DCO Colour Of The Year 2025: A Toast to Colour Trends

DCO Colour Of The Year 2025: A Toast to Colour Trends

As the new year begins, it’s time to explore the colours that will shape our homes and inspire our spaces in 2025. Across the industry, leading paint manufacturers have unveiled their Colours of the Year, each capturing unique aspects of our collective mood. While interpretations differ, there’s a clear thread running through them: a desire for connection, relaxation, and harmony. You will all know me and my approach to colour of the year by now, rather than telling you guys what you need next year I also factor in what I see us actually using in our homes, genuinely popular shades and looks that we can really relate to rather than colour schemes that only fit the bill for a small % of tastes!

Last year I had a heavy focus on neutrals and off whites with some beautiful soft greens in there for good measure. You guys have absolutely loved these and cemented the fact that I do feel like I know what you’re looking for! The 2024 COTY colours definitely catered for the majority of our audience here at DCO and they were a massive hit…Kevin Jonas even slid into my DM’s asking how he could get one of the shades over in the States so for a look back at these gorgeous colours, follow the blog here or shop the collection here and don’t worry about it being for 2024 trends…these shades are timeless!

However, let's not get lost in talking about last year too much. We are here to look ahead to 2025 and I’m really excited about what we’ve pulled together for you. I always start with a look at all of the big manufacturers colours of the year, the catwalk trends for the year ahead (as interior trends always follow) and I regularly have my nose in amongst your orders and colours throughout the year in addition to the Instagram stalking, DM’s and general nosiness ready to pull together what I feel you’re all looking for, for the year ahead. This has resulted in a palette which satisfies our yearning for comfort in a fast paced world (who can relate?! Where did 2024 go!) and has resulted in a nod to cocktails across 12 curated shades designed to bring warmth, balance, and joy to your home.

In this blog we will cover:

A look back: 2024 Colours of the Year

As I mentioned earlier, last year’s core range of colours focused on warm tones and sought-after greens, but I really honed in on finding the perfect neutrals for you. If I had a pound for every time someone asked for help finding the ideal off-white or pale neutral shade, I’d probably be retired by now! That’s why I was so passionate about curating a selection just for you. I focused on five off-white shades and five neutral tones, and you absolutely embraced the vision.

So many of us crave the perfect complementary shade or prefer a minimalist, neutral backdrop in our homes, and bold colours don’t always fit the bill. These shades flew off the shelves, with several of our infamous DCO paint-stirring videos even going viral—one weekend, we even had Kevin Jonas casually sliding into our DMs! The beauty of our DCO Colours of the Year is that they’re all mixed to order on our fabulous paint-mixing machines, meaning you can get them in any size or finish to suit your decorating project or personal style.

Since these are timeless shades, not just fleeting trends, we’re keeping them around. You can shop our previous COTY shades here and explore how I’ve expanded the collection in 2025 a little further down in this blog!

Industry Highlights: 2025 Colours of the Year

Every year, from around September, major paint brands across the globe unveil their Colours of the Year (and I joined them about 4 years ago with a selection of DCO colours of the year!). These selections are carefully chosen based on forecasts of the trends they anticipate for the year ahead. With extensive planning, marketing budgets, manufacturing, and distribution to consider, these colours have often been in development for quite some time.

For 2025, the focus is on shades that embrace serenity and revitalisation. Relaxing and soothing, deeper, rich tones create a cocooning and comforting atmosphere as they envelop a room. We’re seeing a rise in understated mauve-toned purples, earthy browns, and minty blue-green hues for a refreshing boost. On the catwalk, fashion trends are leaning toward cherry reds, luxurious chocolate browns, and burgundy tones—echoed in many of the Colours of the Year and reflected in what you’ve been ordering as we step into the new year.

Here’s a look at some of the standout shades for 2025:

Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate: A deep, warm purple-brown tone that evokes earthy sophistication and offers a soothing, comforting vibe.

“I’m a fan of this colour, I enjoy how cosy this is going to make a room feel! It's darker for sure so a little bolder as a choice but for a calming and relaxing living room or bedroom I think this could be beautiful!”

 

 


Dulux True Joy: An uplifting yellow to fill your home with creative energy, optimism and pride.

“This one isn’t for me I’m afraid, it feels far too bright and I just can’t picture it working in many spaces other than for people that love a maximalist vibe.”

 

 
Valspar Encore: an atmospheric blue that embodies constancy and confidence to let you create a joyful respite from the ebbs and flows of life.

“Similar to the Dulux yellow, this feels far too vibrant to fit the bill of us seeking out comfort from our home environment. Again it feels like it only fits people with a more maximalist style.” 

 


Behr Rumours: A deep ruby red, invigorating yet soothing to add warm and rich allure to any room.

“I like this one, it’s dramatic without being too invigorating. Definitely not one for everyone as it's a bold choice but I do like the ruby undertones of this shade!”

 


Little Greene Mochi: A subtle, chalky pink that exudes quiet elegance and charm.

“I love this shade so much I’ve used it in my own home! Its a stunning muted pink shade so it's warming and feminine without feeling too ballerina and pinky.”


 
Glidden Purple Basil: A rich, spicy plum that adds drama and depth to your decor.

“Similar to the Rumours shade, this deep and impactful purple shade is really stunning but muted so as not to feel too intense (unlike the Encore and True Joy) again due to how deep in shade it is, its not going to be for everyone but I do think in some homes/styles and rooms it's a beautiful choice.”


 
Pantone Mocha Mousse: A deliciously warm brown with a hint of mocha richness. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, describes it as a shade of "thoughtful indulgence," symbolizing both the self-care we deserve and the joy of sharing those moments with others.

 

“This is the best pantone colour of the year I think over the past 5 years. It's a beautiful mocha brown shade with some pinkish undertones. Pantone shades can’t be colour matched in the lab like other shades so I’ve found some alternatives: PPG16-04 Cappuccino, PPG16-05 Caramel Sugar, PPG1081-6 Cinnamon Twist, PPG1071-5 Cool Clay."

  

Each of these shades tells a unique story of reconnection—whether with nature, loved ones, or ourselves.

Introducing Our Cocktail Collection: The DCO Colours of 2025.

And now, as we step into 2025, it’s time to raise a glass to the year ahead with our Cocktail Collection—a palette of 12 shades inspired by your favourite drinks. This collection celebrates the joy of mixing and matching colours while embracing the themes of connection, relaxation, and harmony. Divided into three sets, these shades are designed to create spaces that suit every mood and purpose.

When curating this palette, I focused on selecting shades that not only align with the trends of 2025 but also reflect what you, my customers, are searching for—versatile colours that work beautifully in homes for the many, not just the few. As I began naming the shades, one naturally led me down a cocktail-inspired path. It felt so fitting to toast the new year with a collection that captures the essence of connection, harmony, and relaxation—the very things a cocktail brings to mind! You all know DCO  by now, we aren’t a one size fits all when it comes to our colours of the year. Let's raise our glasses to choice, beautiful colours and the beautiful homes we will create!

The Deeper Shades: Cosy and Impactful

Welcome to the first chapter of our 2025 Colour Palette, where Connection, Comfort, and Harmony take centre stage. These initial four shades embrace the richness and depth of the deeper tones—cosy, impactful, and designed to evoke a sense of grounded serenity. Inspired by the joy of cocktails shared and moments of warmth, these hues will create spaces that invite relaxation, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Warm Sangria: A rich, deep reddish-brown that exudes warmth and elegance, like the comforting swirl of spiced wine on a winter evening.

Whiskey Sour: A burnt orange delight with notes of zest and refinement, reminiscent of golden hours and clinking glasses. 

Vintage Port: A rich, muted mauve with deep, wine-inspired tones. This shade brings the timeless elegance of aged wine into your space, offering a sophisticated, cosy atmosphere perfect for creating a welcoming environment. 

Olive Martini: A muted green that balances earthy calm and timeless charm, inspired by the simplicity of a classic cocktail garnish.

 

    Together, these shades celebrate the art of living, inviting you to create spaces where comfort meets creativity and every day feels like an occasion. These bold, impactful tones are perfect for living rooms, dining spaces, bedrooms or feature walls, where their depth creates a sense of intimacy and character. Pair them with neutral hues like Better Than Beige, Taupe It Off,  The Right White or Snug As A Bug for a balanced look. 

    The Lighter Pastels: Fresh and Invigorating

    As we embrace a new year, these four lighter, pastel-inspired shades are here to uplift and energise. Reflecting the theme of Connection, Comfort, and Harmony, this part of the palette is designed to invigorate your spaces and inspire optimism. These hues are like a breath of fresh air—bright, delicate, and brimming with the promise of new beginnings.

    Mojito: A light and grassy green that feels as refreshing and revitalizing as its namesake cocktail. 

    Frozen Margarita: A cool, minty hue that adds a crisp and calming touch to your home. 

    Rosé All Day: A soft pastel pink that brings a playful yet elegant blush to any space. 

    Champagne Spritz: A light, golden-toned neutral that sparkles with subtle sophistication and warmth.

     

      Together, these shades create an atmosphere of renewal and lightness, setting the perfect tone for stepping into 2025 with clarity and optimism. These lighter shades are perfect for a family kitchen area, home office space or a bedroom where you like to start the day invigorated. Pair them with the deeper tones for contrast or use them as stand alone shades for a serene, minimalist aesthetic. If you’re using these as a feature wall, our neutrals Fresh Start, The Right White, Windswept and Flat White will work perfectly.

      The Essential Neutrals: The Perfect Backdrop.

      Our essential neutrals are designed to create a calming, peaceful environment—whether you're pairing them with the bolder or pastel tones of our cocktail collection or letting them shine on their own. These versatile shades provide a harmonious backdrop that enhances your space, making it the perfect place to unwind and connect.

      Better Than Beige: A soft, welcoming shade that elevates any room with its understated warmth. 

      Taupe It Off: A taupe that brings depth and sophistication, blending effortlessly with other tones whilst still not darkening your space too much.  

      Essential Greige: A timeless greige shade that adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the senses or leaning too yellow or too grey. 

      Delicate Cream: A warm, gentle hue that creates a serene ambiance, perfect for those who appreciate a subtle touch of warmth.

       

        I pictured these shades as the essential mixers to your spirits, creating the perfect cocktail of colour. These neutrals are designed to work seamlessly across the deeper tones and pastel shades in our collection, tying everything together effortlessly. Neutrals have long been a popular choice for homes because of their versatility and timeless appeal. They act as a perfect canvas, allowing bolder colours to shine or creating a calm, understated backdrop when used on their own. They’re also ideal for the trending colour-drenching technique, where walls, ceilings, and even woodwork are painted in the same shade to envelop a space in a soothing, cohesive palette. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement with one of our deeper tones or prefer a minimalist, tranquil aesthetic, these neutrals provide a beautiful foundation for any style of home.

        Ahead Of The Trend : Our existing DCO colours.

        As I researched and looked over the 2025 colours of the year, I realised a number of our previous colours of the year have clearly been ahead of the trend and fit in with the colour forecasts for 2025. He’s a quick re-visit to the existing DCO colours that also deliver on the 2025 trends of warmth, serenity and revitalisation. 

        Shadow Taupe: a stunning taupe shade with reddish undertones giving a hint of a mauve feel.

        Deep Breath: a lovely soft grey green with minty undertones.

        Retreat: a light, warm green grey with pearly undertones. 

        Canyon: a rustic, earthy orange with copper undertones. 

        Stay Grounded: a soft, peachy beige with earthy undertones. 

        COTY 06: a deep, shaded raspberry chocolate purple with a dusty rose undertone.

        Earthy Ochre: a beautiful clay yellow shade with warming brown undertones. 

        Mocha: a warming brown shade with warming reddish undertones.


          

        As many of you will know by now, all of our paint is mixed up to order here at DCO on one of our many fabulous paint mixing machines. This gives us the ultimate flexibility, even across our paint colours of the year. We can match your colour choice to any one of our many paint finishes depending on what your project is and your personal style around sheen levels. Then we have handy paint calculators across our website to help work out exactly what quantity you’ll need to avoid you spending unnecessary cash and having any wasted paint. I have an in depth paint finishes blog here but for a quick recap here are some of our most popular paint finishes:

        Leyland Trade Vinyl Matt - a flat matt finish that is dry wipeable. A great choice for low traffic rooms like a bedroom or a living room. 

        Leyland Trade Hardwearing Matt - a flat matt that offers a scrubbable finish. A great choice for high traffic areas like a hallway or kitchen. 

        Leyland Trade Hardwearing Acrylic Eggshell - a light sheen finish of approximately 15-18% that is suitable for use on both your walls and your woodwork. With some anti mould properties too this finish is a great choice for high traffic areas or bathrooms. 

        Zinsser Perma White - a specialist paint finish designed to withstand high humidity areas preventing the growth of mould and mildew. Perfect for bathrooms, garden rooms or anywhere with a cold external wall that is prone to mould growth. Suitable for walls or woodwork. 

        Zinsser All Coat - available in matt, satin or gloss, this super paint has a primer built in which makes it suitable for pretty much any surface. Radiators, front doors, kitchen cupboards…the lot! For high shine/glossy surfaces we recommend utilising an adhesion primer also like Zinsser BIN. 

        We have created all of our 2025 colours of the year with an easy to shop drop down box for the Leyland Trade finishes however across all of the paint products on our website in the free text field you can simply add ‘Warm Sangria, Colour of the year 2025’ before selecting your size and we can mix up your paint for you!

        A Final Cheers - Here’s To Our Homes In 2025!

        As we navigate a fast-paced world, our homes have become our sanctuaries. The DCO Colour Of The Year 2025 Cocktail Collection is designed to help you create spaces that foster connection—with loved ones, with nature, and with yourself. Whether you’re curling up in a Whiskey Sour-inspired living room or hosting friends in a Champagne Spritz dining area, these colours bring a sense of ease and harmony to every corner of your home. So raise your brush, and let’s toast to a beautiful 2025!

        Helen x

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