Design Notes
The start of a new year brings renewed energy and inspiration—especially for those in the world of design. One of the most anticipated announcements each January is the unveiling of the Color of the Year by leading paint and design companies. These carefully selected hues don’t just influence interior design; they ripple across industries such as fashion, furnishings, and lifestyle trends.
Each color choice reflects broader cultural moods, shifting lifestyles, and emerging design movements. As designers and homeowners look for meaningful ways to refresh their spaces, Color of the Year selections often spark common questions—how to use them, where they work best, and whether they’ll stand the test of time.
In this post, we’re taking a closer look at three standout color choices for 2025 and offering practical, stylish ideas for incorporating these trending tones into your home design.
Pantone: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating
“A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.”
This year, Pantone took a unique approach by selecting two Colors of the Year—Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a vibrant yellow. Their choice was inspired by a collective desire for stability and optimism—a “message of positivity” intended to uplift and reassure.
Yellow has long been associated with joy, energy, and sunshine, making it a beautiful accent in any room. Whether used in textiles, artwork, or décor, Illuminating instantly brightens a space and evokes warmth and cheer. Ultimate Gray, on the other hand, offers a grounded, timeless foundation. Much like stone, it symbolizes strength, resilience, and dependability.
Together, these colors strike a thoughtful balance—creating spaces that feel both welcoming and enduring. Consider pairing the two in:
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Kitchens: Yellow bar stools or a tiled backsplash paired with gray cabinetry or countertops.
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Living Rooms: Gray upholstered furniture with yellow accent pillows or throws.
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Bathrooms: Soft gray walls with yellow towels or accessories for a fresh and clean look.
Want to dive deeper into Pantone’s selection? Read more about their inspiration here.
Benjamin Moore: Aegean Teal
“Intriguing, balanced, and deeply soothing”
Blue is a color that evokes a sense of calm wherever it is present, creating thoughts of the ocean and spa days. Their goal is to create an atmosphere of familiarity and comfort, two essential elements for the home. Life can be hectic and stressful, which means it is essential to have areas in the home where we can unwind and relax. Blue has the ability to help us relax, so consider adding a touch of calm in your home through the use of Aegean Teal. Read about some of the other colors Benjamin Moore recommends to complement their color of the year.
Sherwin-Williams: Urbane Bronze
“Capturing that simple sophistication every space is searching for”
Sherwin-Williams chose to take some advice from nature and go back to a color that is warm and tranquil. This is a great choice since many want to build more eco-friendly homes and incorporate that natural feel into their interior design. This color works well with an array of hues and shades as well as design elements such as lighting, decor items, and furniture since it is considered a neutral color. If you enjoy nature and want to create a design that takes you back to a simpler time, this color of the year is for you. Read more about why Sherwin-Williams made Urbane Bronze their choice.
How To Incorporate The Color Of The Year
Knowing the Color of the Year is one thing—but figuring out how to thoughtfully incorporate it into your home is where the real creativity begins. Whether you’re drawn to a bold hue or a more subdued tone, there are numerous stylish and approachable ways to incorporate these trending colors into your space.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Accent Walls
You don’t need to repaint an entire room to make an impact. A single accent wall can add depth and create a stunning focal point. Use it to highlight architectural features or to define a particular area in an open-concept space.
2. Decor Accesories
Small décor items are an easy and flexible way to add color. Think throw pillows, area rugs, vases, artwork, or even a patterned lampshade. These pieces are affordable, seasonal, and easy to swap out as your style evolves.
3. Statement Furniture
Incorporate the Color of the Year through statement furniture pieces. A gray sofa or bold yellow accent chair adds sophistication and energy to your space. Even built-in shelving with a colored backdrop can make a subtle yet impactful statement.
4. Window Treatments
Often overlooked, window treatments offer another opportunity to layer in color. From soft, neutral drapes to bold, patterned valances, the right window treatments can frame your space beautifully and pull a color story together.
5. Front Door
One of the simplest yet most striking updates? Paint your front door. It’s a fun, low-commitment way to add personality to your home’s exterior—and a splash of color that sets the tone before anyone even steps inside.
These are just a few of the many ways you can incorporate the Color of the Year into your home. Whether you’re going bold or subtle, the possibilities are endless—and always customizable to your style.
Greenbrook DesignThese products usually come in refillable, recyclable, or compostable packaging and containers. Some have no packaging at all if you buy them from your local health food stores. You can also switch to more sustainable cleaning products, such as vinegar and hot water. For toilet paper, look for options with compostable packaging. You can also switch to a bidet to achieve complete waste-free status.
Being eco-friendly is at the heart of minimalism. If you want to adopt this light, sustainable, and freeing lifestyle, making eco-minimalist changes in your bathroom is a great first step. For more tips on achieving an elevated lifestyle, visit us here at Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking As one of the most used areas in the home for our intimate needs, the bathroom should be designed as a place of refuge and relaxation from the cares and stresses of life. This means that it should reflect your personality in every way, from color to pattern; everything should make it a place you enjoy using, rather than just serving a purpose. Design details matter, and with traditional rules being replaced with out-of-the-box thinking, it is easier than ever to accomplish this task. You deserve to have a well-functioning and lovely bathroom that is designed with you in mind. Designing a bathroom should be all about you!
Greenbrook Design It’s hard to believe that the farmhouse style has only recently become so popular, thanks to its warm colors and romantic charm. It was once a haven for those seeking to escape city life and return to simpler times. Nowadays, farmhouse design is about elegant simplicity in every piece of furniture. Whether you live in a bungalow or a mansion, incorporating modern farmhouse design into your home is easier than ever. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Greenbrook DesignWanting the custom kitchen of your dreams can be overwhelming and isn’t always budget-friendly. However, an easy, cost-effective way to have the kitchen of your dreams is closer to your grasp than you think.
Walker WoodworkingAlthough having a professional come in and assist is sometimes the best solution, there are certain things that you can do to get a head start or do it all by yourself. Clutter is a friend to no one and can quickly overwhelm and suffocate you. Although it is never easy to begin the task of removing piles of junk from a home, the end results are well worth the investment of time and effort. But that is only half the battle; the other is knowing what to do after it has all been neatly tucked away. Use these tips to organize like a pro—start with a plan and be deliberate about its implementation. As you regain control over your home, you will feel the stress melt away as you enjoy coming home again.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking