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 DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking