.

Glidden is also motivating paint buyers to veer into more adventurous palettes. For those who are ready to make a sharp pivot from the beige and gray of the recent past, Glidden gives you Purple Basil. This year's color of the year is a rich plum that's unapologetically bold and ready to make an impact. It's inspired by the most recent movement that shakes off the need to create Instagram-curated spaces or safe cookie-cutter rooms inspired by HGTV and instead embrace what you really like, even if it's loud or out-of-the-box. This goes hand-in-hand with the most recent rise of maximalism, which is emboldening people to listen to their innermost preferences and really dive into self-expression. 

"So many people start their color selection journey looking at bold hues, but ultimately settle for a more expected or muted color," Ashley McCollum, color expert at Glidden Paint, explains via Business Wire. "This year we are encouraging these 'color chip daydreamers,' as we call them, to put aside trepidation about what the neighbors will think or potential resale value. For 2025, purple isn't just permitted, it is encouraged." The pick is part of the brand's prediction that boldness is emerging everywhere, from interiors to the fashion world.

So, if you're a daring home decor enthusiast who's ready to make a dramatic statement, this hue can give you big results. Its intensity is ideal if you want to color-drench an area of your home. Coating the entire space, then playing off the purple with equally bold shades, can give you stunning, maximalist vibes. However, if you'd like to play it a bit safe and just dip your toes into Purple Basil, use it in small doses. Coat an accent wall or paint a statement-making coffee table. Then, ground the color with airy neutrals for a more toned-down yet energetic look.

Another brand that's shucking neutrals in lieu of vibrancy is Valspar. Its color of the year, Encore, is a mid-range blue that's surprisingly versatile. It can work with a variety of design aesthetics and looks at home in nearly every room, as well as on the exterior.

Part of the brand's reasoning for going blue was the connection it holds to the digital world. As we spend more time online now than ever — whether for work, connecting with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies — we feel a greater need to ground ourselves in our homes since they're a tangible, physical space. While some brands are pulling color inspiration from nature to do just that, Valspar doesn't want to ignore the digital world. Instead, it wants to bridge the gap between it and the physical. They're doing so with Encore. "Valspar Encore has saturation and a tinge of violet that bridges both digital and physical spaces. Using crisp, cool shades in the home mimics the mood in virtual space. Low lighting will amplify the violet undertone that helps ease our eyes back into reality," the brand shares on its website.

Encore serves as further proof that, when done right, blue can be used as a neutral. To give it a cozier feel, use it in low-light spaces like dining rooms or dens, where it can read more navy. On the other hand, a bright kitchen or bathroom can bring out its cobalt-ish look. Or, if it's too intense for you to fill a whole space, try painting a half wall and playing off the hue with a patterned paper like NextWall's Garden Block Floral Peel and Stick Wallpaper.

Dutch Boy is yet another brand that's chosen an accessible blue as their pick of the year. Mapped Blue is a muted take on Robin's egg blue that can blend with both neutrals and other calming colors. It's also super versatile, playing well with everything from contemporary and classic to coastal aesthetics.

Color Marketing Manager for Dutch Boy Paints, Lisbeth Parada, explains that the hue is "a reflection of changing consumer values." She continues, "We're seeing a significant shift, particularly among Millennials and Gen Zs, toward products that offer durability, functionality, and timeless aesthetics. Mapped Blue answers this call, providing a classic yet modern charm that can adapt to various design styles and stand the test of time."

Mapped Blue is a timeless wall color that can work with a wide variety of furniture and flooring options. Pair it with whites, creams, and lightly-stained floors for a breezy coastal look. Or, use it with darker woods and navy elements to create Mid-century modern vibes. You can also coat your front door in the cheerful blue hue for an easy way to boost your home's curb appeal.

Behr also went bold with their 2025 color, opting for an earthy red that was designed to make a statement. A blend of deep wine and warm brown, Rumors is more versatile than many reds the design world has seen. It can be used to make a dramatic impact or balanced with neutrals for a more calming look.

The brand chose the hue after its research revealed that consumers are ready to bring bold color back into their homes. Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company, Erika Woelfel, explains, "We're seeing people embrace color like never before. Rumors is a modern take on the timeless red that creates an energetic appeal to make a lasting statement in a stunning way."

This year's color has such an energetic intensity that even a small amount can make a splash. Paint a chair or a few picture frames filled with grayscale photos for a fun accent. Or, if you're like many of Behr's survey respondents, paint a whole room to make a bold statement. Then, use gold tones and earthy accents to bring out the comforting warmth of the hue.

California Paints is also on the soothing blue trend. The brand's color of the year, Ocean Melody, is a serene shade that invokes seaside vibes. The watery blue is reminiscent of the ocean, but the soft gray undertones ground it for a sophisticated, classic look.

Daniele Doerge, Brand Manager for California Paints, an ICP brand, explains, "Ocean Melody 0499 is more than just a color; it's a reflection of the spaces we want to create in 2025—comfortable, inviting, and inspired by the natural world ... Ocean Melody embodies the tranquility and timelessness that today's homeowners and professionals are seeking."

The muted blue is versatile enough to make a fresh statement on cabinetry or built-in shelves. However, it still has that quintessential tranquil vibe that would be perfect for bathroom walls. To bring out the sophistication of the color, pair it with metallics and more formal furnishings. However, if you'd like to lean into its coastal roots, accent it with wicker and grassier textures for a relaxed vibe.

A big player in the spray paint game, Krylon, has unveiled their color of the year. Hammered Black is a matte black with a subtle texture, all in a can of paint. This allows you to easily give pieces a sleek, neutral hue while adding an interesting leather-like look. This pick might feel out of left field in a lineup of nature-inspired hues, but Krylon chose it to support the emerging maximalism trend. According to its website, it will help DIYers "lean into the emerging gothic design aesthetic," which adds "maximum visual interest to your projects." It's all about bringing bold accents back into your decor.

Ashley Banbury, Krylon's color marketing manager, described the choice as, "A dark shade that creates an alluring surface dimension and texture, Krylon 2025 Color of the Year, Hammered Black, makes each and every project feel like one of a kind."

This is a classic color with a luxe texture that elevates elements from decorative accents to furniture pieces. It's a perfect opportunity to give that old wood coffee table or your outdated sideboard a new, modern look. You can even use it on items like Dollar Tree vases and IKEA picture frames to create expensive-looking accent pieces at a fraction of the price.

This is only Stainmaster's second go at selecting a color of the year, and the brand's 2025 pick doesn't disappoint. Truffle is a cool brown that just oozes timeless sophistication. The brand chose this specific color because it noticed an influx of two things for 2025: maximalist, moody spaces that cocoon you in comfort and a need to reconnect with nature. Truffle helps satisfy the need for both thanks to it being both dramatic and accessible.

Monica Reese, Lowe's director of trend and style, explained, "We are excited to highlight Truffle, a versatile color that taps into the warm beauty of nature ... Truffle complements a wide range of styles, from modern minimalism to rustic chic, and layers beautifully with a broad palette of colors from soft neutral hues to deep bold palettes, truly elevating the style of any space."

Truffle is a versatile shade of brown paint that's perfect for walls throughout your house. The color is perfect for creating neutral yet statement-making spaces like cozy bedrooms. Balanced with cream and tan textiles, it can create a delectable retreat. Or, lean into the pick's sophistication and use it to color-drench a powder room. Pairing it with gold fixtures, moody lighting, and plush towels will give your guests a luxe, envy-inducing experience. 

For those not ready to dive head first into big and bold shades, Dunn-Edwards has announced Caramelized as its color of the year. The pick is a subtle lean into color after decades of neutrality and Millennial gray interiors. However, its earthy vibes create accessible warmth and character that can be styled in endless ways.

Lauren Hoferkamp, lead color expert at Dunn-Edwards, explained, "In the current fast-paced, high-tech age, we find ourselves drawn to more saturated and timeless colors to create personal spaces that feel welcoming, stylish, and grounded. When considering the draw to a mindset of 'old is new,' Caramelized emerged from our 2025 Color and Design Trends as a clear representation of this new year — the effortlessly versatile hue pairs well with various styles, from vintage-inspired interiors to contemporary spaces."

This versatility means that it can have a place in nearly every home. It's still neutral, and it works well in a variety of spaces, from the kitchen to bathrooms to the facade. If you want to give it a more posh vibe in a formal dining area or a bedroom, elevate it with black and metallic accents. Caramelized also complements greenery really well, so it would be a perfect wall color for a space with biophilic decor. Or, pair it with similar tones of wood and white accents for a warmer take on the Scandinavian look.

When you think of colors of the year, wood stains may not come to mind. However, choosing the right one can be transformative to a space, and Minwax points to Violet as its trend-setting option for 2025. The unique hue breathes a fresh new life into wood surfaces with unexpected color.

Lisbeth Parada, Minwax color and design lead, explains (via Business Wire), "Deeper, more saturated colors, including violet-influenced blues, can serve as compelling alternatives to timeless shades. Violet, when paired with natural wood tones, creates a striking contrast that feels both classic and contemporary."

Wood stain allows you to bring new life to old pieces and make new ones your own. Plus, purple can bring both regal and whimsical vibes to a space, making it surprisingly versatile. So, use it to customize unfinished pieces like International Concepts' Solid Wood Nightstand, add some gold knobs, and give your bedroom a luxurious feel. Or, create a one-of-a-kind piece of nursery furniture by staining an old rocker in the lively purple.

Further cementing brown's place as this year's trend leader, Graham and Brown has selected Elderton as their top shade for 2025. The middle-of-the-road brown is yet another lean into quite luxury. It's a timeless hue inspired by one of the UK's most iconic trees, and it can elevate a space while serving as a neutral backdrop for various design styles.

Graham and Brown Senior Brand Manager, James Greenwood, explains on the company's blog, "Elderton captures the complexity, subtleness and warmth of an Elder tree's structure, adding a softness and bold yet gentle ambiance to any room. Elderton is an incredibly versatile color that brings delicacy to any space but is also robust enough to partner with more vibrant shades or as a stand-alone color."

The chocolatey brown is perfect for color-drenching an entryway or formal dining room, pairing well with gold accents to elevate and formalize the space. Or, for an earthier vibe, complement Elderton walls with lighter wood tones and woven accents.