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modern kitchen featuring soft pastel cabinetry in a muted lavender shade, paired with marble countertops and warm wood accents.
modern kitchen featuring soft pastel cabinetry in a muted lavender shade, paired with marble countertops and warm wood accents.
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The Paint Colors Designers Are Actually Using in 2025—And How to Make Them Work in Your Space

A stylish kitchen featuring muted lavender cabinetry, marble countertops, and warm wood accents for a modern yet inviting look.
A stylish kitchen featuring muted lavender cabinetry, marble countertops, and warm wood accents for a modern yet inviting look.

The Paint Colors Designers Are Actually Using in 2025—And How to Make Them Work in Your Space

Why 2025’s Color Trends Matter

Paint colors can completely transform a space, but not all trending shades stand the test of time. While some color trends are purely aesthetic and short-lived, the colors designers actually use are carefully chosen for functionality, mood, and versatility.

This year, we’re seeing a shift toward colors that feel comfortable, rich, and adaptable rather than just visually striking. Instead of paint choices being dictated by what looks good in a staged showroom, designers are selecting shades that enhance the way a home feels—soft neutrals that create warmth, bold hues that add personality, and deep tones that provide an intimate, high-end feel.

If you’re looking for paint colors that work in real homes, not just ones that look good in an Instagram post, this list is for you. Let’s dive into the real designer picks of 2025 and explore how you can use them in your space.


1. Earthy Neutrals: The Backbone of Modern Spaces

Neutrals have always been a go-to for designers, but in 2025, earthy neutrals are replacing the cool grays and stark whites that dominated the past decade. These richer, warm-toned neutrals bring an inviting depth to a space, making it feel cozy and sophisticated rather than sterile or plain.

The beauty of earthy neutrals is that they work in any room. Whether you’re painting an entire living space, an entryway, or a bedroom, these shades create a timeless and effortless backdrop. Unlike cooler-toned neutrals that can sometimes feel too clinical, taupes, greiges, and warm beiges feel soft, organic, and full of character.

How to Make It Work:

  • Layer in natural textures like linen, jute rugs, and wooden furniture to enhance the warmth of these hues.
  • If your space has a lot of natural light, earthy neutrals will appear slightly lighter and take on a beautiful soft glow throughout the day.
  • Pair them with contrasting deep tones like navy, charcoal, or forest green to avoid a washed-out look.

Popular Shades:

  • Sherwin-Williams Shoji White (SW 7042) – A warm off-white with subtle taupe undertones.
  • Benjamin Moore Pashmina (AF-100) – A sophisticated greige that adds depth.
  • Behr Toasted Almond (N270-3) – A soft beige with hints of clay for warmth.

💡 Pro tip: These neutrals work beautifully with black or dark bronze fixtures, which add contrast and depth without feeling overpowering.

Warm and inviting living room featuring soft neutral tones, natural textures, and cozy furnishings.


2. Moody Blues & Deep Greens: Statement Walls and Beyond

If you want to move away from neutrals but still keep your space feeling timeless and sophisticated, moody blues and deep greens are the way to go. These colors bring depth, drama, and coziness without overwhelming a space.

Navy and deep green tones work especially well in dining rooms, offices, and built-in shelving, giving them a refined and upscale feel. If you’re looking to add character without making a space feel too dark, consider using these shades for an accent wall, cabinetry, or even a statement ceiling.

How to Make It Work:

  • Balance is key—pair dark walls with lighter furniture, warm wood tones, and metallic accents to keep the space from feeling heavy.
  • These shades work beautifully in well-lit spaces, where natural or artificial light can highlight their richness.
  • If you’re hesitant to commit, start small with a navy or deep green powder room, an island, or bookshelves before painting a full room.

Popular Shades:

  • Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) – A muted green-gray with a modern edge.
  • Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) – A deep, classic navy that works in any space.
  • Behr Nocturne Blue (MQ5-3) – A bold, rich blue that adds depth.

💡 Want to take this trend to the next level? Pair deep blues and greens with brass hardware and warm walnut wood for a luxe, high-end feel.

Sophisticated interiors featuring deep navy and muted green walls, styled with warm wood, brass accents, and natural textures.


3. Soft Pinks & Sunset Hues: A Fresh Take on Warmth

For those looking for a softer, more organic color palette, soft pinks and sunset-inspired hues are making a big impact. These colors bring warmth, personality, and a subtle sense of romance without feeling overly feminine or trendy.

The key to making these shades work is grounding them with neutral elements. Soft pinks, terracottas, and muted peach tones are perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and even kitchens, where they add warmth without overpowering the space.

How to Make It Work:

  • Use crisp white accents to keep the palette feeling fresh rather than overly warm.
  • Incorporate wood tones and brass finishes to balance the softness with some depth.
  • If painting an entire room feels too bold, try using these colors for trim, doors, or an accent wall instead.

Popular Shades:

  • Sherwin-Williams Redend Point (SW 9081) – A warm, earthy blush with a modern feel.
  • Benjamin Moore Wild Flower (2090-40) – A terracotta-infused pink that feels organic and grounded.
  • Behr Canyon Dusk (S210-4) – A muted peach that adds warmth without overwhelming.

💡 Pairing soft pinks with olive greens or deep charcoal tones creates a beautiful contrast that feels both modern and timeless.

Warm and inviting interiors featuring soft pink and sunset-inspired hues, styled with natural wood, brass accents, and cozy textures.


4. Unexpected Darks: Bold Choices That Work

Darker colors don’t just create drama—they elevate a space and add sophistication. Deep charcoals, espresso browns, and near-black hues are making waves in 2025, proving that dark tones can be cozy rather than overwhelming when used correctly.

How to Make It Work:

  • Use dark hues for accent walls, built-ins, and ceilings to add contrast.
  • Pair them with light flooring, warm wood, and soft textiles to keep the space inviting.
  • Incorporate gold or brass lighting fixtures to enhance the richness.

Popular Shades:

  • Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) – A rich, true black that designers swear by.
  • Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (2124-10) – A deep charcoal that reads softer than full black.
  • Behr Cracked Pepper (PPU18-1) – A moody, versatile black with depth.

💡 If an entire dark room feels too bold, try using these hues for a fireplace mantel, doors, or cabinetry to add drama without overwhelming the space.

Bold and modern living spaces featuring deep, moody dark walls paired with wood and neutral accents.


5. Playful Pastels: A Modern Take on Color

Pastels aren’t just for nurseries anymore. In 2025, designers are embracing muted, sophisticated versions of soft blues, lavenders, and sages to bring a fresh yet grown-up look to interiors.

Pastels work beautifully in kitchens, creative studios, and reading nooks, creating a sense of lightness and tranquility. Unlike traditional pastels, these shades have earthy undertones, making them feel more refined than sweet.

How to Make It Work:

  • Pair pastels with warm wood, black accents, or crisp white to keep them looking modern.
  • Use them on kitchen cabinets, built-ins, or furniture pieces for a subtle pop of color.
  • Add textured fabrics like linen or boucle to prevent the space from feeling too airy.

Popular Shades:

  • Sherwin-Williams Upward (SW 6239) – A muted, airy blue with a calming feel.
  • Benjamin Moore Hint of Violet (2114-60) – A soft lavender with a modern, gray undertone.
  • Behr Aloe Bloom (S380-3) – A gentle sage green that feels fresh and natural.

💡 For a contemporary look, combine pastel cabinetry with matte black hardware and minimalist décor.

Soft and modern interiors featuring pastel shades of blue, green, and lavender, creating a light and airy feel.


Final Thoughts: How to Make These Colors Work for You

Trends come and go, but 2025’s designer-approved colors focus on creating intentional, livable spaces that feel both stylish and timeless. Whether you prefer warm neutrals, bold blues, soft pastels, or dramatic darks, the key is choosing a color that reflects your personality and enhances your home’s atmosphere.

✅ Always test swatches in different lighting conditions.
✅ Pair bold shades with neutral furnishings to maintain balance.
✅ Don’t be afraid to experiment—doors, trim, and cabinetry are great places to start!