5 Paint Colors That Experts Say You Shouldn't Use in 2025

The dynamic nature of interior design trends means that certain paint colors, once popular, may become less favored as new aesthetics emerge. As 2025 approaches, several shades are being phased out in favor of fresh alternatives that offer different moods and visual impacts. Interior designers are consistently seeking innovative ways to inspire home refreshes, and understanding these shifts can help individuals keep their living spaces feeling current and inviting. Gray, a long-standing favorite for contemporary homes, is now being replaced by softer, more welcoming hues like natural, pollen yellow. While gray has been explored in numerous tones, from steely to stone, its cooler undertones can create an impersonal and less inviting atmosphere. The shift towards rich, sandy yellows aims to introduce warmth and a more earthy, energetic feel. For instance, shades like Benjamin Moore's Summerdale Gold HC-17 can integrate a 'new neutral' that pairs well with tactile materials and offers a relaxed backdrop for abstract patterns and rich hues. Pure white, often seen as a classic and safe choice, is increasingly perceived as uninspiring and even stark. Designers suggest moving towards warm off-whites, creamy tones, or even bold, musty colors like burgundy to add character and coziness. While pure white can appear clinical, off-whites with subtle tints provide brightness without sterility, making rooms feel more inviting. Some designers also advocate for a complete departure from white, encouraging the selection of vibrant, statement-making colors for walls to embrace a bolder aesthetic. Green, which dominated interior trends for several years, has saturated the market with its various tones and applications, from mint to mossy. The extensive use of green in color drenching and specific areas like kitchens has led to its decline in popularity for 2025. In its place, dramatic yet earthy colors such as aubergine are gaining traction. This move aligns with a broader preference for warm palettes, but with a richer, more profound intensity than previous green trends. Similarly, blue, once celebrated for its calming and sophisticated connection to the natural world, is also seeing a decrease in its omnipresence. While dark blue tones can appear chic, cooler blues can sometimes feel sterile or monotonous, failing to stimulate energy in a space. A more contemporary alternative emerging is violet or lilac—a blend of blue and red—which offers a sophisticated and modern feel while retaining depth. This shift allows for the incorporation of rich jewel tones, providing both elegance and a sense of freshness. Finally, beige, a color distinct from warm off-whites, is considered bland and unexciting. While off-whites offer clarity and sophistication through their subtle color bases, beige belongs to the light brown family and has been largely surpassed by the variety of off-white options available. The prevailing trend now favors earthy tones, such as terracotta, which provide an organic feel and better connect indoor spaces with nature, offering character and warmth that beige often lacks. Ultimately, while trends offer inspiration, personal taste remains paramount in home decoration. The goal is to select colors that contribute to a space's evolution and provide a sense of comfort and satisfaction for its inhabitants. Experimenting with new colors, even in small accents initially, can lead to exciting refreshes and help adapt homes to evolving design sensibilities. #PaintColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #ColorTrends2025 #NeutralPaints #WarmPalettes #ColorSwaps #ModernInteriors #DesignInspiration

The interior design landscape is continuously evolving, and 2025 is expected to see a shift away from certain paint colors that have dominated homes for years. Based on insights from ten interior designers, cool-toned grays, stark whites, and traditional navy blues are predicted to fall out of favor, making way for warmer, more nuanced, and richer hues. Stark white paints, once a popular choice for their clean and minimalist aesthetic, are being replaced by warmer off-whites and creams. Designers note that bright whites can often feel sterile and unwelcoming. The trend is moving towards colors that provide subtle coziness and a more inviting atmosphere, such as Benjamin Moore's Alabaster or Simply White, or even bolder, saturated shades like Smokey Green, Beach Glass, and Wedgewood Gray. These alternatives offer depth and personality while still maintaining a light and airy feel, moving away from the stark, unadorned white interiors of the past. Similarly, cool-toned grays are also on their way out. These shades, which have been ubiquitous in interior design for some time, are increasingly perceived as cold and uninspired. The preference is shifting towards warmer neutrals like taupes and greiges, and even rich browns, which contribute to a cozier and more inviting living space. This move aligns with a broader trend favoring warm color schemes over cool ones. Industry color forecasts, such as Pantone's "Mocha Mousse" for 2025, further underscore this shift towards soft, mellow browns that exude comfort. Designers suggest that if gray must be used, opting for versions with a slight sheen can add dimension and warmth, but overall, the consensus is to embrace colors that offer sanctuary and warmth. Navy blue, another previously popular choice, especially for kitchen cabinets, is also expected to decline in popularity. While dark blues have had their moment, designers are now observing a move towards earthier and warmer alternatives. Shades of green, brown, purple, and yellow are gaining traction as homeowners seek more warmth and individuality in their spaces. For those still drawn to dark blues, nuanced options like Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue, with its green undertones, or the deep blue-black Railings are suggested as more sophisticated choices. However, the overarching recommendation is to explore other moody paint colors, such as burgundy or chocolate brown, to achieve a similarly impactful yet warmer scheme. Overall, the prevailing sentiment among interior designers is a desire for warmth, personality, and depth in home interiors. The shift from cool and stark colors to richer, more saturated, and warmer tones reflects a broader yearning for comfort and well-being in living spaces. While the article highlights colors that are diminishing in trend, it also emphasizes that personal preference remains paramount, and any color can be effective if used thoughtfully within a cohesive design. #PaintColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #ColorSchemes #DesignTips #2025Trends #WarmNeutrals #CoolGrays #NavyBlue

The article highlights the top five paint color predictions for 2025, moving away from traditional neutrals like beige and gray towards more bold, livable, and earthy tones. These predictions come from leading color institutions and paint brands, indicating a shift in interior design trends. The Senior Homes & Style Editor for Country Living curated this list based on industry insights and personal observations, following extensive research into color trends and designer preferences. Pantone's Color of the Year for 2025 is "Mocha Mousse," described as a delightful pinkish-brown. This choice reflects a societal craving for comfort and stability, offering a warm and grounding aesthetic. It is presented as a sophisticated alternative to the "millennial gray" that has dominated interiors for years, suggesting a more inviting and sun-drenched atmosphere for homes. "Muddy Plum" is another prominent trend, championed by Benjamin Moore with "Cinnamon Slate" and Glidden with "Purple Basil." These deep, rich purples, often featuring brown and gray undertones, are inspired by the British countryside, aiming to bring the outdoors inside. Designers like Ariel Okin note that these shades of olive greens, deep chocolates, and plummy aubergines reflect a desire for natural and comforting hues. Minwax also embraced this trend by naming "Violet" its stain shade of the year. "Cherry Red" makes a strong comeback, as indicated by Pinterest Predicts. This vibrant, deeply saturated red is expected to dominate design cycles in 2025, with searches for "cherry bedroom" significantly increasing. This resurgence aligns with the "unexpected red theory" that gained popularity in 2024 and a renewed interest in primitive country design, which often features a primary color palette. Behr's 2025 Color of the Year, "Rumors," offers a muddier interpretation of this classic red. "Bold Blue" continues its reign as a versatile and universally approved "non-neutral" neutral. Valspar's "Encore," an ultramarine shade, is its 2025 Color of the Year, emphasizing joy and happiness in the home. Different shades of blue are praised for their adaptability across seasons and rooms, from kitchens to living spaces. The article suggests that while striking jewel-toned blues might seem unconventional for country aesthetics, they can complement rustic furnishings and interiors. Finally, "Cozy Brown" completes the list, extending the comfort of mauve into deeper, warmer shades. Graham & Brown selected "Elderton," and C2 Paints chose "Raku" as their 2025 Colors of the Year. These choices highlight a move towards earthy, grounding browns with sanguine undertones, aiming to revitalize traditional spaces with a modern sensibility. The trend towards browns, both in paint and wood furniture, indicates a return to classic, enduring colors that offer a sense of warmth and familiarity, contrasting sharply with the stark white and gray palettes of previous years. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorOfTheYear #Pantone #BenjaminMoore #Valspar #Behr

The selection of tile colors significantly influences a room's ambiance and its ability to remain timeless, making it crucial to understand which colors are fading in popularity for 2025. Interior designers emphasize that tile color is not merely an aesthetic choice but also contributes to the architectural memory, setting the tone, scale, and mood of a space. Whether handmade or precision-cut, tiles should harmoniously serve the living environment. This article, featuring insights from experts like Rachel Blindauer, Elana Mendelson, Kym Terranova, and Jo Rich, identifies five tile colors that are officially becoming outdated in 2025, offering guidance for those undertaking bathroom remodels or other tiling projects who aim for a contemporary yet enduring design. Cool gray tiles, once a popular choice, are now considered sterile and overdone. The design landscape is shifting towards warmer, more inviting tones. Interior designers suggest that warmer neutrals such as greige or taupe offer softer and more welcoming alternatives to cool gray. Natural terracotta or unglazed clay tiles are also recommended for those seeking neutral options with a cozier feel, reflecting a broader trend away from stark, cool palettes. Glossy white tiles, historically favored for their clean appearance and ability to visually expand a room, are also losing their appeal. They are increasingly perceived as sterile and uninviting, akin to the dated cool gray. Designers propose replacing these with tiles that possess more character, such as soft beige options. Large format matte porcelain tiles in a soft dove gray are highlighted as a superior alternative, as their matte finish eliminates the sheen and glare that can make a room feel clinical, thus adding depth and sophistication. Traditional white marble, despite its long-standing popularity, is beginning to take a backseat in 2025. While elegant, it is now often viewed as overused and too blank. Homeowners and designers are gravitating towards warmer natural stones like travertine or limestone, which offer comparable elegance but with enhanced texture and character. The concern is not with marble itself, but with the specific type that lacks warmth and depth. The article suggests exploring other marble variations, such as those with seaspray greens or amiable soft yellows, browns, and blues, to create a more inviting atmosphere. Navy tiles, previously admired for their timelessness in various design contexts like modern farmhouse and coastal styles, are also on the decline. Designers note that navy, being a dominant color, can limit a room's longevity and adaptability with changing trends in metal finishes or wood tones. For individuals passionate about incorporating blue, the recommendation is to opt for more versatile shades such as blue-greens, French gray-blues, or moody indigos with earthy undertones, ensuring better integration and a more enduring aesthetic. Finally, brown-beige tiles, reminiscent of the late 1990s and early 2000s, are expected to see a significant decrease in use. Once considered earthy and versatile, they are now often viewed as drab and overly dark. The trend is moving towards lighter taupes that offer a fresher and more contemporary feel. A simple shift in hue, perhaps complemented by houseplants, can transform a once-uninspiring space into a thoughtfully tiled and vibrant oasis, illustrating how subtle changes in tile color can dramatically impact a home's overall feel. #TileTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ColorTrends #BathroomDesign #KitchenDesign #OutdatedColors #ModernInteriors #DesignAdvice

The article discusses living room paint colors that are becoming outdated in 2025, emphasizing a shift away from bland, neutral shades towards bolder and more saturated hues. Interior designers and color experts highlight several colors that are losing their appeal, offering alternatives that reflect current trends and preferences. The overall sentiment is a move towards injecting more personality and vibrancy into living spaces. Beige, greige, and taupe, once considered chic and dependable neutrals, are identified as overused and now taking a backseat. Experts like Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore, note that people are increasingly opting for more nuanced colors that have a stronger presence without being distracting. This indicates a departure from the 'laid-back luxury' aesthetic that previously favored these muted tones. Sage green, which was popular in cottagecore interiors and widely used for kitchen cabinets, bedroom walls, and living rooms, has reached a saturation point and is retreating from its prominent position. Its muted and sometimes muddy gray-green tones are perceived as predictable and tired. The article suggests replacing traditional sage green with more vibrant, saturated green paints for a fresher and more current feel. Lighter, livelier greens such as Farrow & Ball’s Cooking Apple Green are recommended for those who still appreciate the softness of sage but desire a modern twist. Certain yellow shades, particularly those with muddy or brown undertones and darker mustard tones, are also falling out of style. While yellow is seeing a revival, the key is to choose the right balance. Garish or overly warm yellows are deemed less desirable, with butter yellow emerging as a refined alternative. Shauna Dennison-Taylor, Creative Director at Penny Morrison, describes butter yellow as softer, more livable, and a color that brings reassurance and character, aging beautifully over time. Graphite grays, including cool and blue-toned grays, are considered outdated. The design world has moved away from cold, sterile interiors, with designers advocating for warmer and more sophisticated palettes. Loita Colenso, a UK-based interior designer, asserts that a living room should not be gray, describing it as a gloomy color. Recommended alternatives include bold hues like charcoal with red undertones, midnight blues, petrol hues with a hint of gray, mahogany browns, or moss greens like Farrow & Ball Dibbler or London Brown by Mylands. Pastel shades, reminiscent of Bridgerton ballrooms and frosted cupcakes, are also losing their charm. These sugary, iced-cake aesthetics are now seen as artificial or dated. The current trend favors richer, warmer, and more grounded colors. Shauna Dennison-Taylor explains that this shift reflects a desire for authentic, lived-in homes that embrace the messiness and warmth of daily life, moving away from dispassionate and overly styled spaces. For those planning to redecorate, the article advises creating a mood board to visualize how colors and textures interact. It also stresses the importance of swatching paint colors in the actual living room to observe how they appear under different lighting conditions throughout the day. This careful consideration helps ensure that chosen colors remain stylish and appealing for years to come. The overall message is that personal expression through bolder, more authentic colors is now preferred over safe, muted choices.

The perception of entryways is evolving from a mere focus on order and calm to becoming crucial first-impression points that reflect individual expression and warmth. This shift implies a move away from cooler colors like white, grey, and navy blue towards more vibrant, earth-based tones such as browns, greens, and reds. Selecting appropriate paint colors for an entryway can be challenging, especially given the significant influence color has on mood. The goal is to create a welcoming and calming atmosphere for both residents and guests. Traditionally, cool colors have been associated with calmness, tranquility, and uniformity, yet they risk creating a sense of apathy if not balanced properly. The emerging trend suggests a solution rooted in color theory: incorporating warmth. Repainting an entryway every two to three years presents an opportune moment to embrace this trend. Forward-looking designers are championing warm shades, with browns, particularly those resembling coffee and chocolate, being prominent. For example, Pantone's 2025 color of the year is Mocha Mousse, while Stainmaster has chosen Truffle and Little Green features Mochi, which has subtle pink undertones. To ensure a cohesive flow throughout the home, the entryway's color should complement the existing palette. For homes with a predominance of whites and grays, a warmed-up version of these colors, such as a dreamy cream or a greige with strong brown undertones, can create a smooth transition. Similarly, for homes featuring blues, a teal green or purple shade can provide a natural progression into the main living areas, as mixing blue and brown can yield purplish or sea-green hues, which are also popular choices for 2025. Another highly recommended color for 2025 is green, offering a vibrant alternative to the formerly popular navy. Bright and playful colors are regaining popularity in home trends, with various shades of green, from emerald to moss, bringing nature's essence indoors. Green's versatility stems from its natural prevalence, making it feel organic and familiar. A bold forest green can make a striking statement in an entryway, while tempering more saturated greens with grey or blue can help maintain a connection with the rest of the house without necessitating a complete repainting. Ocean blues, being more complex and nature-inspired than true navy, align well with current trends. However, since greens can lean cool, it is advisable to incorporate warm elements such as wood tones, rust colors, and rich, earthy reds to balance the overall aesthetic. Red paint, despite its intensity and association with strong emotions like love, passion, or anger, is also making a comeback in more subdued forms. A bright, fire-engine red might not be suitable for an entryway, but muddier versions are gaining traction. Behr paint, for instance, named Rumors, a dark red with brown undertones, as its color of the year. With color drenching being a significant trend for 2025, one could opt for a bold, toned-down berry shade throughout the entryway. Alternatively, incorporating classic white, already present in other parts of the house, can lead to a pink-toned cream. The future of entryway decoration emphasizes personality and warmth. Therefore, it is suggested to reconsider painting entryways gray and instead utilize the space to introduce warm colors that are already highlighted elsewhere in the house. Adding functional and artistic pieces can further enhance the entryway's inviting ambiance, personalizing the space and making it truly feel like home. #EntrywayDesign #PaintColors2025 #InteriorDesignTrends #WarmColorPalettes #HomeDecor #ColorPsychology #DesignHacks #HomeStyling

The article delves into the anticipated colour palette for home interiors in 2025, drawing insights from major paint brands and colour experts. It highlights a clear thematic direction for the upcoming year, distinguishing it from previous years where commonalities were harder to identify. The prevailing trend for 2025 involves a combination of moody, almost autumnal shades, punctuated by strategic touches of brightness. Earthy tones are expected to maintain their prominence in living room trends, with a noticeable shift towards darker hues, particularly rich browns. Graham & Brown's 'Elderton,' a deep cocoa brown, is cited as a key example. These earthy shades are complemented by jewel tones like deep purple and sapphire blue, as featured in Lick’s colour palette and Valspar’s ‘Encore.’ These choices reflect a growing confidence among consumers to experiment with bolder, richer colours, moving away from more conventional neutrals. Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year for 2025, ‘Cinnamon Slate,’ is described as a ‘quietly colourful’ hue, blending heathered plum and velvety brown. This shade is part of a broader palette of nine versatile colours designed to work harmoniously across different rooms, offering both depth and livability. While darker and earthier tones form the foundation, bright accents are crucial to the 2025 palette. Dulux’s ‘True Joy,’ a vibrant yellow, serves as a prime example of a brightening accent. Experts suggest using such vivid colours not for entire rooms but as strategic pops to uplift the overall scheme, as demonstrated by Dulux’s accompanying colour stories. These stories show how ‘True Joy’ can integrate with earthy terracottas and dark greens and blues, creating dynamic and positive spaces. Similarly, Lick's 2025 palette incorporates uplifting baby blues, vintage pinks, and creamy neutrals alongside its dark purples and browns. Nostalgia is identified as a significant cultural mood influencing interior design, leading brands like Lick to curate palettes that evoke comfort and positive memories while remaining contemporary. The versatility of deep purple, for instance, is emphasized, as it pairs effectively with burnt oranges, mustard yellows, and fresh blues and pinks. The article concludes by presenting specific paint recommendations for 2025, including Lick’s Purple 03, Farrow & Ball’s Book Room Red, Lick’s Blue 04, Graham & Brown’s Elderton, Frenchic’s Oopsy Daisy, and Little Greene’s Affogato, each offering a unique contribution to the year’s stylish and cosy aesthetic. #ColourPalette #HomeInteriors #PaintTrends #EarthyTones #JewelTones #AccentColours #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTrends #HomeDecoration

The selection of paint colors plays a pivotal role in shaping a room's atmosphere, influencing its mood, style, and overall aesthetic. As 2026 approaches, interior design experts anticipate a significant shift in color trends, moving away from pastels and bold tones towards hues deeply rooted in the natural world. This forecast emerges despite Pantone's surprising announcement of "Cloud Dancer," a soft white, as its 2026 color of the year, which generated considerable discussion given the recent trend towards bolder interiors. Experts predict that earthy tones will dominate British homes in 2026. Kate Palmer, Creative Director at The Painted Furniture Company, highlights a collective gravitation towards colors that evoke feelings of groundedness, safety, and quiet optimism. She notes that soft earth tones and muted greens are gaining popularity for their ability to bring calm and a connection to nature, addressing a widespread desire for stability in an increasingly dynamic world. This trend signifies a move away from the vibrant palettes of previous decades, embracing the natural environment as a primary source of inspiration. Olive green is projected to be a leading shade in 2026, building on its recent popularity. Josh Branigan, a Furniture and Home Interiors Expert at Cuckooland, suggests that deeper, earthier forms of olive green will define the year's palette. Simon Mayhew, Founder & Interior Designer at TXTURED, also predicts a surge in lighter olive greens, emphasizing their restorative and balanced qualities that provide a sense of escape to the countryside, even in urban settings. Earthy browns are also expected to maintain their strong presence, continuing a trend observed in 2025. This was initiated by Pantone's "Mocha Mousse" as its 2025 Color of the Year and reinforced by Benjamin Moore's selection of Silhouette AF-655, a grey-brown espresso shade, for 2026. Josh Branigan describes rich browns as a major player, offering a softer yet dramatic and refined alternative to black. Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore, attributes the choice of Silhouette AF-655 to a growing interest in the brown family across fashion and interiors, providing a warm alternative to traditional dark neutrals. Aubergine, another nature-inspired hue, is anticipated to be a popular choice. Kate Palmer points to Little Greene’s “Adventurer,” a deep, plummy aubergine, as a standout shade for 2026, indicating a shift towards bolder, moodier colors that personalize a room beyond neutral tones. Josh Branigan adds that jewel-like tones such as aubergine signify increased confidence in using color, offering emotional richness, personality, and a luxurious depth without overwhelming the space. Versatile blues are also expected to make a significant comeback. Josh Branigan foresees a strong presence of blues, ranging from soft mid-blues to inky indigos and teals. Anna Hill, Brand Director and Colour Consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook, explains that blue and green shades will remain staples due to their versatility and timelessness, with blues bringing depth and serenity reminiscent of the sky and water. While some experts, like Victoria Yardley of Victory Colours, predict muted blues will be popular, Magdalena Gierasinska of Barker and Stonehouse anticipates bursts of electric blue. Finally, burgundy is emerging as a sophisticated and subtle trend. Anna Hill highlights burgundy and red tones making a confident return, offering warmth, depth, and sophistication. These shades evoke heritage architecture and natural materials but are being re-imagined in fresher, more versatile ways for 2026. Laura Hammett, Creative Director of Laura Hammett Living, notes the resurgence of these decadent, wine-toned shades in both fashion and interiors, appreciating how they translate into home decor. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EarthyHues #OliveGreen #BrownTones #Aubergine #BluePalettes #Burgundy #2026Trends

The article discusses rug colors that interior designers believe will be out of style in 2025, offering alternatives that align with current trends. It emphasizes that while choosing a rug's color, texture, shape, and size are individual preferences, certain shades can lose their appeal as moods and aesthetic desires change. Interior designers were consulted to identify these fading colors and suggest more contemporary alternatives. Bright red, including vibrant shades and those popularized by the "unexpected red theory" of 2024, is noted as becoming outmoded. Ashley Stark, Creative Director of STARK and founder of Ashley Stark Home, states that bright reds can appear too intense or overly traditional, and designers are moving towards more luxurious and adaptable colors without visual weight. Emerald green is suggested as a fresh and elegant alternative, offering a statement without being predictable. Kathy Kuo, an interior designer from Kathy Kuo Home, concurs, observing a trend towards organic modern rug designs with warm neutral tones and nature-inspired wovens. Charcoal gray is another color recommended for retirement. Jo Rich of J Rich Designs explains that while charcoal gray dominated modern schemes for years, its heaviness can make spaces feel somber, contrasting with the current preference for brighter, airier rooms. A muted terracotta or clay-tone rug is offered as a replacement. These earthy reds introduce a cozy and grounded vibe, acting as a neutral base for layering with patterned pillows or accent furniture. Terracotta, in particular, is highlighted for adding depth and warmth to a room, making it suitable for spaces like bedrooms where a cocooning feel is desired. Cool blues, especially icy or nautical tones, which have been popular in coastal and transitional interiors, are also losing favor. Rachel Blindauer, an interior and product designer, believes these shades now feel too crisp and impersonal, with clients seeking interiors that are more emotionally resonant. She suggests alternatives such as stormy slate, muted indigo, or sea-glass green. These hues offer subtle color variations that nod to nature and memory, rather than appearing as generic catalog spreads. A pale blue-green patterned rug with hints of cream and orange is presented as an example, providing a versatile and warmer option. White rugs, despite their initial appeal, are losing popularity due to practical concerns. Ashley Stark points out that white rugs are difficult to maintain, easily showing marks, especially in high-traffic areas. For those who favor neutrals, the advice is to opt for more grounded shades like soft cream, warm tan, or patterned/textured grays. These alternatives offer a light and airy feel while being more forgiving and practical for daily living. A warm cream rug is described as more welcoming and practical than stark white, often incorporating subtle details for added interest. Lastly, highly saturated overdyed jewel tones, such as amethyst purples, sapphire blues, and ruby reds, are also identified as declining in trendiness. Rachel Blindauer explains that while dramatic, these colors can be visually heavy and challenging to pair with evolving decor, often dominating rather than enhancing a space. The recommended alternatives are earth-inspired ochres, washed terracottas, and soft tobacco tones. These shades provide richness in a more grounded and organic way, complementing natural materials like stone, wood, and brass, which are currently experiencing a resurgence in interior design. A rich, warm brown vintage-style rug is highlighted as a timeless yet on-trend choice that can ground a room and offers practicality, with some options even being spill-proof and machine washable. #InteriorDesign #RugTrends #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #DesignTrends2025 #NeutralColors #EarthyTones #HomeFurnishings #InteriorStyling

As the new year approaches, Southern design professionals are sharing their insights into paint color trends for 2025, specifically highlighting practices they believe homeowners should move away from. While acknowledging that any color can be beautiful when used correctly, these experts point out common pitfalls and outdated approaches to interior painting. One significant trend designers are ready to ditch is the excessive reliance on all-white interiors. Mary Frantz Roberts of Dunn & Hall Interiors notes that while white is a dependable choice, its overuse can strip a home of its potential personality. Kelly Neely, a decorator from Birmingham, Alabama, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that rooms with color and depth are generally more inviting and intimate, though she doesn't advocate for entirely abandoning white. Another overlooked area, according to designers, is the ceiling. Niki McNeill Brown, a Raleigh designer, suggests that homeowners frequently miss opportunities to add character and visual interest by not painting their ceilings in engaging colors. Frantz Roberts supports this, explaining that bold and colorful walls or ceilings can make a significant impact on a room's aesthetic in a cost-effective manner. The article also highlights a shift away from cool-toned color palettes. Becky Nielsen Filipski, a Nashville designer, is ready to move past gray and stark white, observing a growing preference for warmer whites in areas like trim and kitchens. She specifically recommends Benjamin Moore's Linen White (912). Sarah Stacey, an Austin designer, explains that while cool whites initially appear clean, they often result in a sterile atmosphere, contrasting with the current desire for welcoming and layered spaces. Jessica Maros of MAROS Designs in Dallas advises against cool gray tones, favoring a warmer, inviting 'greige' to add depth and sophistication. For those still inclined towards gray, she suggests incorporating warmer undertones to maintain a fresh and welcoming feel. Erin Sander, another Dallas designer, is embracing earth tones like olive, clay, amber, and brown, finding that these hues naturally complement wood tones and textures, aligning with a relaxed and refined aesthetic. Finally, designers are encouraging a move away from overly saturated paint shades. Cyndy Cantley, a Birmingham designer, notes that while vibrant colors like saturated pinks, oranges, or reds can be fun, they risk making a room feel overexposed. Instead, she advocates for more muted versions of these colors, which contribute to a calmer and more serene home environment, a quality she believes many people are seeking. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalettes #DesignTips #WarmTones #NeutralColors #CeilingPaint #SouthernDesign

The article discusses five rug colors that interior designers believe will be out of style for 2025, offering alternatives that align with current design trends. The underlying reason for these shifts is a move towards creating moods that are more luxurious, adaptable, cozy, grounded, and emotionally resonant, rather than overly intense, somber, or impersonal. Individual preference remains a key factor in rug selection, but certain shades are losing their appeal. First, bright red and orange tones are identified as falling out of favor. While bright red had a moment in 2024 for its dramatic effect, it is now perceived as too intense and seasonally specific. Interior designers are moving away from colors that possess visual weight and towards those that offer luxury and adaptability. As an alternative, emerald green is suggested, which evokes freshness and elegance, serving as a less predictable statement color. Organic modern rug looks with warm neutral tones and nature-inspired woven materials are also gaining traction. Second, charcoal gray rugs are becoming outdated. For years, charcoal gray dominated modern schemes, but its heaviness can make spaces feel somber, contradicting the current desire for brighter and airier rooms. A recommended alternative is muted terracotta or clay-tone rugs. These earthy reds introduce a cozy and grounded vibe, functioning as a neutral base that can be easily layered with patterned pillows or accent furniture. Terracotta, while an alternative to a neutral, adds depth and grounds a room, making it suitable for spaces aiming for a cocooning feel. Third, cool blue tones, particularly icy or nautical blues, are losing their popularity. Although they have been a long-standing favorite in coastal and transitional interiors, they are now seen as too crisp and impersonal. Clients are increasingly seeking interiors that are emotionally resonant. Recommended replacements include stormy slate, muted indigo, or sea-glass green. These hues offer a subtle hint of color with more nuance, connecting to nature and memory rather than a generic catalog aesthetic. Fourth, white rugs are identified as impractical and less desirable for 2025. Despite their aesthetic appeal, white rugs are difficult to maintain, especially in high-traffic areas, as they show every mark. Instead, the trend is moving towards more grounded neutrals such as soft cream, warm tan, and shades of gray, particularly those with patterns or textures. These alternatives provide a light and airy feel while being more forgiving and practical for everyday living. Finally, highly saturated jewel tones, specifically overdyed amethyst purples, sapphire blues, and ruby reds, are declining in popularity. While once celebrated for their drama, these colors can become visually heavy and difficult to integrate with evolving decor, often dominating a space rather than enhancing it. For those who appreciate rich colors, earth-inspired ochres, washed terracottas, and soft tobacco tones are suggested. These shades offer richness in a more grounded and organic manner, complementing natural materials like stone, wood, and brass, which are experiencing a resurgence in both residential and commercial interiors. The overarching theme is a preference for warming organic tones over heavy or cool colors. #RugTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorTrends #DesignTips #HomeStyling #NeutralPalette #EarthTones #SustainableDesign

The article outlines nine specific colors that interior designers are avoiding in living room designs for 2025, offering alternatives to help homeowners create contemporary and inviting spaces. The overarching theme is a shift away from overused or sterile hues towards warmer, more nuanced, and grounding tones. This trend reflects a desire for comfort, sophistication, and a deeper connection to nature in home environments. Cool gray, often associated with the 'millennial gray' trend and the farmhouse aesthetic, is identified as a color that designers are no longer using. It is criticized for making spaces feel sterile and dated. Instead, warmer neutrals like taupe or mushroom beige are recommended to create a more comforting and layered ambiance, offering versatility with added depth. Pure red, despite its brief popularity with the 'unexpected red' trend, is also out of favor for living rooms due to its overwhelming nature. Designers suggest burnt sienna, an earthy red with brown undertones, as a more refined alternative. This shade provides warmth without intensity and can be used extensively, even for color drenching, creating a more grounding and livable feel. Navy blue, traditionally a classic color combination when paired with white, is now considered overused and capable of making small living rooms feel confined. A deeper, smoky blue-black with green undertones is proposed as a substitute. This alternative maintains a sumptuous quality while offering more nuance and adaptability, aligning with a desire for softer, more sophisticated palettes. Sage green, prevalent for nearly a decade, is deemed predictable. While its natural origins ensure some relevance, it is no longer a leading color trend. Deep olive green, a richer and earthier alternative, is recommended for its sophistication and grounding presence, offering a more luxurious and expensive feel compared to its pastel counterpart. Dusty rose, once embraced for its romantic aesthetic and used as a neutral, is now considered overdone and delicate. Natural terracotta blush tones are suggested as a contemporary replacement. These warm, earthy pinks provide a grounding effect and a richer, more sophisticated feel, reminiscent of raw plaster or baked clay, and serve as an excellent foundation color. Bright white is explicitly avoided for relaxing spaces like living rooms, as it can appear clinical and uninviting. Instead, off-white shades with hints of yellow, gray, or brown, such as chalky bone white, are preferred. These alternatives offer warmth and subtle richness, creating a more inviting and layered look that pairs well with natural textures. Hunter green, though alluring and often paired with wood tones for an organic look, is viewed as contrived and heavy for living rooms. Designers suggest deep green-black tones or rich earthy juniper as more contemporary choices. These shades offer a softer, more organic feel that connects with biophilic design and provides a timeless elegance. Mustard yellow, a millennial favorite often used as an accent with cool gray, is now considered dated and not versatile enough. Richer, caramel-toned alternatives or its use alongside other warm earthy shades like ochre and burgundy are recommended. Soft honey gold is highlighted for delivering warmth and vibrancy in a refined, livable manner, complementing natural woods and earth tones. Finally, eggplant purple, once valued for its playful and luxurious appeal, is criticized for lacking the nuance desired in 2025 living rooms. Mulberry brown, a softer, red-based brown, is suggested as a refined alternative that brings warmth and depth. Other options include sumptuous oxblood or burgundy, particularly when applied with a high gloss finish on millwork and trim, to update and refresh living room aesthetics.

The choice of curtain color can significantly influence a room's aesthetic. As of 2025, several curtain colors are considered outdated by interior designers, who instead recommend alternatives that align with current design sensibilities. These trends emphasize creating spaces that are dynamic, inviting, and reflective of modern preferences, moving away from overly safe or dull choices. One color falling out of favor is navy blue. While traditionally seen as a classic and neutral option, designers find it too safe and lacking excitement, potentially making a space feel uninteresting. The recommended alternative is a deep olive green. This earthy tone offers natural elegance and aligns with contemporary color trends that lean towards nature-inspired hues, providing stability while incorporating bold modern expressions. These greens can ground a room and introduce a subtle pop of color, especially when made from light and airy fabrics like linen. Solid white curtains are also becoming obsolete. While white is a timeless neutral, opaque solid white curtains are perceived as sterile and fail to contribute significant interest or warmth to a room. Designers advise opting for sheer curtains in warmer shades of white, such as ivory. These sheer fabrics allow for a tasteful diffusion of light, creating a more inviting ambiance. For added privacy, sheer curtains can be paired with Roman shades, offering both functionality and visual appeal. Gray, particularly dull shades, is another color designers suggest avoiding. Although gray offers versatility and neutrality, many now find it boring and uninteresting. Instead, earth tones like terracotta are recommended. Terracotta, with its burnt orange and red accents, brings warmth, energy, and a neutral pop of color, making a space feel welcoming. This shift reflects a broader movement towards warmer, nature-inspired palettes in home decor. Deep, moody reds are also losing their appeal due to their potential to overwhelm a space. While they can add interest, their intensity can easily transition from moody to overpowering if not styled carefully. Designers now suggest muted pastel shades like sage, dusty rose, or soft blues. These colors provide personality without overwhelming the room and contribute to a soft, calming aesthetic. The emphasis is also on lighter materials such as polyester, cotton, or linen, which allow gentle movement and prevent the heavy, ornate feel of traditional dark curtains. Finally, muted beige curtains are considered to make a room's design fall flat. While beige can be luxurious when textured and combined with appropriate decor, solid beige curtains often lack character and visual interest. Designers recommend stylized beige options with significant texture or, alternatively, darker shades of brown like sand, taupe, camel, or chocolate. These darker browns offer more visual interest and can create a desired moody ambiance, moving away from the often-boring impression of plain beige. Overall, the trend for curtain colors in 2025 points towards more dynamic, natural, and inviting options, with an emphasis on texture, warmth, and the ability to enhance a room's overall design rather than merely serving as functional window coverings. #CurtainColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #WindowTreatments #DesignUpdates #ColorPalettes #ModernInteriors #EarthTones

The choice of paint colors in a kitchen is pivotal for reflecting design style and setting the room's tone, whether seeking a light and airy or dark and moody ambiance. While current kitchen color trends offer diverse and stylish options, it is beneficial to identify shades that are losing favor among interior designers. This analysis highlights three kitchen paint colors that designers are moving away from in 2025: cool gray, navy blue, and bright white. Cool-toned grays, once a popular choice for achieving sleek, modern kitchen schemes, are being phased out. Interior designers note a shift towards warmer, more inviting alternatives such as creamy whites, earthy beiges, and rich browns. These warmer tones are favored for their ability to imbue kitchens with a sense of warmth and personality, transforming them from potentially cold or sterile environments into welcoming spaces. The overuse of cool gray, sometimes referred to as 'millennial gray,' often led to dull, uncontrasted interiors. Consequently, homeowners are now gravitating towards more vibrant and varied designs, opting for neutral paints that provide warmth, making spaces softer, cozier, and more personalized through textured finishes and natural materials. Navy blue paints, previously a common and 'safe' choice for introducing color, particularly on kitchen islands and lower cabinets, are also seeing a decline in popularity. Designers observe a trend where homeowners are becoming more adventurous with color, exploring a broader spectrum of bolder and more unexpected hues beyond navy. While navy remains a classic shade, its widespread use is being supplanted by softer, more organic tones, including warm neutrals, rich wood stains, and earthy greens. These alternatives offer a more effortless and inviting aesthetic. Although navy is not entirely obsolete, it is now best utilized when balanced with natural textures and lighter elements to maintain a contemporary feel. For those still inclined towards dark paints, options like dark green or rich burgundy are suggested to achieve sophistication with added warmth. Bright white, despite its classic and timeless appeal in kitchens, is experiencing a nuanced shift. While white kitchens are acknowledged for their enduring popularity, the trend of stark, all-white designs is diminishing. The concern is that overly cool whites can create a sterile environment, which contradicts the desire for kitchens to be emotional, lived-in spaces. The current preference is to layer white with earthy tones such as soft putty, warm ochres, or deep greens. This approach helps to ground the space, making it feel inviting and soulful rather than solely trend-driven. Furthermore, designers are increasingly particular about the undertones of white paints, favoring warmer whites with subtle taupe or cream undertones to ensure a softer and more welcoming atmosphere. Ultimately, while certain colors may be falling out of trend, the most important aspect of home design is to select colors that bring personal joy, regardless of current popular movements. #KitchenDesign #KitchenTrends2025 #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorTrends #NeutralPalettes #WarmColors #KitchenRenovation

This article explores the anticipated paint color trends for 2025, drawing insights from 15 interior designers. The trends highlight a move towards both vibrant and warm, muted tones, ensuring there's a color palette to suit diverse preferences. The article begins by noting that while timeless shades like warm whites and soft greens will always remain in vogue, 2025 will also see an embrace of fresh, modern hues. One prominent trend is Denim Blue, exemplified by Benjamin Moore's Bellbottom Blues, a versatile and bold shade with muted undertones that pairs well with neutrals and metallics. Buttermilk Yellow is another rising trend, bringing a cheerful, sunlit glow to interiors and fostering a sense of safety and restoration. For those who prefer depth without excessive darkness, Sherwin-Williams' Hot Cocoa, a chocolatey-mauve, is predicted to be popular, offering richness while still reflecting light. Berry Tones are gaining traction, providing a warm and rich ambiance without being overtly feminine. These versatile shades, ranging from deep cranberry to mulberry, can be used to create moody dining rooms or complement playful wallpapers. Deep Purple, particularly dark plum colors, is also making a comeback for spaces like bedrooms and lounges, evoking warmth and pairing harmoniously with rich woods and green accents. Pitch Black by Farrow & Ball is identified as a statement color, lending a sophisticated, speakeasy vibe that, despite its dramatic appearance, can integrate well into various home aesthetics. Shades of Red, especially darker tones like garnet, wine, and maroon, are increasingly appearing in home interiors, offering a dramatic yet inviting feel. Warm White remains a classic but is evolving to include creamier, more nuanced shades like Sherwin-Williams' Shoji White, which offer subtle depth and a richer warmth. Light Green, featuring relaxed shades inspired by natural elements like eucalyptus and olive, leans towards neutral undertones of gray or beige, making it highly adaptable for various surfaces and promoting a soothing atmosphere. Blue-Green tones are expected to trend, providing calm and peaceful earthy hues that blend boldness with tranquility, creating a refreshing environment. Mossy Gold, a color that defies easy categorization with strong green, gold, and brown undertones, is predicted to be popular, reflecting a broader trend towards complex and nuanced colors. Deep Reds, again emphasizing rich, high-energy shades, are seen as ideal for vibrant spaces. Finally, Coffee-Inspired Hues, such as Benjamin Moore's Barista, offer earthy warmth and timeless versatility for various rooms, ensuring a sophisticated yet grounded feel. Warm, reddish browns, like Benjamin Moore's Walnut, are also highlighted for their depth and saturated hue. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalettes #DesignersChoice #WarmNeutrals #BoldColors #HomeImprovement

This article highlights three 'fail-safe' paint color combinations recommended by Tash Bradley, a color psychologist and Director of Interior Design at Lick, designed to uplift moods and enhance home aesthetics in 2024. These combinations are particularly beneficial during seasons with less natural light, offering versatile options for various areas within the home, whether one prefers bold or neutral schemes. The first recommended pairing is Teal 03 and White 05. Teal 03, described as a dark teal with blue, green, and gray undertones, is suitable for traditional decorating styles. White 05 is a warm white paint that creates a soft, understated look. Tash Bradley suggests using this combination dramatically in a hallway by painting the walls and ceiling in White 05 and the staircase in Teal 03. This approach adds a focal point while maintaining a balanced, neutral backdrop. Alternatively, for a cozy living room, Teal 03 can be used on the walls with White 05 for the skirting, contributing to a snug atmosphere. The second combination features Pink 01 and Teal 01, ideal for bedroom color schemes. Pink 01 is a subtle pink hue, perfect for those who desire pink tones without overwhelming the space. Teal 01 is a mid-toned color with blue and green undertones, known for its calming and energizing qualities. Bradley advises using this pairing for two bedrooms located opposite each other, applying Pink 01 on the walls and woodwork, and Teal 01 on the ceiling. This creates a cohesive yet distinct look between adjoining rooms, enhancing the personal space with thoughtful color dynamics. Finally, the article suggests pairing Green 14 with White 03, particularly for kitchen renovations in 2024. Green 14 is a warm, mid-tone green, promoting a restful and nature-inspired environment, aligning with the rising trend of green kitchens due to their mood-boosting properties. White 03 is a classic white with warm undertones, ensuring an uplifting feel. For kitchens, Bradley recommends using White 03 on walls and ceilings, complemented by kitchen cabinets painted in Green 14. This scheme leverages the popularity of green in kitchens to create a fresh and inviting culinary space. Overall, the article provides actionable advice on selecting paint colors not just for their individual appeal but for their synergistic effects when combined. The expert insights from Lick's color psychologist guide homeowners toward creating harmonious and mood-enhancing interiors, ensuring that the chosen palettes are both aesthetically pleasing and psychologically beneficial. Each combination is presented with specific applications and the psychological impact of the colors, offering practical solutions for updating various rooms in a home. #PaintColorCombinations #InteriorDesign #ColorPsychology #HomeDecor #TealPaint #PinkPaint #GreenKitchens #WarmWhites #LickPaints

The article discusses paint color trends for 2025, highlighting five specific colors that interior designers predict will fall out of favor. The premise acknowledges that personal preference in color should always take precedence, but notes that certain hues can definitively anchor a room to a particular time period, citing examples such as 1970s bright orange, 1990s Tuscan-inspired brick red and mustard yellow, early 2000s turquoise, and mid-2010s cool gray. The first color identified as being on its way out is navy blue. While previously a common choice for coastal and glam interiors, designers like Barrie Spang of Sapphire Pear suggest that its overuse, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, will lead to its decline in popularity. Cool gray is another color that designers have been signaling as passé for several years. Sarah Pickard, an interior designer, states that there is a widespread fatigue with cool gray, and a return to warmer tones is anticipated. She recommends opting for warm taupe or beige instead, offering a more welcoming aesthetic compared to the austerity of cool gray. Black, which has been a popular choice across various home styles, from modern farmhouses to Victorian designs, is also expected to recede. Pickard notes that dark browns will likely replace stark black tones. These dark browns offer a similar depth but introduce a warmth that aligns with the desired cozy and relaxed ambiance for spaces in 2025. Purple, which saw a significant resurgence in 2024 across various shades from vivid violet to light lavender, is another color predicted to trend downwards. Cristiana Crin, founder and director of design at Perpetuum Designs, explicitly states that variations of purple will not be a trend in 2025, although the article notes that this prediction is still under observation. Finally, sage green, a long-standing favorite in the design world for its calming and nostalgic qualities, is also expected to take a temporary backseat. Heather Goerzen, director of design and content at Havenly, forecasts that dusty blues will emerge as a replacement for sage green. These dusty blues, reminiscent of a dawn sky or ocean depths, are intended to create tranquil, open, fresh, and optimistic spaces. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalettes #DesignersForecast #2025Trends #HomeStyling