2025 colour trends that will last beyond the year.
A renovation or redecorating is complicated enough without colour selection adding to the chaos. You want your space to feel fresh and design-led but not so on trend that you’re itching to repaint again next year.
So, which 2025 colour trends are actually worth getting on board with?
Forever Green
Green has long been a favourite when introducing colour in New Zealand homes. In 2025, we’re seeing a shift from sage tones into deeper, more grounded greens that feel earthy and full of depth.
Some tones are so soothing they behave almost as neutrals (we’re looking at you, Olive), working particularly well in north facing spaces where the natural light reveals their complexity.
At its core, green is about balance. A perfect blend of yellow and blue, symbolizing calmness, nature, the idea of growth and renewal. And in a world that’s anything but predictable, green feels like the colour we all need right now.
Chic Brown
Brown is back but not the traditional heavy browns of the past. Today’s are softer, more refined and surprisingly chic. Think undertones of ochre or pink that create gentle chocolate and clay tones. They’re evocative, comforting and quietly sophisticated.
Their strength lies in versatility. These browns play well across a range of palettes, ideal for cocooning spaces, restful bedrooms or anywhere you’re craving a calm grounding feeling.
Organic Neutrals
It’s no secret we’ve moved beyond crisp, stark whites. Organic neutrals are softer with a relaxed energy - think creamy tones that are warm, almost enveloping.
Swapping out a bright white for a neutral with a little more depth can completely transform the atmosphere of a space. Suddenly, there’s a softness, a sense of ease. That feeling comes from the layering of underlying pigments like umber, yellow oxide, violet, green and burgundy to create colours that feel natural but quietly complex.
We call them organic neutrals because of their ability to bring a natural lived-in quality to a space, without ever feeling flat or clinical.
Matured Blue
Another favourite in New Zealand homes and for good reason, it’s classic, versatile and deeply calming. But in 2025 blue is maturing.
There’s less of the nautical pops and more nuanced tones, mid blues softened with grey, or rich navy that bring serious depth and mood.
It’s the way we’re using blue that feels fresh. Instead of a scatter of accents, it’s about going all in, taking colour drenching across the furnishings to create atmosphere and cohesion. Leaning into the drama by pairing different tones in the same space or keeping things light and breezy with softer dusty tones in bedrooms.
Either way, the key is to keep it intentional and tonal. That’s what makes it feel modern.
Feature walls are growing up
The classic ‘one bold wall’ trick? It’s officially retired.
Today’s feature walls are more considered and integrated. Full colour drenching (yes, ceilings too) feels immersive. Or for something more subtle, try highlighting unexpected areas, an alcove, archway or cabinetry for a moment of surprise, in a way that adds colour without shouting.
Let the room’s layout guide you, what deserves attention? Where can colour add a sense of rhythm, mood or surprise?
This isn’t about adding colour for the sake of it – it’s about using it to tell a story, one that fits how you want the space to feel.
Less theory more feel
Let’s be honest no one walks into a room and says ‘Love those undertones’ but you do hear ‘This feels so like you’ or ‘I love how relaxed this feels’.
Trends are great for inspiration but good colour choices start with instinct. That first, gut level reaction to a space. It’s not about getting technical, it’s about asking:
How do I want this room to feel?
What mood do I want to create?
What do I want to feel when I walk in?
How would it feel to live in this colour, everyday?
That’s where good design begins.
Want to try colour?
We get it, on paper it all makes sense but in practice navigating paint charts, comparing colours and second guessing choices can get overwhelming fast.
And that’s where Pigment can help.
A Pigment colour consultation takes the pressure off. We distill your ideas, bring expert direction, craft a cohesive scheme that works with your space, light and lifestyle. Sampling? Sorted. All you need to do is paint. Find out more.