Of all the trends in interior design, paint trends are arguably the most erratic. The ‘in’ colours, finishes, and techniques vary greatly with the seasons, much like colour trends. But paint trends are also great for trying new things and changing up your house, usually without spending a lot of money or time. Compared to purchasing the newest model of kitchen cabinets or an on-trend couch, painting a room or even just a wall in a trendy colour requires significantly less commitment.
Therefore, it can be difficult to decide whether to follow more general interior design trends, but it’s simple to experiment with paint trends. Additionally, they convey a lot about the attitude of the interior design industry, and these trends give you an idea of what to expect in early 2025. We think the brown paints are going to be very popular because of the abundance of earthy, cosy neutrals that are in style. It’s turning red. Additionally, designers are currently seeing a lot of glossy finishes and deeper stains.
The 2025 paint trends that we think will take place
To bring you intriguing paint trends for the upcoming year, we’ve partnered with a number of colour specialists and interior designers.
- Neutral colours that are warmer
Warm tones will be back. Over the past five years, this change has been gradual. The design world is experiencing a huge surge in “comforting” warm neutrals, which are the colour of the year for four major paint brands. Richer brown tones, warmer greens, darker and warmer woods, and delicate pink and yellow hues (sophisticated pastels) all continue.
- Terracotta with red hues
In 2025, red décor will be popular again. Trends like the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’ strongly support the idea that adding a little red to a space can make it seem more cheerful, even though it may sound daring. When utilised in this manner, the once-disregarded primary shade might be used in an all-neutral scheme.
Terracotta paints are the best option when applied in greater quantities. Europe’s Maison & Objet and other exhibits included a lot of red tones, usually a subdued “burnt” red, as Lina details. Terracotta, desert hues, etc. Probably inspired by the current autumn fashion trend, we’ll be watching to see whether it makes its way into interior design in Australia. We’re confident it will because rusty red paint is surprisingly liveable and can actually function nearly as a neutral.
- Wood stains that are darker
The all-white or two-tone bathrooms that have dominated the past ten years are giving way to more moodier kitchens and bathrooms.
In 2025, darker stains will undoubtedly be more popular as paint colours. Although the extremely light woods that are associated with Scandinavian and minimalist design will always be in style, there is a noticeable tendency towards darker stains, and even warmer stains that have long been avoided are making a comeback in kitchen trends.
- Yellowish-tinged caramels
Many of us are eschewing colder neutrals like grey in favour of ones with more depth, colour, and natural influences to create a more welcoming and grounded space.
“Delicate pinks, soft neutrals, and warm browns are great to use if you want to achieve a natural, modern, and uncluttered aesthetic,” according to interior designers in Australia.
Above, this deep caramel colour is unquestionably a member of the neutral colour family. In our opinion, it has a powerful impact that goes well with both patterned and natural materials to create a peaceful and soothing environment.
It is beneficial for rooms that face north and receive little natural light since it creates a cosy atmosphere. It looks great with both pure white and more muted colours like olive green and burgundy. Stronger hues, such as royal blue, contrast with it as well. It’s quite adaptable.
- Light blues
The 2024 Colours of the Year are dominated by blues, including Valspa’s Renew Blue, Benjamin Moore’s Blue Nova, and Sherwin-Williams’ Upward. Although dark navy blues have been popular in previous years, 2024 paint trends are favouring lighter, mid-tone blues that, in the correct combinations, can function nearly as neutrals.
- Vibrant pinks
It should come as no surprise that this pale orangey pink influences interior design paint trends, considering Peach Fuzz was Pantone’s Colour of the Year.
Adding peaches to your interior design gives your room a playful feel. It’s a vibrant accent colour that’s full of vitality and happiness. Do you want to use Pantone’s Colour of the Year in your house but are worried that it would look too 1990s? Our favourite combinations for grounding Peach Fuzz are dark blue, deep green, and chocolate brown.
Peachy hues have also been employed in neutral schemes, which gives them a much more refined and adult vibe. For a trendy tonal appearance, layer it with creams, whites, and greiges.
- Matte coatings
Although matte paints have always been a very fashionable option, their susceptibility to scuffs makes them rarely the most practical. But in 2024, a plethora of new paint technologies will make matte even more useful.
Previously shunned in high-traffic areas because of durability concerns, matte paint finishes can now be applied with confidence in practically any room. This progress is exemplified by cutting-edge goods like Benjamin Moore’s Scuff X, says designer Kati Curtis. We recently painted our entire new office, including the bathrooms and kitchen cabinets, and we’ve found that this paint is remarkably resistant to daily wear and tear. This is a substantial change in the use of materials, enabling more creative design expression without compromising functionality.
- Shades of soft brown
Customers are still choosing hues that have a natural warmth to them. The embrace of brown decorating is a continuation of the trend we have seen in recent years, shifting away from cooler grey interiors to a warmer palette of natural hues that deliver comforting, soothing schemes.
Brown hues’ earthy yet elegant qualities make them the ideal complement to the natural materials being used in modern interior design, such as stone finishes, wicker, rattan, and warm woods. Browns are reclaiming their proper place in modern interiors, and the associations with drab or dull spaces from the 1970s are gone.
The 2025 paint trends will provide something for everyone, from soothing earthy neutrals and rich browns to unique analogous colour schemes and fresh takes on colour splashing. The problem with paint is that it’s generally easy to experiment with, so you can play around with colour without having to make major changes or spend a lot of money. One of the best methods to experiment with new trends is with paint.