Design specialists predict that certain colors may have been trendy in 2025, yet they express reluctance about incorporating these hues into their personal living spaces.
In the world of interior design, colours can make or break a space. As we move into 2025, some popular hues are making way for new, more timeless options.
Butter yellow, a vibrant and fashion-forward choice, is being replaced by a softer, muted yellow. Designer Sabah Mansoor suggests this shift, explaining that heritage blues and terracottas offer a cheerful and warm alternative, feeling less trend-led and more timeless.
The unexpected red theory, which gained popularity at the end of 2024, continues to be a favourite among designers. However, brighter variations of red paint, with their stark and striking qualities, don't resonate with all designers. Instead, they are leaning towards deeply saturated tones like inky navy, muted wine, or burnt orange.
Neon colours, including 'Brat Green', are not favoured by many interior designers due to their synthetic feel and overwhelming nature. Designers are instead opting for softer, more natural hues and muted earth tones that better embody warmth and timelessness.
Among the unpopular colours of 2025 are certain shades of stone gray and "sparkling forest" green. Designers recommend softer, more natural hues like Sage Green by Little Greene, a refreshing choice that acknowledges the trend for bolder, brighter colours, yet feels more grounded and timeless.
Pinks, such as blush, earthy, and nude varieties, can be integrated nicely into a home's colour scheme. However, Millennial pink, a dusty, bubblegum-adjacent pink, and Barbie Pink, a pink shade lacking in sophistication, are unlikely to be incorporated by designers. Farrow & Ball's Cinder Rose No. 246 and Hay No.32 offer more chic alternatives to these pinks.
Deep reds, like burgundy, are favoured by designers like Sabah Mansoor for creating richness in the home. However, Mollie Ranize avoids red, specifically dusty-toned shades, due to their harsh and overly energetic qualities.
Designers prefer deeply saturated colours with staying power over high-voltage, overly intense brights. Benjamin Moore's Classic Burgundy HC-182 and Little Greene's Sage Green are popular choices for a heritage look that feels trendy and timeless. Olga Goykhen would not use truffle brown in her own home due to its potential to make a space feel heavy.
In contrast, muted neutrals or darker shades like oxblood or olive can help highlight the structural design of a space instead of competing with it. Chartreuse or pear green are suggested as alternatives to neon green, as they bring energy without overwhelming the senses.
As we continue to explore the world of interior design, it's clear that colours play a significant role in shaping our living spaces. By understanding the trends and preferences of designers, we can create homes that are not only fashionable but also timeless.
