Moody Hues Hit Dramatic Notes

Breaking away from the dominance of grays, beiges and whites in recent years, 2025’s Colors of the Year embrace statement-making shades. Paint companies are leaning into a renewed interest in vibrant palettes, with trending reds, purples and browns inspired by the self-expression of the 1970s — think saturated prints and walls that radiated personality. Whether you’re planning a DIY accent wall or a full-home refresh to kick off 2025 with energy, we’ve rounded up our favorite picks from top paint brands to spark your creativity.

Photos: Courtesy of Behr Paint Co.

Go Your Own Way: Rumors MQ1-15 by Behr Paint Co.
Rock your confidence and swagger with Rumors, Behr Paint Co.’s 2025 ruby red Color of the Year. Mysterious, deep and evocative, Rumors follows a trend toward unabashedly unconventional paint hues used for everything from eye-catching front doors to dramatic bedrooms. “We’re seeing people embrace color like never before,” said Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Co. “Rumors is a modern take on a timeless red that creates an energetic appeal.”

Photo: Benjamin Moore

Gracefully Transitional: Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 by Benjamin Moore
Heathered plum meets velvety brown in Cinnamon Slate, Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year. Adaptable as an elegant neutral background or a showstopping dominant color, Cinnamon Slate is perfect for creating a harmonious color flow in open-concept spaces. “We are seeing a growing interest in more nuanced colors, whose undertones add intricacy and dimension,” said Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore. “Cinnamon Slate is an inviting hue that offers enduring style and modern sensibility.”

Photo: Courtesy of Glidden Paint by PPG

Daydream Believing: Purple Basil PPG1046-7 by Glidden Paint by PPG
“So many people start their color selection journey by looking at bold hues but ultimately settle for a more expected or muted color,” explains Ashley McCollum, PPG color expert at Glidden brand. “For 2025, purple isn’t just permitted; it is encouraged.” McCollum advises your inner “color chip daydreamer” to embrace Purple Basil, the Color of the Year selected by Glidden Paint by PPG, which sparks notes of regality not just on walls, but also on ceilings, built-in bookcases and kitchen cabinets.

Photo:Sherwin-Williams

Purple Haze: Mauve Finery SW 6282 by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams marks the 15th anniversary of announcing a Color of the Year by launching an exclusive capsule of complementary paint hues for 2025. “The capsule’s alchemy creates something to be treasured in any style or setting,” notes Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. One of our favorite hues in the collection is the refreshing, misty purple Mauve Finery — add this shade of paint to your walls for a subdued, sophisticated and ethereal feel.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.