Image credit: Dulux
Every Colour of the Year for 2025 we know so far
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Pioneered by Pantone in 2000, the Colour of the Year (COTY for short) was set up to reflect what was happening both culturally and across society, and embody that mood in one single colour.
The very first Colour of the Year was Cerulean Blue, to reflect going into the new millennium and looking to the future.
Since its inception, the concept of Colour of the Year has been embraced by the world of interiors and paint.
The Dulux trend forecasting programme, ColourFutures™ “sees leading designers, architects, editors and thought leaders from around the world come together with the paint brand, to identify a colour that captures the global mood.
With the New Year only months away, here’s every Colour of the Year for 2025 we know so far…
Graham & Brown – Elderton
When choosing our Colour of the Year for 2025, we wanted to mimic the natural elements with a grounding shade, Elderton (named after the traditional native shrub, the Elder tree and its deep brown leaves) has a huge amount of depth, reconnecting us with nature and enhancing our relation to the earth.
Elderton is a chameleon colour that can be sophisticated yet cosy depending on the mood of the space it is in. It can add drama to contemporary colours by creating a theatrical backdrop, allowing them to shine through”.
Or alternatively, act as an “inviting and stable colour that creates a welcoming partnership between all of nature’s shades from sage to terracotta”.
Graham & Brown falls into the increasing category of water-based, eco-friendly paints, with odourless and ultra-low VOC and fully recyclable paint cans.
To complement Elderton, Graham & Brown has created a wallpaper Design of the Year for 2025. Called Rivington Folly, “this dramatic work of art is full of ancient trees, drawing up through the landscape and enveloping the space.
Pigmented in a dark tertiary hue with reddish undertones, alike to aged arboretum bricks”.
- Graham & Brown Elderton – buy here
Behr – Rumours
With the ambiguous name Rumours, Behr’s Colour of the Year for 2025 is a deliciously rich, ruby red.
“We’re seeing people embrace colour like never before,” said Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Colour and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company.
“Rumours is a modern take on the timeless red that creates an energetic appeal”.
Pair it with a sharp white, or a calming neutral to make it pop. Or use it on something like a fireplace or kitchen cabinet to stand out in the room.
- Behr Rumours – buy here
Dulux – True Joy™
Coming in with the brightest, most cheerful colour, Dulux explains how “True Joy™ was named as such for its ability to bring instant uplift to a space, filling it with optimism and energy.
The colour instantly brings vibrancy to walls and a smile to faces, no matter where or how much it is used.
And this year, more than ever, Dulux is inspiring each and every one of us to make a joyful leap into the colour yellow and fill our homes with optimism and pride”.
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Dulux describes how “True Joy™ not only liberates and inspires, but it also taps into the increasingly popular dopamine decorating trend, which sees DIYers fill their homes with colours that make us feel happy.
As the most vibrant shade of them all, naturally the colour yellow itself has skyrocketed in popularity, with buttery tones taking centre stage and Google searches for “sunny yellow paint” up 250%* in the UK over the past year”.
She adds that “the meaning behind the colour’s choice is so impactful.
The sheer bliss the colour exudes physically pushes us to create something better for ourselves; it allows us to put the past behind us and gives us the inspiration we need to forge a future for our proudest, most confident selves. Put simply, True Joy™ is a call to action”.
*”Google Trends data over the past 12 months, collated August 2024″
- Dulux – True Joy™ – buy here
Little Greene – Mochi
Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene describes the warm, caramel tones of Mochi as Little Green’s Colour of the Year for 2025.
“Reminiscent of a natural plaster shade, ‘Mochi’ will add warmth to a space and act as a neutral base for introducing bolder tones.
With its soft, yet complex composition, this shade can feel both traditional and pretty or contemporary and comforting depending on the aesthetic, making it a wonderfully versatile neutral, perfect for many different areas of the home”.
When thinking of which areas Mochi can work in, Ruth adds, “Whether it be a separate study or simply a corner within another room, colour will have a profound impact on the atmosphere of an office space.
Whilst our work-from-home spaces need to be functional, they also need to reflect our personal taste to help keep us engaged and motivated.
They should feel like a natural transition from the rest of the home. ‘Mochi’ is gentle enough to allow for concentration, without distraction but has the depth to provide the perfect environment for inspiration and innovation”.
She explains that it’s also a highly versatile colour and “allows you to add deeper accent colours or gentle fresher whites to help zone areas and add interest.
Consider pairing with deeper brown ‘Scullery’ on skirting and doors and fresh bright white ‘Shirting’ on the ceiling.
Alternatively, bring out the sweeter pink tones within ‘Mochi’ by pairing with other pinks, gentle greens or cool greys”.
- Little Greene Mochi – buy here
Valspar – Encore
Following on from Valspar’s Colour of the Year for 2024, Renew Blue, which Sue Kim, Valspar’s Director of Colour Marketing, described as “a balanced blue with a touch of grayed sea-green that focuses on wellness and comfort”, Valspar’s Colour of the Year 2025 – is another iteration of blue, but this time delving into a deeper shade.
Sue describes the choice behind Encore as one to enhance our mood. “As we seek a joy-filled life, this approachable and liveable ultramarine creates a perfect backdrop for happiness in the home”.
When it comes to styling, she adds “Valspar Encore has saturation and a tinge of violet that bridges both digital and physical spaces.
Using crisp, cool shades in the home mimics the mood in virtual space. Low lighting will amplify the violet undertone that helps ease our eyes back into reality”.
- Valspar Encore – buy here
Looking for more paint inspiration? Take a look back at the Colour Trends for 2024, or explore Dopamine decor – can you decorate yourself happy?