Paint color trends are more than just a fleeting aesthetic choice; they reflect societal shifts, cultural moods, and evolving lifestyles. As we prepare to embrace a new wave of interior design preferences, experts are highlighting the paint colors and techniques that have overstayed their welcome. These outdated trends, once staples in homes worldwide, are being replaced by hues and finishes that prioritize warmth, depth, and a connection to nature. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore five paint color trends to bid farewell to, along with the expert-recommended alternatives that will keep your home stylish and timeless. Drawing from insights by top designers like Gabriela Eisenhart of Silo Studios, Will Brown of Will Brown Interiors, and Ellie Mroz of Ellie Mroz Design, we’ll uncover the colors and approaches that are fading away and the innovative trends set to take their place.
1. Trade All-White Color Palettes for Rich, Saturated Hues
For years, all-white color palettes dominated interior design, particularly in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. The minimalist appeal of crisp, clean white offered a blank canvas that promised brightness and simplicity. However, this trend is losing its grip as homeowners and designers seek environments with more personality and warmth. “Over the past few years, all-white color palettes have faded, making way for earthy tones and richer hues,” says Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer at Silo Studios. She predicts this shift will gain even more momentum moving forward, with rich, saturated hues taking center stage.
The move away from stark white isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that feel bold yet cozy. Deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or luxurious shades of brown are emerging as favorites. These colors add depth and character, transforming sterile white rooms into inviting sanctuaries. Will Brown, principal designer of Will Brown Interiors, echoes this sentiment, noting that cooler tones like stark white “lack the vibrancy and warmth people seek these days.” In a world craving comfort, rich hues offer a sense of grounding and sophistication.
What to Try Instead:
Embrace colors that make a statement without overwhelming. Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan or Shaker Beige are excellent starting points for those transitioning from white. For a bolder approach, consider deep tones like Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue or Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black. These shades work beautifully in tonal palettes, paired with natural materials like wood and stone, to create a harmonious, modern look.
2. Choose Warm Neutrals Over Cool Undertones
Cool grays reigned supreme for over a decade, serving as the go-to neutral for homeowners seeking a versatile backdrop. However, this trend is fading as warmer neutrals take their place. “Neutrals will shift toward warm earth tones,” Eisenhart explains, highlighting the rise of shades like chocolate brown, warm beige, and classic taupe. This shift reflects a broader desire for coziness and sophistication in interior spaces.
Brown, in particular, has emerged as the new “it” neutral, replacing the once-ubiquitous gray. Unlike the cold, industrial feel of cool grays, warm neutrals bring a sense of comfort and elegance. “Cooler tones, especially, lack the vibrancy and warmth people seek these days,” says Will Brown. “With the chaos happening in our world, gray feels dreary and depressing.” Layering these warm neutrals with natural textures—think leather furniture, wooden accents, and stone finishes—creates a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic.
What to Try Instead:
Opt for warm, earthy neutrals that add depth without sacrificing versatility. Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak or Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige offer subtle warmth, while richer options like Valspar’s Potter’s Clay or Farrow & Ball’s French Gray bring a more pronounced earthy vibe. These shades pair beautifully with organic materials, enhancing the overall ambiance of a room.
3. Swap Bright Colors for Muted Tones
Bright, bold pops of color—think Barbie pink, neon green, or electric blue—have had their moment in the spotlight. While these hues brought energy and playfulness to interiors, they’re being phased out in favor of more subdued, muted tones. “Pops of color will take on muted or dusty shades,” Eisenhart predicts, emphasizing the shift toward colors that offer contrast in a gentler, more approachable way.
Muted tones, such as dusty pink, sage green, or soft ochre, create a calming and familiar atmosphere. Unlike their vibrant counterparts, these shades integrate seamlessly into earthy color palettes, making them ideal for spaces where serenity is the goal. Ellie Mroz, founder of Ellie Mroz Design, notes that overly bold colors like Barbie pink can “feel overwhelming in large amounts,” often dominating a room in a way that feels too intense for everyday living.
What to Try Instead:
Explore muted alternatives that retain personality without overpowering. Valspar’s Adobe Blush or Benjamin Moore’s Soft Fern provide a soft, earthy take on pink and green, respectively. For a more neutral option, try Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon, a muted blue-gray that adds subtle contrast while maintaining a tranquil feel. These colors work well as accents or full-room palettes, offering flexibility and timeless appeal.
4. Embrace Matte and Textured Paint Finishes
Paint trends extend beyond color to include finishes, and high-gloss surfaces are losing favor. Once prized for their glamorous, reflective quality, glossy finishes are being replaced by matte and textured techniques that bring a more organic, lived-in feel to interiors. “For special finishes, matte and textured techniques, like limewash or plaster, will stay popular,” Eisenhart says. These finishes add visual interest and character, moving away from the polished perfection of high-gloss.
Limewash, in particular, has gained traction for its ability to create a textured, old-world look. This finish infuses spaces with a sense of history and charm, making them feel unique and authentic. Unlike glossy finishes, which can feel cold and impersonal, matte and textured surfaces celebrate imperfections and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This trend aligns with the broader shift toward nature-inspired, biophilic design principles.
What to Try Instead:
Experiment with matte or textured finishes to elevate your space. Brands like Portola Paints offer limewash options in a range of colors, from soft neutrals to deep hues. For a more subtle approach, consider a matte finish in a rich color like Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze or Benjamin Moore’s Van Deusen Blue. These finishes enhance the tactile quality of a room, making it feel both modern and timeless.
5. Forget Millennial Gray: Nature-Inspired Color Palettes Are In
Millennial gray—those cool, flat grays that dominated homes in the 2010s—is officially on its way out. “2025 paint trends will focus on creating comfortable, approachable spaces that feel grounded and connected to nature,” Eisenhart explains. This shift is part of the growing biophilic design movement, which emphasizes bringing the outdoors in through both color and decor.
Nature-inspired palettes don’t just mean shades of green (though olive and sage are trending). They include a broader spectrum of earthy tones, such as warm browns, soft beiges, and creamy off-whites. These colors replace the stark whites and cool grays of the past, offering a softer, more welcoming alternative. “While gray had a long reign as a neutral, it’s time to step aside,” says Will Brown, advocating for hues that bring vibrancy and calm to interiors.
What to Try Instead:
Dive into nature-inspired hues that evoke tranquility and warmth. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Simply White offer a creamy alternative to stark white, while Farrow & Ball’s Lichen or Sherwin-Williams’ Olive Grove bring a grounded, earthy feel. For a bolder take, consider deep greens like Benjamin Moore’s Essex Green or warm browns like Sherwin-Williams’ Kilim Beige. These shades create a cohesive, nature-connected aesthetic that feels fresh and inviting.
Why These Trends Are Fading
The shift away from these outdated paint trends reflects a broader cultural desire for comfort, individuality, and connection. Stark whites, cool grays, and bright pops of color, while once celebrated for their versatility and boldness, now feel sterile or overly intense in a world seeking calm and authenticity. High-gloss finishes and high-contrast trims, meanwhile, are giving way to softer, more cohesive approaches that prioritize flow and warmth.
Experts like Eisenhart, Brown, and Mroz agree that the turmoil of recent years has influenced this evolution. “With the chaos happening in our world, gray feels dreary and depressing,” Brown notes, while Eisenhart emphasizes the need for “comfortable, approachable spaces.” These changes aren’t just about following trends—they’re about creating homes that feel personal, grounding, and timeless.
Additional Outdated Trends to Avoid
Beyond the five key trends outlined above, designers have identified additional paint-related approaches to leave behind:
- High-Contrast Trim: Ellie Mroz advises against painting trim in highly contrasting colors, as it disrupts a room’s flow. Instead, opt for “color drenching”—using the same color on walls and trim in varying finishes (e.g., matte on walls, satin on trim) for a seamless look.
- Jewel-Toned Accent Walls: Once a popular way to add drama, single bold accent walls now feel unbalanced. Mroz suggests committing to one color throughout a room, adding texture or finish variations for depth.
- Neon Colors: Bright neons like electric blue or vivid yellow are too harsh for today’s cozy aesthetic. Softer pastels or earthy tones are better suited for creating a peaceful atmosphere.
- Cold Whites: Crisp, cool whites feel sterile compared to warmer, creamier alternatives like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Simply White.
- Barbie Pink: This vibrant hue, popularized by the “Barbiecore” trend, is losing steam. Opt for muted pinks or terracottas for a more sophisticated take.
How to Choose Timeless Paint Colors
While trends provide inspiration, the key to a lasting interior is choosing colors you love. “Color is very personal, so the most important point is to paint your spaces in colors that bring you joy,” says Atlanta-based designer Laura W. Jenkins. To ensure your choices stand the test of time, consider these tips:
- Focus on Undertones: Embrace colors with subtle undertones (e.g., a gray that leans green or a beige with pink hints) for added depth and interest.
- Test in Your Space: Lighting and room size can dramatically affect how a color looks. Always test samples on your walls before committing.
- Layer Textures and Finishes: Pair your chosen color with complementary textures (e.g., wood, stone, or fabric) and finishes (e.g., matte or satin) to enhance its impact.
- Think Beyond Trends: While it’s helpful to know what’s trending, prioritize hues that resonate with you personally for a space that feels authentic.
Conclusion
As we move forward, the paint color trends of the past—stark whites, cool grays, bright pops, high-gloss finishes, and millennial gray—are giving way to a new era of warmth, depth, and nature-inspired design. Rich hues, warm neutrals, muted tones, textured finishes, and biophilic palettes are set to dominate, offering homeowners the chance to create spaces that are both stylish and soulful. By saying goodbye to these outdated trends and embracing expert-recommended alternatives, you can transform your home into a sanctuary that reflects your personality and stands the test of time. Whether you’re repainting a single room or reimagining your entire home, these insights from top designers will guide you toward a fresh, modern aesthetic that feels uniquely yours.
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