True Colours

By Kristin Doucet | 2 minute read

“Switching up your paint colour can dramatically transform a room by altering its mood and atmosphere. Colour can help to energize, relax or inspire, providing a more inviting or calming space.”

– Sharon Grech

What are the colour trends for 2025?

Every year, our colour trend story unfolds differently based on our teams’ insights. We each bring to the table concepts, themes, materials and colours that reflect our research and travels. We never go into the process with a particular colour in mind, but this year, we were all in sync with how the overall palette had to “feel” for 2025.

Early on we agreed that we needed a colour and palette with nuance and complexity, a softened, restorative colour that reflects the desire for balance and reassurance. This led us to zone in on soft plums, browns and greens — those captivating “in-between” hues that encourage curiosity with their unique undertones, that make them adaptable, versatile and easy to personalize in a space. Our colour of the year — Cinnamon Slate — came to best encapsulate the sentiment.

Cinnamon Slate, Benjamin’s Moore’s colour of the year for 2025, provides depth, richness and warmth to any room.

As we looked at the transition over the past few years, the idea of quietly colourful hues came to the forefront. Throughout our travels and visits to global design trade shows, we saw a more subtle and comforting take on colour, which is a shift from the saturated colour story we had seen in previous years. There is still a strong interest in embracing colour, but the hues that felt most relevant were those with a subtle, muted quality.

Painting kitchen cabinets is one of the fastest ways to update the look of your kitchen. Cabinet colour: Benjamin Moore’s Rosepine.

What will be the most popular Benjamin Moore colour(s) for 2025?

For 2025, we anticipate Cinnamon Slate (2113-40) to be a standout favourite, alongside the full Colour Trends 2025 palette, which includes Rosepine (461) Sea Salt (CSP-95), Leather Saddle Brown (2100-20), Chowning’s Tan (CW-195), Tissue Pink (1163), Stained Glass (CSP-685), Ashwood Moss (1484), Glacier White (OC-37) and Paris Rain (1501). This palette reflects a shift towards more nuanced hues that offer comfort and adaptability, capturing the essence of personalized spaces that resonate with homeowners.

Benjamin Moore’s Leather Saddle Brown colour used in this dining room pairs well with the floor’s warm wood tones and the light fixture’s gold accents.

Additionally, White Dove (OC-17) continues to be the most popular white paint colour by Benjamin Moore, serving as a timeless choice for homeowners due to its versatility and ability to brighten spaces. Another notable mention is Revere Pewter (HC-172), a classic light grey with warm undertones that has gained a loyal following for its calming and restorative appearance.

White paint colours such as Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Glacier White (pictured here) are versatile and help to brighten spaces like this entryway.

What neutral colour will be trending?

Among the trending nuanced hues, Paris Rain 1501 is a brand favourite for 2025. With the softest touch of green, this quietly colourful neutral provides a subtle backdrop that enhances the overall palette, allowing for versatility and a soothing balance in any design. The entire Colour Trends 2025 palette is filled with nuanced hues that are perfect for any space in the home, offering a range of options that work harmoniously together.

How can switching up your paint colour transform a room?

Switching up your paint colour can dramatically transform a room by altering its mood and atmosphere. Colour can help to energize, relax or inspire, providing a more inviting or calming space. For instance, using Cinnamon Slate can add depth and richness, making a living area feel more sophisticated and cozy.

Does a paint colour need to match furniture, art or carpet?

While it’s not essential for paint colours to match furniture, art, or carpet, they should harmonize to create a cohesive look. Instead of strict matching, consider colours that complement one another. For example, Cinnamon Slate pairs beautifully with warm wood tones and gold accents, allowing for a visually engaging space without the need for everything to match perfectly.

While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to matching paint colours to furniture or art, they should complement one another. Library paint colour: Benjamin Moore’s Ashwood Moss.

What are the do’s and don’ts when choosing paint colours for your home?

Do:

• • Test paint samples in your space to see how they look in different lighting.
  • Consider the overall mood you want to create in the room.
  • Make the process easier and select hues from one curated palette.

Don’t:

• • Rush the decision-making process; take your time to find what resonates with you.
  • Ignore existing materials like flooring and furnishings; let them help guide your paint colour choices.
  • Overlook the impact of undertones; subtle differences can significantly affect the overall appearance.

What is the biggest misconception when it comes to choosing paint colours?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to paint a small room white to make it feel larger. The best tip to make a room feel larger is to invest in great lighting that fills out the corners of the room and minimizes stark contrast in the space. While white does reflect light well around a room, with great lighting many colours can feel expansive, especially if they don’t contrast with the furniture, flooring and other elements in the space. In reality, a mid-tone colour like Cinnamon Slate can offer both depth and comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere. The key is to choose shades that resonate with your personal style and to use them thoughtfully within the context of the room.

Don’t shy away from bold colours in small spaces. This bathroom features Benjamin’s Moore’s Stained Glass from the 2025 colour palette.

Photos: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore