Interior designers' Color of the Year predictions for 2025 – 8 standout shades we expect to see lots more of

With the fall months very nearly upon us, it's that time of year again when paint brands announce their Color of the Year: standout paint colors set to define the color trends for the year ahead.

While so far, only a few paint brands have unveiled their 2025 color of the year, and we're eagerly awaiting the rest to come, we're turning to designers to get their predictions.

Below, we've rounded up eight colors that designers predict will crop up in the coming weeks as more 2025 color trends are officially announced. If you're looking for some steer with the latest trending colors to garner some fresh inspiration, read on.

Interior designers' Color of the Year predictions for 2025

While we're still anticipating plenty of color trends to be announced by leading paint brands, so far, we've seen the color blue dominate. Valspar's Color of the Year is Encore, a dark navy blue; and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color of the Year was named Quietude, a cool blue-green.

Whether the blue trend is set to continue is still to be made known, but designers' predictions below venture out into plenty of exciting shades. From terracotta to sage green, we certainly won't be surprised to see upcoming color trends akin to the below shades.

1. Dusty hues

'I'm predicting there will be more dusty hues in the mix,' shares interior designer Kelsey Haywood of Chicago-based Haywoodmade Interiors.

Since color drenching is most likely going to continue to be a key interior design trend in 2025, Kelsey notes that these soft and liveable hues lend themselves perfectly to this style of decorating with paint.

'It's an approachable way to color drench a room without it becoming overly saturated. The parlor in our historical Evanston project is a perfect example. Farrow & Ball's Brassica truly captivates.'

2. Gray-green

Secondly, interior designer Margarita Bravo predicts to see more muted gray-green paints come to prominence over the coming months.

'We predict a rich, muted green like Sherwin Williams' Acacia Haze SW 9132. The hue is expected to gain prominence due to its association with wellness, nature, and tranquility, reflecting a growing desire for spaces and environments that promote a sense of calm.'

'As people increasingly seek to create serene, restorative spaces at home, muted green provides a sense of balance and connection to nature without being overwhelming. This color also pairs well with various materials and textures, making it versatile for modern and traditional interior styles.'

3. Warm yellow-gold

Turning towards elevated neutrals, designer Camila Gonzalez, senior designer at Natural Instincts suggests warm yellow-golds as a standout for 2025.

'Just as butter yellow has impacted the fashion industry, I believe we'll be seeing more yellow in interiors, like Summerdale Gold by Benjamin Moore,' says Camila. 'The shade is a honey gold with green undertones and it can work well in a mudroom, powder bath, or even in the kitchen.'

Summerdale Gold features in the recently launched Benjamin Moore fall lookbook, and provides homeowners with all the calming appeal of decorating with neutrals but with more depth and interest.

4. Bright yellow

Similarly, designers also predict bolder and brighter yellows coming to center stage for 2025.

'Yellow is a color often associated with warmth, positivity, and creativity,' says interior designer Hanna Li of Hanna Li Interiors. 'In 2025, this vibrant hue is set to take on even greater significance, emerging as a symbol of hope and renewal amid the current economic climate. Yellow, in its many shades from soft pastels to bold neons will be embraced for its ability to uplift spirits.'

'It’s a perfect accent for a mid-century wood cabin, a trend that’s making a strong comeback, or as a striking choice for modern and traditional kitchen cabinets, one that hasn’t had its moment as of late and where it can make a refreshing impact.'

5. Smokey blue

It's no surprise to see shades of blue in the mix, since so far, variations of blue have featured heavily in the already-announced color of the years. Interior designer Valerie Helgeson, lead designer and founder at Design Directions, predicts smokey blues as a standout for the year ahead.

'In general, blue is a calming color that picks up color cues from nature but getting the right shade is absolutely critical,' says Valerie. 'Some blues can turn purple which will make a space feel too bright and jarring. Smokey blue can read either feminine or masculine and is almost like a neutral in the way that you can bring in so many other colors and it will play nicely with them.'

6. Sage green

Sage green is another much-loved color that has a similarly calming effect. Interior designer Julia Lauve of WORKSHOP | studio predicts sage green paints to continue their popularity into the new year.

'It’s the most calming shade of green that can actually root a room in a soothing tone,' Julia tells us. 'Sage both embraces nature and wellness, so it’s ideal for retreat-y spaces: bathrooms, bedrooms, and home gyms. It’s also amazing for color washing: you can use it on the walls, window treatments, and accessories to give an invited saturated and fresh feeling in a way that pastel tones can never do.'

7. Burgundy

Turning toward moodier paint colors, designer Rosanna Bassford, founder and principal at Memmo Interiors predicts burgundy as a standout color for 2025.

'We’ve experienced so many years of bright, white rooms that we are reacting to that with a desire for warmer, more inviting rooms,' explains Rosanna. 'Rich burgundy is going to be big in 2025. This isn’t primary red but a deeper, more wine-toned color that is warm, and rich and pairs well with black and brass tones. Especially for rooms that don’t have a lot of windows or light – powder rooms, studies, a formal dining room – burgundy can give an instant warm and enveloping feel.'

8. Terracotta

Lastly, designers are predicting that earthy terracotta will feature in the coming year's color trends. 'This hue blends rich burnt orange with clay tones, offering a versatile and inviting atmosphere,' says designer Swati Goorha of Swati Goorha Designs.

'The trend aligns with a growing desire for natural, grounded spaces as people seek comfort and a connection with nature in their homes,' adds Swati. 'Its warmth and versatility make it easy to pair with neutrals and vibrant colors alike, enhancing the coziness of any room.'

Jacqueline Norrise, founder of ADL Interiors also predicts terracotta hues for the year ahead: 'Deep terracotta will be prominent in 2025. The hue focuses on natural materials, well-being, and enduring design, and terracotta's warmth and adaptability suit homes with a grounded, refined ambiance.'

Over the coming weeks and months, as paint brands unveil their colors of the year for 2025, we'll have a much better idea of the individual shades set to dominate. But for now, we think these predictions from designers are no doubt going to be some of the most significant colors next year.