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:
-
Kitchens: Yellow bar stools or a tiled backsplash paired with gray cabinetry or countertops.
-
Living Rooms: Gray upholstered furniture with yellow accent pillows or throws.
-
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 DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
It is always fun to watch those home improvement shows. It is always a delight to watch designers come up with a plan that completely transforms the space from drab to fab. Often, after watching those shows, you have a tendency to look around your own home, wishing you could give it an update, but a renovation is not conceivable at the moment for one reason or another. The good news is that you don’t have to undergo a renovation to give your home a lift or freshen it up; sometimes it’s the little things —the details —that can completely revamp your space and make a big impact without breaking the bank. Discover six simple ways you can freshen up your home and even make it feel completely new without going through a renovation.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure your kitchen is healthy and ready for creating dishes that are not only delicious but also beneficial for your family’s health. We know that it is not always easy to stick with the decision to be healthier, but with a well-designed kitchen, it can be. With over twenty years of experience, our design team is well-versed in planning a kitchen design that functions well for your specific needs while also reflecting the style you will love. We serve more than 15 counties and invite you to visit our 5,000-square-foot showroom, where you can walk through multiple kitchen displays to get a feel for the possibilities that await you. Connect with us and let’s start planning a healthy kitchen design.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking