Life as Art

As we look ahead to 2025, the world of fashion, design, and paint is set to embrace a rich palette of colors that reflect both the current mood and future direction. This year’s color trends reveal a balance between bold, expressive tones and calming, nature-inspired hues that speak to our desire for comfort and well-being.

At the forefront of color forecasting is WGSN, the world’s leading consumer trend forecaster, known for its insights into consumer behavior and lifestyle trends. According to WGSN, the color of the year for 2025 is Future Dusk, a dark, moody shade that sits intriguingly between blue and purple. This hue is described as both mysterious and calming.

In fashion, 2025 will see a wide range of colors that take inspiration from nature’s most grounding elements. Deep greens, earthy oranges, golden yellows, purples, and soft blues will dominate, creating a palette that feels both rooted in the earth and open to creative expression. These shades are expected to appear in everything from statement pieces to everyday wear. Anticipate seeing, warm rich tones like gold and dark plum playing alongside muted natural hues, creating a balance that feels fresh yet timeless.

Interior design is typically guided by fashion, major paint companies are following suit with color palettes that reflect a similar sensibility. Behr Paint’s color of the year for 2025 is Rumors, a warm, ruby red that adds a touch of opulence and warmth to any space. Alongside this rich hue, Behr’s 2025 palette includes warmer dusty tones, such as Golden Browns, Amazon Jungle (a deep sage green), and Boreal (a green-grey). Their soft white tone, Blank Canvas, offers a versatile neutral that complements these warmer, earthier shades.

Sherwin-Williams, another major player in paint trends, has announced Quietude as their color for 2025. This soft, sage tone with a hint of blue is perfect for creating a serene, relaxing environment. Other colors in their 2025 collection include Spiced Cider, a warm, earthy tone, and Convivial Yellow, a golden shade that adds a sunny touch to any room. Their white of choice, Snowbound, is a returning favorite that pairs well with the other dusky, warm tones of the year.

Beyond paint and fashion, the trend of nature-inspired colors will be seen across industries, from makeup palettes to textiles and even furniture design. The emphasis in 2025 is on creating spaces and styles that promote well-being, relaxation, and functionality, without compromising flair or personality. Warm neutrals like Golden Honey and nature-based tones will dominate, offering a blend of sophistication and timeless comfort.

For artists, staying attuned to these color trends is essential when creating new works. Art that aligns with popular design palettes can make a piece more appealing and sellable, especially for those working with interior designers. Many contemporary environments will incorporate these trends, and artwork that harmonizes with these tones—whether through color selection or thematic alignment—can enhance the overall aesthetic and increase the likelihood of being selected for display. However, it’s important to note that many artists are revolutionaries by nature, choosing to defy conventions and trends rather than conform to them…