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We spoke to three trend forecasting experts to get a sneak peek at the colour trends ahead, along with tips on how and where you can use them. So, if you’re a painter, builder, interior designer or a tradie who wants to keep up with the latest colour trends, this piece is a must read.
Soothing, earthy tones inspired by nature will be where it’s at in the year ahead, say colour trend experts. “Colour will warm up in 2025, with people wanting more colour and texture in their homes,” says Kim Chadwick, director of the Australian Trend Forecast and creator of the Designer Colour Wheel.
With construction steering away from dark roofs and black exteriors, “this influences the flow into interior colour trends,” she says. “We will therefore see lighter colours for roofs and walls (some being reintroduced from the ’90s - creams, bisque and eucalypt greens) which will have an impact on our interiors.”
Warmth is key, agrees Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager. “We’re saying goodbye to greys and cool beiges,” she says. “Mid-tone shades and warmer whites will come to the fore, which complement some of the brighter, trending colours we’re seeing people play with, like bold brown, rich tan and mustard yellow.”
Global trend forecasters have already named the “it” colour of 2025 – Future Dusk, a deep blue-purple. Moody and mystical, it’s just the thing to bring cosy luxury to rooms where your clients want to relax. “Deep blue's look fantastic in living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms and theatre rooms, where they add mood and drama,” says Fiona Dawson, Taubman's’ Colour Specialist.
Botanical green is here to stay for 2025. In fact, with the spotlight on eco-friendly and nature-inspired themes, colour trend experts say it’s only going to get bigger – and brighter – in 2025. “Deep, earthy and organic greens are popular now, but next year we could be seeing brighter greens with a playful edge coming through,” says Fiona.
“Green is one of the safest and easiest colours to use in a home and, like blue, brings a sense of calm to a space. It has a certain neutrality, which makes it work anywhere from bedrooms to kitchens. A green like Taubmans Albion Park works well with warm white, while a bolder green like Taubmans Boston Ivy pairs beautifully with crisp white,” she says. “Green also looks fabulous with spicy neutrals, like paprika and nutmeg.”
If your client is looking to bring depth and dimension to their home, take a tip from the experts and guide them towards one of the biggest trends for both this year and next – texture. Whether it’s fluted wall panelling, a plush shag-pile rug or a specialist paint finish like Venetian plaster, texture is the go-to for bringing instant character to a space.
“A desire for warmth, security and a home that feels like a sanctuary lends itself well to the layering of heavy textures and customised, decorative objects,” says Dulux’s Andrea. “Styling choices [in the year ahead] will feel a lot more personal and reflective of people’s personalities.”
Red is predicted to be huge in 2025, according to trend forecasting experts we spoke to. From playful cherry and decadent burgundy to whimsical pink, red tones can help homeowners bring energy and individuality to their living spaces.
While there’s no denying red makes a statement, the brighter variants tend to work best in small doses. Think highlights such as a cabinet upcycled in glossy red, a shapely plum bedhead, or a sleek, contemporary accent chair in burgundy against a wall in a dark hue like navy.
With the world outside in times of upheaval, people will continue to seek ways to bring joy to the everyday in 2025 – and colour is a great way to do it. They will be thinking beyond just walls, too. “Some fun colour trends we’re seeing include colour on ceilings, bulkheads, interior doors, door frames, windowsills and furniture – anywhere you can add an accent shade to make your main wall colour pop,” says Andrea.
Taubmans’ Fiona also notes the rise in colour drenching, “where you paint everything from the ceiling, walls and doors to trims in the one colour. It’s another easy and fun way to add colour and impact,” she says. “It can also make a small space feel bigger, so it’s a good option for compact homes.”
While matt and textural paint finishes aren’t going anywhere in 2025, we’ll soon be seeing high-gloss and lacquered finishes sit right alongside them, say the interior colour trends pros.
Glossy finishes dial up the luxe factor in a room and create an intriguing contrast alongside flatter paint finishes. They also reflect light beautifully, making a dark room appear brighter. Go bright and high gloss to draw attention to an eye-catching feature, such as a beautiful fireplace surround or your client’s front door.
A word of warning, though: high-gloss and lacquered finishes tend to be unforgiving. The surface you’re painting needs to be blemish-free as every imperfection will be highlighted. They’re also best avoided in high-use spots, like kitchen cabinetry, as fingerprints and scratches can more easily show.