Mocha Mousse, double drenching and a nod to nature. We take a look at 10 paint trends experts say will feature in our homes in 2025

Whether your rooms are large or small, choosing the right paint trends when it comes to painting a room can be daunting. After all, once the paint's been applied, even though it can be painted over, it's not always the simplest of tasks, involving time, effort and potentially more cost – especially if you've paid a decorator to do the work for you.

That said, there's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to revitalise your interior. Turning boring walls into jewellery box like delights, the power of paint to transform your home is unquestionable.

To help you plan your paint scheme or interior refresh in the coming months, we asked the experts to share their paint trend predictions. From soft shades of brown inspired by Mocha Mousse, Pantone's Colour of the Year 2025, to types of paint, finishes and techniques, here's what will be winning over our walls, ceilings, woodwork and exteriors in 2025.

Choosing your paint trends and colours

While there's nothing wrong with relying on your trusty white emulsion to elevate your interior, a splash of colour or alternative paint effect can help to turn even the most humble of rooms into a eye-catching delight.

And with this year's paint trends predicting even more of us will turn to more unusual colours to lift our homes, it's important to remember some basics when it comes to choosing the right paint trends and colours for you.

"In terms of choosing colours for specific rooms, I think embracing the room’s purpose is the key," says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook.

"Choosing colours that fit that purpose, as well as enhancing the look and feel you’re trying to create are your two main goals. For instance, if it’s a snug that is used mainly in the evening, then cosy colours will be the go-to," she says. "Conversely, for a room used in the day, such as a kitchen or breakfast room, then the colour choices will always tend to be lighter and brighter."

Of course, as with any trend predictions, ultimately your personal preferences will guide your final decision. So whether you're searching for the best bedroom colours or the right shades to boost your hallway design, here's the top paint trends to choose from in 2025.

Anna Hill

Anna returned to head up the family business after gaining valuable experience in merchandising. She now uses her creative skills and strong eye for design to help the company produce its renowned range of pigment rich paints. 

Paint trends 2025

1. Mocha Mousse – brown will continue to win us over in 2025

Brown has slowly crept its way into interior design in the last 12 months meaning it hasn't come as a huge surprise that Pantone has chosen a soft shade of mocha as the Pantone Colour of the Year 2025. Following on from last year's Peach Fuzz, it seems the need for colours that are soft and comforting are showing no signs of abating.

But while brown naturally features in wood, it's perhaps not always a shade you'd consider adding to every room in your house meaning it's been met with mixed responses by experts.

Richard Haley, creative director of By Haleys, said: “Brown has undeniably been a dominant force in fashion recently, so Mocha Mousse felt like a natural prediction.

“That said, I’m not entirely convinced this specific shade will establish itself as a flagship colour in its own right. Instead, I think the lasting impression will be that 'brown' (in its many forms) will define the colour of the year, rather than Mocha Mousse.

“It feels more like a reflection of a mood or cultural sentiment than a precise colour trend. Its success might lie in the broader resurgence of earthy tones, rather than its individuality.”

Tracey Hague, founder of eclectic interiors brand Where Saints Go on the other hand is a fan, telling us, “I love the Mocha Mousse colour. I am a BIG fan of brown and it is an excellent choice for a neutral tone. It’s warm and inviting, yet sophisticated, which makes it feel like a more modern evolution of traditional neutrals like beige or grey."

But how can you use brown in interiors? Tracey suggests pairing it with bold accents or contrasting textures and with wood and stone in more traditional settings.

“Or, for a contemporary look, pair it with muted blues, earthy greens, or metallic accents like brass or copper," she says.

Not convinced? Here are some of my favourite ways of adding brown to your interiors.

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Shop the Mocha Mousse look

2. Double drench your interiors for a powerful paint effect

If you jumped on the colour drenching trend that adorned our walls in 2024, the good news is it's still in fashion. But, in the coming months it's set to be joined by its slightly more exuberant family member, double drenching.

“Double drenching is set to be big for 2025," predicts Helen Shaw, director of marketing (international) for Benjamin Moore, describing the technique as, "a colour pairing recipe of two or more colours that results in made-to-remember marriages."

Where and how you use it may depend on whether you have any additional features such as wall panelling ideas, but as a whole, Helen recommends, applying your choice of two colours, "across all surfaces including the ‘fifth wall’, (the ceiling) and foregoing any harsh white contrasts on woodwork or trims."

And if the word dramatic scares you slightly, then don't be afraid to opt for a milder dose of double drenching, achieved by using two different colours that are close to each other in tone. You'll still get a similar effect, but in a mildly watered down way.

Helen Shaw

Helen Shaw is part of Benjamin Moore's UK division. A colour expert and international marketing director, Helen is no stranger to the paint industry and benefits of colour, having also previously founded a paint company with her husband, Craig.

3. Lean into a darker colour scheme for a nostalgic feel

Although forecasters and paint brands always release their own colours of the year, the growing trend for using colour in our homes has led to a general shift towards the release of colour palettes – rather than just one shade.

Designed to work in conjunction with each other, many of the experts we spoke to referenced how their 2025 palettes embraced darker, earthier tones, indicative of the fact that as a nation, we are becoming bolder in our colour choices.

"For 2025, we are going to continue to see homeowners being braver with colour, in terms of tone and paint application too," confirms Anna Hill. "We’ve certainly noticed a shift towards bolder, deeper paint choices over the last 12 months, and this is set to continue into 2025.

"We believe that this reflects a growing trend of embracing individual colour preferences, choosing what makes you happy and expressing your unique style. It’s about breaking away from rigid ‘colour trends’ and celebrating a movement toward creative freedom and self-expression," she says.

This darker feel is one also noted by Caroline Woolmer, head of product design at Lucie Annabel.

"Offering depth and a sense of cosiness to any room, we see dark and moody paints gaining popularity in 2025. Dark bohemian paints offer a classic yet dramatic twist when painting a wall, creating an inviting atmosphere with a hint of luxe.

"Rich hues such as emerald green and navy blue also add sophistication," says Bailey Oates, colour expert at Earthborn, while Rachel London, chief marketing officer at Lick, explains why she thinks our yearning for the past has resulted in the shift, leading to Lick's 2025 colour palette being released with the title 'Nostalgia.'

"In colour and home decor, we’ve seen a move away from futuristic, white-on-white minimalist decor and towards a yearning for spaces that burst with colour, comfort and character," says Rachel. "We want spaces that tell a story, reflecting lives lived and cosy memories cherished. Nostalgia is all about fostering emotional connections through design."

These darker paint shades are all set to trend in 2025

4. Ditch the masking tape – straight lines are out

If like me, you've never quite mastered the art of using masking tape to create straight paint lines or define a border, then you'll be relieved to know it's time to ditch it in 2025. Rather than clean cut finishes, there's a growing trend towards something different say the experts.

"We predict homeowners will be swapping a conventional straight lined border for an imperfect, rough bleed," says Helen Shaw. "It's an ideal way to add edge and texture and gives a softening and playful transition between colours if you're embracing the double drenching trend."

Prefer something more subtle? "In 2025, we can also expect a vibrant fusion of textured finishes too," says Bailey Oates. "Multi-colour ombre effects and sponging techniques will both help to add depth and character to our spaces."

Stock up on the best paint kit for trying new trends

Bailey Oates

With a passion for all things creative, colour expert Bailey Oates brings a wealth of expertise to the eco-friendly paint company Earthborn. Specialising in interior design and photography, Bailey's keen eye for colour and design shines through in everything she does.

5. Matt paint holds its position as one of the most popular finishes

Although "the new wave of nostalgia has been particularly evident in the resurgence of cosy, retro colour palettes inspired by past decades, specifically the 1970s," says Tash Bradley, director of interior design and colour consultant at Lick, the paint finishes we are choosing for our walls are not the same.

Instead of shine or sheen, the demand for matt paint shows no sign of abating in 2025, says Anna Hill.

"Pigment rich, matt paint finishes will remain a staple for their understated elegance and we expect to see discerning homeowners opting for chalkier, matt finishes to bring character and depth to their spaces," she says.

"The beautiful matt texture of premium paint absorbs light and adds an extra dimension, making the cosiest of corners even more so. We do have the occasional request for gloss paint," she notes, "but our matt finishes are definitely the most popular (even for painting woodwork in the form of our low sheen eggshell), so we believe that beautiful flat, chalky matt paints will be here to stay."

Tash Bradley

Tash is Lick’s Director of Interior Design and Colour Psychologist, and the curator of Lick’s distinctive colour collection. Tash brings a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of colour psychology to her work, having spent over 10 years specialising in colour and interior design, working in property development and home decoration and in recent years, creating a personal colour theory that she shares with her clients.

6. Colour drenching will still be popular – but with a twist

Although double drenching may be on the rise, colour drenching will still be popular in 2025 says Tash Bradley – but with a slight twist.

"With colour drenching becoming more and more popular, we are seeing decorators using one colour and drenching it all over their room, but in different finishes," she explains. "So, let's say, using a gloss on the ceiling and cupboards, eggshell on the skirting and matt or dead flat matt on the walls."

While some may suggest gloss paint is dead, Tash doesn't agree, telling us in fact, she predicts it will make a comeback.

"Gloss paint certainly isn't dead and is coming back. In a darker room that lacks natural sunlight, high-gloss on woodwork and ceilings and an eggshell on walls look amazing," she says.

"Under warm, flickering candles, for example, eggshell and gloss finishes create more of a mood because they reflect the light. So if you’re going for a darker colour, say in a downstairs bathroom idea or dining room, eggshell or gloss is an excellent choice," recommends Tash.

"It will create a really luxurious feel and cosy atmosphere wherever you use it. Another bonus is that these finishes look especially impactful in the darker, cosier colours, like Purple 03 and Black 02 from our 2025 colour palette predictions."

7. Look to nature for your paint trends inspiration

While darker colours may suit certain homes and interiors, there is consistent trend in interiors to look to nature for inspiration. Often referred to as a biophilic trend, it's seen across the breadth of the design world and is about more than adding a few indoor plants to your kitchen decor ideas.

In the world of paint trends, it's already been seen in the past year, with shades of green being used everywhere, from green bedroom ideas to rustic bathroom ideas, and is now firmly on the list with Pantone's Mocha Mousse as 2025's colour of the year.

"Green has been a popular trend this year and we see people’s admiration for it continuing into the New Year," says Caroline Woolmer. "Shades of green can work particularly well in spaces such as kitchens and bedrooms, helping to infuse a sense of relaxation as well as lightening up a space. With its nature-inspired hues, it helps to create an immersive feeling of an oasis, making it the ultimate colour for creating your own at-home retreat.

However, in 2025, this trend is set to increase further say the experts, with other shades and tones coming to the fore.

"As we approach 2025, colour trends are set to embrace earthy tones like terracotta and muted greens, highlighting our connection to nature and sustainability," predicts Bailey Oates.

"Soft pastels and warm neutrals will continue to evoke comfort, while nature-inspired shades and monochromatic schemes will enhance depth and harmony," she adds. "Overall, these trends will reflect our desire for nurturing, connected environments that adapt to our evolving lifestyles."

Try these shades for a nature inspired interior

8. Sustainable and eco-friendly paints will be our purchase of choice

When it comes to the paint brands we gravitate towards as consumers, in line with many of the other interior trends in 2025, sustainability and eco-friendly brands are our preferred choice.

“The overwhelming move we are seeing from customers and designers is the urge to seek out eco paint brands as they continue to become more ethically aware," says Caroline Thornborough, design director for Thorndown. "They are looking for paints, such as ours, which are water-based and use sustainable, VOC-free and recycled raw materials." In addition, “homeowners and designers are also seeking to support independent businesses that manufacture their products in the UK, knowing their money goes to employing people in this country and with a far smaller carbon footprint than importing from Europe and further afield where many other brands are made," adds Caroline.

The good news is, for all of the brands we spoke to, the desire to produce products that are genuinely eco-friendly is the driving force behind their decision making process.

"At Lick, we believe that everyone should make more eco-conscious decisions with any purchase they make to ensure we are protecting the planet as much as possible," says Tash Bradley. "You should be able to find the colour you love without compromising on quality or sustainability. Lick’s paints are all water-based, as well as low-odour and trace VOC, which helps reduce harmful chemicals for improved indoor air quality."

So how can you tell if a brand is offering a sustainable product and what are the benefits in choosing to use their products? Anna Hill explains.

"Sustainability and quality are and should definitely be priorities when choosing paint, not just the colour," she says. "First and foremost, it’s important to choose a paint company that produces paint using responsibly sourced raw materials. At Fenwick & Tilbrook, over 70% of our solids are from UK sources across all finishes. Some finishes are as high as 95% UK sourced. For us, we truly believe that the real conversation lies in responsible sourcing of raw materials and the paint's lifespan on your walls.

"This focus on sourcing and long-lasting durability ensures true sustainability, " she explains, "which is about more than just eco-friendly claims. This translates to less waste from paint tins, rollers and packaging, reducing the overall environmental impact. It’s important to remember that choosing paint is an investment. Prioritising quality, longevity, and responsible production is a conscious decision that ripples far beyond the walls you paint.

"It's about rejecting the fleeting trends of greenwashing and embracing a more sustainable approach to transforming your space, going beyond a simple refresh," she adds. "It's about using vibrant, long-lasting colour that transforms your space and endures for years to come."

Caroline Thornborough

A creative professional with a passion for design, Caroline is responsible for marketing, branding and curating Thorndown's colour palettes. When not working, Caroline can be found indulging in her twin passions: gardening and decorating.

9. Exterior paint trends will help boost your mood

If it's the exterior of your home that's in need of a paint job, expect to see an influx of brighter colours in 2025 predict the experts.

"For the exterior, expect to see the embrace of individuality continue to be popular," says Anna Hill. "We will see less black, grey, navy or white front door ideas and windows, and instead see more homeowners choosing colours that make you smile and make the exterior unique.

Tash Bradley agrees, telling us, "people are moving away from dark crittall windows and painting windows in natural colours like soft greens. These colours soften the exterior of the house and make your garden and exterior feel like one.

"People are also becoming braver with the exterior of their house," she adds, "gravitating towards terracotta tones (like our Red 03). Terracotta looks stunning when paired with teal, so we predict people will be painting their windows in teal to complement the terracotta."

Boosting your kerb appeal has never looked more appealing.

10. Pink could become the new neutral paint trend

If our collection of pink bathroom ideas already caught your attention, you could be more of a trendsetter than you realised. Pink's popularity is on the rise and looks set to take its place on the neutrals leaderboard in 2025, especially after becoming one of Lick's best-selling shades.

"In 2025, we also expect to see pops of pink trending," confirms Caroline Woolmer. "Shades such as our Dusty Pink Matt Emulsion Paint, effortlessly fuses femininity with a sense of playfulness. But, whether its in pastel hues or hot vibrant shades, pink’s versatile and alluring nature makes it the perfect colour for the minimalist or maximalist."

However, make sure you get the shade right for the mood you are looking to create, says Tash Bradley.

”When it comes to using pink in your home, it's important to consider proportions. Lighter pinks have very soothing qualities and will make your shoulders drop the moment you enter the room, therefore they can be used liberally throughout the home and as a dominant colour in a room. Pink 08 on the other hand, which is Lick’s duskiest, pink colour bring warmth to a room. It's super versatile, pairing with all the colours in the Lick palette, which is perhaps what makes it the perfect ‘new neutral.”

Pink paints to choose for either pops of colour or more subtle neutrals

Wondering how to make sure your choice of paint trends stays cohesive if you're decorating throughout your home? Tash Bradley shares her golden rule for choosing colour.

"Stick to eight," she says. "When embarking on a new project or redecorating your entire home, I always recommend to stick with a palette of eight colours that truly make your heart sing.

"Eight colours will give you a lot of freedom as you can use different tones and variations of the same colour throughout, playing around with high contrast or more tonal schemes and still ensure that your home feels balanced and harmonious.”

Still mastering the art of painting yourself? Preparation is always the key to the best end result, so find out how to strip paint off walls and how long to leave between coats of paint to make sure your paint trends are perfect in 2025.