As each year winds down, paint companies and color authority Pantone release their picks for Color of the Year. While these picks are no crystal ball into what everyone will be using and wearing in the upcoming year, they reflect a moment in time. They're a snapshot of the culture as a new year begins.
Was there a theme in this year's picks? I picked up on a common thread of groundedness in many of the choices. Many companies spoke about the world feeling uncertain and people's need to feel reassured and grounded. They look toward comforting places such as nature and their homes to feel comfortable and protected. These color choices all tap into those feelings.
Many of the companies also spoke of choosing colors that were beyond trendy. They wanted colors that would last and serve as a backdrop to add other elements of personal expression. Sustainability can be expressed in many different ways and through many choices. One easy way is to buy less stuff. Using colors that are not super trendy helps limit overconsumption, which in turn helps the planet.
A Roundup of the 2025 Colors of the Year
The 2025 Pantone Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse. Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman said of this year's color, "Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe."
This color looks tactile and flavorful. It can ground a whole room and serve as a foundation to build entire color palettes around. This color also connects people to nature and inspires authenticity and harmony.
Other top picks:
Behr's pick was Rumors, a warm, deep red. This color aligned closely with the rich burgundies that covered the Fall 2024 runways.
Benjamin Moore chose Cinnamon Slate. They described their pick as a "delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown." They wanted to create color palettes that were reassuring and "quietly colorful."
C2 Paint chose Raku, an "earthy, burnt, brownish red with oxidized undertones that infuse spaces with drama and intimacy."
Dunn-Edwards chose Caramelized, a color inspired by ancient Italy. The "ultimate new neutral, this sophisticated color demonstrates versatility, pairing well with various styles."
Dutch Boy's Mapped Blue pick is a medium-tone blue with slight yellow undertones. They describe this as "a timeless foundation" that lets style evolve around it.
Graham & Brown's pick is Elderton, a rich and creamy brown that connects humans to the natural world.
PPG Paints was looking toward technology when they picked Purple Basil. They predict the rise of AI will shift us from "softer, safer palettes to more dynamic, richer hues."
Valspar chose ultramarine Encore, describing it as "An anchoring shade that embodies constancy and confidence."
Rather than pick just one, Sherwin-Williams created a "Color Capsule of the Year" and chose nine naturally refined colors for a palette.
Each December, I can never resist the fun and always choose a color for my company, Design Pool. This year's pick is It Madders, a color inspired by natural dyeing, specifically with madder root. This dye can create a wide range of shades of red and evokes an earthiness while adding a pop of brightness.
As we ease into 2025, I'm excited to see how these colors shape design choices across industries. Most of all, I hope they inspire you!
How the 2025 Color of the Year Picks Reflect Groundedness and Sustainability
As each year winds down, paint companies and color authority Pantone release their picks for Color of the Year. While these picks are no crystal ball into what everyone will be using and wearing in the upcoming year, they reflect a moment in time. They're a snapshot of the culture as a new year begins.
Was there a theme in this year's picks? I picked up on a common thread of groundedness in many of the choices. Many companies spoke about the world feeling uncertain and people's need to feel reassured and grounded. They look toward comforting places such as nature and their homes to feel comfortable and protected. These color choices all tap into those feelings.
Many of the companies also spoke of choosing colors that were beyond trendy. They wanted colors that would last and serve as a backdrop to add other elements of personal expression. Sustainability can be expressed in many different ways and through many choices. One easy way is to buy less stuff. Using colors that are not super trendy helps limit overconsumption, which in turn helps the planet.
A Roundup of the 2025 Colors of the Year
The 2025 Pantone Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse. Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman said of this year's color, "Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe."
This color looks tactile and flavorful. It can ground a whole room and serve as a foundation to build entire color palettes around. This color also connects people to nature and inspires authenticity and harmony.
Other top picks:
Behr's pick was Rumors, a warm, deep red. This color aligned closely with the rich burgundies that covered the Fall 2024 runways.
Benjamin Moore chose Cinnamon Slate. They described their pick as a "delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown." They wanted to create color palettes that were reassuring and "quietly colorful."
C2 Paint chose Raku, an "earthy, burnt, brownish red with oxidized undertones that infuse spaces with drama and intimacy."
Dunn-Edwards chose Caramelized, a color inspired by ancient Italy. The "ultimate new neutral, this sophisticated color demonstrates versatility, pairing well with various styles."
Dutch Boy's Mapped Blue pick is a medium-tone blue with slight yellow undertones. They describe this as "a timeless foundation" that lets style evolve around it.
Graham & Brown's pick is Elderton, a rich and creamy brown that connects humans to the natural world.
PPG Paints was looking toward technology when they picked Purple Basil. They predict the rise of AI will shift us from "softer, safer palettes to more dynamic, richer hues."
Valspar chose ultramarine Encore, describing it as "An anchoring shade that embodies constancy and confidence."
Rather than pick just one, Sherwin-Williams created a "Color Capsule of the Year" and chose nine naturally refined colors for a palette.
Each December, I can never resist the fun and always choose a color for my company, Design Pool. This year's pick is It Madders, a color inspired by natural dyeing, specifically with madder root. This dye can create a wide range of shades of red and evokes an earthiness while adding a pop of brightness.
As we ease into 2025, I'm excited to see how these colors shape design choices across industries. Most of all, I hope they inspire you!
Kristen Dettoni is the founder and CEO of Design Pool LLC, the only pattern library created exclusively for interior designers. Since 1996, Kristen has worked for mills throughout North America, designing fabrics for automobiles, furniture, and home furnishings. She developed the first sustainable upholstery fabric for office interiors, the first sustainable upholstery fabric for automotive interiors, and was awarded a patent for automotive suspension seating. Kristen believes strongly in the power of good design to transform our environments and experiences.