This shift towards a more natural palette is driven by the desire for a sense of calm and serenity in our increasingly fast-paced world.
The Rise of Earthy Tones
A Shift Away from Bright Colors
In recent years, the interior design world has seen a significant shift away from bright, bold colors. Gone are the days of neon hues and electric blues. Instead, homeowners and businesses are opting for a more subdued, natural approach to color. This trend is driven by a desire for a sense of calm and serenity in our increasingly fast-paced world. Warm, earthy tones such as oxblood, black cherry, and merlot are becoming increasingly popular. These colors are often associated with feelings of comfort, relaxation, and warmth. They are also seen as a way to bring the outdoors in, creating a sense of connection to nature.
The Benefits of Earthy Tones
So, what are the benefits of embracing earthy tones in your interior design? Here are just a few:
The Pantone Color Institute’s COTY is Ultra Violet, a deep, rich purple that is said to evoke feelings of luxury and creativity. Sherwin-Williams’ COTY is Sea Salt, a soft, serene blue that is meant to bring a sense of calmness and tranquility to spaces.
The Rise of Moody Colors
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the way people approach color in their homes and public spaces. Gone are the days of bright, bold, and cheerful colors. Instead, a more subdued and moody color palette has become increasingly popular. This trend is evident in the 2025 Color of the Year (COTY) selections by major paint companies, which all point to a preference for deeper, richer colors. Characteristics of Moody Colors: + Deeper, richer hues + More subdued and muted tones + Often associated with luxury, creativity, and calmness + Can create a sense of intimacy and coziness
The Inspiration Behind the Colors
Each of the COTY selections has its own unique inspiration and story behind it. C2 Paint’s COTY, C2 Raku, is inspired by the type of pottery used in ancient Japanese tea ceremonies. The color is meant to evoke feelings of serenity and tranquility, and is said to be reminiscent of the natural world. The Story Behind C2 Raku: + Inspired by ancient Japanese pottery + Evokes feelings of serenity and tranquility + Reminiscent of the natural world Pantone’s COTY, Ultra Violet, is a deep, rich purple that is said to evoke feelings of luxury and creativity.
The Rise of Neutral Color Schemes
In recent years, the design world has witnessed a significant shift towards neutral color schemes. Gone are the days of bold, bright colors that dominated the 80s and 90s. Today, designers are opting for a more subtle and sophisticated approach, with a focus on earthy tones and muted hues. Key characteristics of neutral color schemes: + Earthy tones + Muted hues + Subtle and sophisticated + Cohesive and impactful
The Benefits of Neutral Color Schemes
Neutral color schemes offer a multitude of benefits, making them a popular choice among designers and homeowners alike. Some of the key advantages include:
The Rise of Statement Lighting
In recent years, clients have become more discerning in their design choices, seeking statement lighting that not only illuminates the space but also defines the entire room. This shift in preference is driven by the desire for unique and personalized spaces that reflect the homeowner’s style and personality.
The Appeal of Clay-Based Products
Clay-based products, such as lighting, tables, dinnerware, and vases, have been gaining popularity in recent years. These products offer a range of benefits, including:
Natural Plasters and Limewash Paints
Natural plasters and limewash paints remain a popular choice in finishes for home renovation projects. These materials offer a range of benefits, including:
The analysis revealed that the top 5% of homes in the United States are selling for significantly more than the average home price.
The Study’s Key Findings
The Zillow Group’s analysis of their for-sale listings in 2024 uncovered some surprising trends in the US real estate market. The study found that the top 5% of homes in the country are selling for significantly more than the average home price. This means that the top 5% of homes are commanding prices that are 2-3 times higher than the average home price.
The Factors Contributing to This Trend
Several factors are contributing to this trend, including: