The Biggest Painting & Decorating Trends for 2025 (And How to Use Them in Your Home)

As we move through 2025, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the way we decorate our homes is no longer just about visual impact—it’s about how a space makes us feel. In a time where many of us are seeking calm, warmth and familiarity in our everyday environments, the trends in painting and decorating reflect a noticeable shift towards comfort, character, and a deeper connection with the natural world. Colours are warmer, textures are richer, and there’s a growing appreciation for interiors that feel lived-in and personal, rather than sterile or overly styled.

One of the most significant changes this year is the move away from cool greys and crisp whites that have dominated the past decade. Instead, homeowners and designers alike are turning to earthy, natural paint colours—shades that mimic the world outside our windows. Think terracotta, toffee, chocolate brown, and soft clay. These colours create a sense of groundedness and warmth, particularly well-suited to the UK climate where light often fluctuates and rooms can easily feel cold. When paired with natural textures like wood, stone, or woven fabrics, these tones bring a cosy, timeless feel to any interior.

That said, boldness hasn’t disappeared entirely. In fact, it’s finding new life in the form of jewel tones and a decorating approach known as colour drenching. This technique involves painting walls, ceilings, skirting boards, and even doors in the same deep, saturated hue. Popular choices include emerald green, sapphire blue and rich plum, and when applied across an entire room, they create a dramatic, enveloping effect that feels luxurious rather than overwhelming. Though this look may sound daring, it’s surprisingly effective in smaller spaces such as cloakrooms, home offices, or reading nooks, where creating a sense of intimacy and character is key.

In contrast to these deeper tones, softer palettes are also making a comeback. Buttery yellows, warm creams and pale honey shades are proving especially popular in kitchens, hallways, and north-facing rooms. These hues bring warmth and light without being overly bright or stark. They offer a cheerful, optimistic quality while still functioning as subtle, adaptable neutrals. When used with natural materials like oak, rattan, and linen, these gentle shades help to create environments that feel fresh yet calming.

Muted pinks and dusky purples are also enjoying renewed attention, but they’ve evolved from the sugary tones of the past. In 2025, these colours are more mature, more complex. Dusty rose, mauve grey, and berry tones bring depth and elegance to bedrooms, dining rooms, and even bathrooms. Their appeal lies in their ability to add colour without dominating the space—perfect for those who want something warmer than grey, but not as intense as a jewel tone.

Among all the colours trending this year, green continues to stand out as one of the most enduring. Whether it’s olive, sage, moss or forest, green paint remains a favourite across UK homes. It’s remarkably versatile—cool enough for modern spaces, soft enough for rustic rooms, and timeless in almost every context. Green works well with wood, metal, stone and even pastel shades, making it a brilliant anchor colour for anyone looking to refresh their interiors without committing to something too bold or too neutral.

Beyond colour, 2025 is also seeing a heightened interest in texture and finish. Matte and eggshell paints are still widely used, but limewash, clay-based paints, and even subtly textured plaster finishes are gaining traction. These materials not only add visual interest, but they also create a tactile, almost lived-in quality that flat, shiny finishes simply can’t replicate. There’s also a strong lean towards sustainability in the decorating world, with more homeowners opting for low-VOC or natural paints, recycled materials, and locally sourced décor to align their interiors with eco-conscious values.

It’s worth noting that many of the year’s most popular paint shades—such as cinnamon slate, mocha mousse, hot cocoa, and dusty rose—strike a balance between familiarity and freshness. They feel rooted, warm and comforting, yet they offer something new compared to the ubiquitous greys and beiges of previous years. These tones tend to perform well in a variety of lighting conditions and pair easily with other colours, which makes them a safe but stylish choice for homeowners who want longevity without sacrificing personality.

Pairing colours thoughtfully remains just as important as the colours themselves. In 2025, we’re seeing elegant combinations like forest green with cinnamon brown, dusty rose with soft stone, and buttermilk yellow with sage green. These palettes allow for variety while still maintaining visual cohesion, and they work particularly well when complemented by layered textures and natural lighting. In small spaces, combining warm tones with bold accents helps prevent the room from feeling flat, while in larger areas, these pairings create a sense of depth and sophistication.

Ultimately, the key to decorating in 2025 lies in creating spaces that reflect personal taste rather than simply following trends. While it’s useful to be aware of what’s popular, the most successful interiors are the ones that feel authentic—rooms that balance aesthetics with functionality and offer comfort alongside style. Whether you’re repainting a single wall or rethinking your entire home, the current trends offer a wide range of possibilities, from bold and dramatic to soft and subtle.

So, as you consider your next decorating project, think about how you want your home to feel. Should it be a calming retreat from the outside world? A lively space full of colour and energy? Or something in between? With this year’s focus on warmth, natural influences, and character-driven choices, you’ve got all the tools to make your home feel both beautifully current and deeply personal.