5 Paint Colors Experts Recommend Avoiding in 2025

Many people start their home improvement projects in the new year, and with that comes the task of selecting the perfect paint colors. To help guide your decisions, paint industry experts have shared their insights on the colors that will be trending in 2025—and those that should be left behind.

The trend is clear: the cool grays, blacks, and stark whites that have dominated recent years will be phased out in favor of warm neutrals and rich, earthy tones. “The way we think about color and how we use color at home is constantly evolving,” says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.

Light grays are being replaced by soft beiges, while dark blacks are giving way to dramatic, yet warmer, chocolate browns. Interiors are shifting toward a cozier, more inviting vibe, and there’s no better way to create this atmosphere than with the right coat of paint. To help you stay ahead of the curve, here are the paint colors that are making their exit and the ones you should be ready to embrace.

1. Ditch Grays for Taupes and Khaki
   Although grays have long been a neutral favorite for both interior and exterior spaces, the trend is moving away from cooler tones. “Grays were such a trendy color for about a decade, that this color family moved from trendy to a now-classic color for the home,” Banbury explains. “We’re moving away from gray and neutrals with cool undertones toward warm neutrals, like modern beiges and taupes, to warm up the design of our spaces.” Khaki tones, such as Stucco, are expected to be especially popular in 2025, as consumers increasingly seek comfort and simplicity in their homes. This warm, minimalist neutral creates a restful backdrop perfect for a relaxed, cozy atmosphere.

1. Trade Black for Chocolate Brown
   While black has been a dramatic and bold color choice in home design, the trend is shifting towards warmer, deep tones. Banbury notes that consumers are moving from stark black to charcoal and chocolate browns. These rich, deep brown shades are becoming increasingly popular, providing warmth and sophistication to spaces “Rich, deep browns are really having a moment, which we’ve seen in street style this fall, and that is translating to how consumers would like to design their homes,” says Banbury. Chocolate browns will continue to dominate as they evoke a sense of mood and warmth.

1. Trade Cool Tones for Warm Reds and Purples
   “Reds and purples have become popular due to their emotional depth and cultural relevance,” says Erika Woelfel, BEHR’s VP of color and creative services. She notes that BEHR’s 2025 Color of the Year, Rumors, is a deep ruby red, inspired by a desire for confidence and expression. Both red and purple offer vibrant energy and creativity, making them perfect choices for those seeking a bold aesthetic. “Red’s passionate energy and purple’s creativity-inspiring qualities resonate with people seeking vibrancy and richness in their environments,” Woelfel adds.

1. Swap Stark Whites for Blues, Greens, and Yellows

Stark white, once the go-to for minimalist interiors, is also on its way out. Instead, experts predict that in 2025, cooler whites will be replaced by warmer, more saturated hues like rich browns, blues, and greens. “In 2025, I believe cool tones will be out and warmth will be in,” says Jamie Davis, co-founder of Portola Paints. The shift towards these inviting, earthy colors signals a desire to create cozy, livable spaces. Banbury agrees, suggesting that shades of yellow will replace the typical bright whites. She predicts pastel yellows with green undertones, like Convivial Yellow, will become more prominent, offering a grounded and sophisticated touch.

1. Replace Accent Walls with Double Drenching
   The once-popular trend of painting one bold accent wall is also on the decline. Banbury suggests that “double-drenching” will be the new approach for 2025. This technique involves painting the walls in one color and using a slightly lighter or darker shade of the same hue for the ceiling and architectural details, creating a seamless and harmonious look. “With double-drenching, we’ll see rooms with walls, ceilings, and trim all painted in a complementary palette. It’s a way to make a bold statement while keeping the space cohesive and connected,” she explains.

5 Paint Colors Experts Recommend Avoiding in 2025 are primarily the ones that have dominated the past decade. As we move toward more earthy, calming tones, these shifts in color trends reflect a desire for warmth, comfort, and personal expression in home design. Keep these expert recommendations in mind as you prepare for your 2025 renovations.