Color and Design Forecast 2025: Color shapes our experience – February 2025

In an increasingly complex and hectic world, the curation of interiors spaces-both commercial and residential-that offer a sense of peace and wellbeing is an endeavor well worth undertaking. In this effort, color plays a strategic role, mirroring our sentiments and shaping our experience. Here, Shaw Contract’s Reesie Duncan, Mohawk Group’s Royce Epstein and The Dixie Group’s Vickie Gilstrap and Nathan Hammett offer a look at color trends for 2025.

TRENDS IN COMMERCIAL
Reesie Duncan
vice president of global design, Shaw Contract

Shaping the buildings of tomorrow begins with envisioning spaces where inclusivity, innovation and sustainability unite to create a brighter future for both people and the planet. As we address the diverse needs of a rapidly evolving world, adaptable spaces that prioritize health and wellbeing are taking center stage. At the same time, climate health is intrinsically tied to human health, driving a surge in sustainable design practices that focus on reducing carbon footprints, using healthier materials and embracing circular economy principles. Designing with both humanity and the environment in mind has never been more urgent.

Technology continues to seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, yet the pace of innovation is faster than ever. As a result, we are all seeking balance. AI tools will play an increasingly pivotal role, helping us navigate the complexities of the modern world while fostering harmony between technological advancement and thoughtful living. The focus, however, will remain on authentic and meaningful connections-whether in physical spaces or the digital realm.

In terms of color and form, we are seeing a shift toward warm, grounding tones. Rich mochas and deep golden hues create inviting environments, while restorative neutrals and modular designs foster comfort and connection. Meanwhile, aquatic blues and deep greens evoke a dreamlike bond with nature, offering a timeless appeal that reflects our desire to reconnect with the world around us.

Cultural and social shifts are fueling an emphasis on self-expression and playfulness. Retro brights are being paired with classic designs, blending nostalgia with forward-thinking aesthetics. Spaces are being designed to evoke joy and optimism, encouraging creativity and innovation through playful elements and interactive features.

The future lies at the intersection of these trends-where inclusivity, sustainability and the human experience converge to shape a more vibrant and connected world.

Royce Epstein
senior director, design insights, Mohawk Group

The theme of shared senses explores the role of nature and technology in guiding emotive experiences. Designers are now pushing the boundaries of traditional experiences by engaging all five senses in immersive installations. These projects create more memorable interactions, leading to greater engagement with the design of the space. And this multi-sensory engagement, which includes color, is good for our brains and bodies.

Color plays a huge role in design, because of how it shapes our sensory experiences-influencing not just our visual perceptions but also our other senses, such as taste and smell-as well as emotional responses, memories, spatial perception and physical reactions. It has a profound impact, influencing our mood and overall wellbeing.

Colors also carry cultural and symbolic meanings that can enhance or alter our sensory experience. Understanding these cultural associations can deepen our appreciation of art, design and other visual experiences.

Vibrant hues can energize and invigorate, while softer tones can soothe and calm, creating a harmonious environment. For example, warm colors can stimulate us, making them ideal for social spaces and collaboration. Cool colors, such as blue and green, can promote relaxation and focus.

Our 2025 color forecast speaks to the times we live in, at the crossroads of nature, technology and humanity, acknowledging that we do, indeed, share a collective sensory response to the stimuli of our time, which is often at odds between AI and nature.

In our forecast, the warm tones speak to warm energy of the earth and sun, optimism and joy. The cool tones refer to resilience, regeneration, mindfulness and trust. The palette also covers the spectrum of colors found both in nature and on our digital screens, all colors that summon an aspirational future.

TRENDS IN RESIDENTIAL
Vickie Gilstrap and Nathan Hammett
director of design services and manager of design services, respectively, The Dixie Group (TDG)

As we step into color for 2025, interior design continues to evolve in response to cultural shifts, technological advancements and a growing emphasis on comfort and wellbeing. Central to these changes is the role of color, which not only defines a space but also impacts mood and energy. In this context, colors are more than mere decorations; they are essential elements that help set the tone, enhance the aesthetic and foster emotional connection within a room.

At TDG, color forecasting is viewed as a combination of market research, cultural insights and the ongoing evolution of design trends. This nuanced understanding of color helps to create palettes that resonate with the present while also anticipating the future, offering a timeless yet forward-thinking approach to interior spaces.

In 2025, interior design embraces a balanced blend of innovation and nostalgia. While technology continues to influence design elements, there is a growing return to nature and artisanal craftsmanship. The resulting home spaces are not just functional; they are emotional and transformative. Key color trends in 2025 reflect this dual approach, with an emphasis on earth tones, moody hues and designs inspired by nature. Each of these trends enhances the ambiance of living spaces, offering opportunities for self-expression, relaxation and connection to the world outside. Let’s start by exploring key color trends for 2025.

Overall, the interior design directions for 2025 will emphasize a return to nature, the integration of technology and a stronger focus on personal wellbeing. Together, they give homeowners a variety of ways to personalize their living spaces. Each trend offers an opportunity to create a home that reflects an individual’s unique lifestyle, blending style, functionality and emotional comfort.

Earth Tones: Grounding the Home
Earth tones are becoming more prominent as a means of connecting spaces with the natural world. Warm greys, deep browns and muted beiges create calm, grounded environments that promote peace and tranquility. Earth tones have long been associated with nature, but they are especially relevant in 2025 as the world grapples with rapid changes and people seek solace in their homes. These colors offer an antidote to the noise of modern life, turning a room into a peaceful sanctuary.

Earthy hues such as chocolate browns, warm beiges and stoney grey colorations can be used to create spaces that invite relaxation. When paired with natural materials like wood, stone and wool, they enhance the feeling of being connected to nature, encouraging a deeper sense of calm and wellbeing. In bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens, earth tones are versatile, transitioning easily from cozy retreats to welcoming spaces for entertaining. Whether used as an accent color or the primary palette, they evoke stability and a sense of groundedness, making them ideal for nurturing, harmonious environments.

Moody Colors: Creating Intimacy and Drama
Moody, dramatic colors are another key trend being embraced for 2025. Deep blues, rich greens and warm burgundies allow for spaces that feel intimate and sophisticated, which are perfect for setting a mood, whether creating a cozy atmosphere in a bedroom or an elegant environment in a dining room.

Moody colors can be layered in unique ways to elevate a space. For instance, a rich organic green paired with darker shades of brown and brass accents creates a luxurious atmosphere in a living room. Deep blues mixed with muted neutrals evoke calm, making them ideal for spaces dedicated to rest.

Deep hues work well with natural light and offer versatility in any room. Thoughtfully used, they can transform a simple living room into a chic, intimate setting or provide a serene escape in a tranquil study. Moody, saturated colors personalize a space and create a range of specific emotional responses.

Color Drenching: A Cohesive, Immersive Experience
One of the most exciting techniques in interior design for 2025 is color drenching. This design approach involves applying a single hue to all surfaces within a space-walls, ceilings, and trim-creating a cohesive, immersive environment. The result is a unified room that feels like a natural extension of itself.

For a bold atmosphere, color drenching introduces depth and drama while maintaining harmony. A terra cotta-drenched room evokes warmth and comfort, while a softer blue tone would create a calming effect. This technique fosters a sophisticated and personal atmosphere, providing a visual rhythm that flows seamlessly from one element to the next.

The color drenching application also has practical benefits. By choosing one main color, the homeowner can bring together different design elements, reducing clutter and improving harmony.

Nature-Inspired Colors: A Calming Retreat
As people increasingly recognize the importance of mental wellbeing, interior designers are turning to nature-inspired colors to create spaces that promote relaxation and stress relief. Shades of leafy greens, sky blues and muted neutrals bring the outdoors in, fostering calm, creativity and healing. These tones are valuable in spaces dedicated to rest, such as bedrooms, bathrooms or meditation corners.

Green, associated with growth and renewal, fosters a restorative atmosphere. It works well in various settings, from soft sage greens to vibrant mossy tones. Blue-reflecting the colors of the open sky or ocean-offers serenity and expansiveness. Natural colors can often be combined with other soft hues for a layered, calming look and pair well with materials like wood, stone and linen, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. In this way, home interiors become sanctuaries that nurture the body, mind and spirit.

Biophilic Design: Embracing the Outdoors
Not only are nature-inspired colors on trend, but biophilic design is also gaining prominence in 2025, responding to the modern desire to connect more deeply with nature. This design philosophy integrates natural elements-plants, natural light and organic materials-into the home to promote health, wellbeing and emotional resilience.

Biophilic principles are evident in large windows that maximize natural light and the inclusion of plants that beautify a space while improving air quality. Wooden floors, stone countertops and other organic materials ground a space and create a soothing, tactile experience. Biophilic design goes beyond aesthetics, becoming essential for creating harmonious living spaces that enhance emotional and physical health.

Artisanal Pieces: Adding Character and Craftsmanship
In 2025, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating artisanal pieces into home interiors. These one-of-a-kind objects add unique character to a space while supporting craftsmanship and sustainability. Whether it’s a handwoven rug, a custom-made ceramic vase or a vintage piece of furniture, such items create a sense of individuality and authenticity. The custom elements also reflect a larger cultural shift toward conscious consumerism. By purchasing locally produced or bespoke items, homeowners not only enhance the beauty of their spaces but also support small businesses and artisans who prioritize sustainability and quality. With their distinctiveness and history, these pieces become integral parts of the home, turning a room into a personal narrative that speaks to both taste and values.

Art Deco and Art Nouveau Influences
Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences are making a comeback in 2025 home interiors as people blend elegance, sophistication and organic elements with modern living. These timeless styles feature bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and organic motifs, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary feel. Their intricate craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty create spaces that feel both glamorous and grounded, adding a touch of history and artistry to elevate the home’s ambiance.

Smart Home Design: Seamlessly Integrating Technology
As technology continues to evolve, its integration into home design becomes more essential. Smart home technologies-automated lighting, climate control systems and home security-are standard features in modern homes. In 2025, smart home design is paramount to creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The key to smart home design in 2025 is balance. Technology should enhance, not overpower, the space’s design. Sleek, minimalist smart devices blend seamlessly with existing décor, providing all the conveniences of modern technology without disrupting the visual flow. From voice-activated lighting to built-in speakers, smart home technology enhances daily life while maintaining a clean, sophisticated aesthetic.

Copyright 2025 Floor Focus

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