Returning Paint Shades: Fervently Hoping They Remain in the Past

Unwelcome Resurgence of Five Paint Shades From Yesteryears This Season

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2025 April 13 . 1:50 PM

2 min read

"Henderson divulges that William and he established a tradition of purchasing a piece of art... — "Henderson divulges that William and he established a tradition of purchasing a piece of art annually, without any extravagance, just something that captivated their shared affection."

Returning Paint Shades: Fervently Hoping They Remain in the Past

Let's dive into the outdated paint trends that Southern designers are ready to bid farewell to in 2025, offering you the opportunity to rejuvenate your decor while staying true to your unique style.

Designers in the Spotlight

Laura W. Jenkins, an Atlanta-based interior designer, leads our discussion with her fresh perspective on calming hues: "Color isn't just about peace-bringing shades; think beyond the color wheel's traditional limits." For Jenkins, incorporating personal tastes and tranquil atmospheres is key. "From a deep blue bedroom wall bathed in natural light to a light, airy pale gray-blue room, your decor should mirror your desires, not the latest trends."

Ellen Kavanaugh, an interior designer in Palm Beach, Florida, chips in with her insights on color trends, reaffirming Jenkins' philosophy of choosing colors that evoke joy.

Goodbye to Gray Overload

Bid adieu to overused cool gray tones, and embrace warmer, more inviting neutrals instead. Kavanaugh suggests selecting white paint colors with warm undertones, boasting the slightest hints of reds, pinks, yellows or oranges.

Farewell to Popularity-Driven Decisions

Dorothy Shain Henderson's Cozy Residential Lounge

Remember, choosing a paint color because it's trendy isn't the way to go. It's all about personal preference. Jenkins emphasizes, "Color is personal, so paint your spaces in colors that make you happy."

Sayonara to Superficial Shades

In 2025, opt for colors that have depth and a sense of earthiness, instead of those that feel artificial or one-dimensional. Consider rich, organic colors like Farrow and Ball's Lichen or Benjamin Moore's Milk Shake for a more authentic feel.

Adios to Timid Colors

If you're going to embrace a color, do it wholeheartedly. Jenkins advises saturating your spaces with your chosen hue—even painting walls, trim, and the ceiling in the same color!

2025 paint trends call for embracing warm, nature-inspired palettes and creating cozy, personalized spaces. Don't be afraid to mix and match, and most importantly, let your own unique style shine.

Designer Laura W. Jenkins suggests adopting warm, inviting neutral paint colors with subtle undertones of reds, pinks, yellows, or oranges, moving away from overused cool gray tones (Southern Living, color palettes paint).
According to Ellen Kavanaugh, choosing a paint color based on its trendiness isn't advisable; instead, people should opt for colors that evoke joy and personal preference (Southern Living, decorating, agrees).
In 2025, opt for colors that have depth and earthiness like Farrow and Ball's Lichen or Benjamin Moore's Milk Shake to achieve a more authentic feel, rather than choosing superficial, artificial shades (Southern Living, color palettes paint, highest).
If you're going to embrace a color, Jenkins recommends immerse your space completely in it, painting walls, trim, and the ceiling in the same hue (Southern Living, color palettes paint, sayonara to timid colors).