Gone are the days of millennial gray dominating the neutral palette. This year, shades like caramel, chocolate, terracotta, and taupe are redefining what it means to create a neutral palette. These rich, versatile hues are perfect for adding depth and warmth to any room while staying timeless.
As Architectural Digest reports, the blond woods of Scandi-style interiors have been on their way out for some time, but in 2025, homes will embrace darker finishes in earnest. “We’re excited to use darker wood tones across floors, staircases, and mantles in the new year,” say Slocum and Bordelon. In fact, “wood-infused architectural warmth” landed on Houzz’s 2025 Home Design Trends report, with wood accents appearing in the form of ceiling beams, millwork, trim, wall paneling, and more.
As Mitchell Parker, Houzz senior editor states, there’s been a shift from cool whites and grays to off-whites, beiges, tans, creams, and browns, and Parker says this represents a desire for warmth. “Paired with warm neutral palettes, earthy tones and organic colors, we’re seeing wood elements used as ceiling beams, trim, millwork, wall paneling, posts and cabinetry to add architectural warmth to spaces throughout the home,” he says.
Warm earthy tones offer a sense of timeless elegance while embracing nature’s palette, according to the In Detail Design Collective. They pair effortlessly with other trending shades like olive green, deep burgundy, and creamy whites, making them ideal for layering. Plus, these colors bring a sense of calm and balance that’s so needed in today’s fast-paced world.
Where to use them:
- Living Rooms: Add a plush caramel sofa or chocolate velvet armchairs for an instant style upgrade. Pair with a natural wood coffee table and a creamy area rug to tie it all together.
- Bedrooms: Swap out your bedding for terracotta or taupe tones, and consider a leather headboard or linen curtains for a textured, inviting feel. Bonus points for any block-printed or floral-printed fabrics which are also major design trends for 2025.
- Kitchens: Trade in gray cabinetry for warm taupe or green accents, and add copper or bronze hardware for a touch of charm.
- Bathrooms: Chocolate-hued vanities, rich wood stains, or terracotta tiles create a spa-like atmosphere that feels both luxurious and grounded.
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