Why 2025’s Color Trends Are Rooted in the Past—and Why That’s a Good Thing

Why 2025’s Color Trends Are Rooted in the Past—and Why That’s a Good Thing

Every year, top paint companies and design platforms announce their Colors of the Year, offering insight into the hues we’ll see shaping interiors, fashion, and even branding. I am endlessly fascinated by trend predictions and how cycles emerge in our collective tastes (although, who would have predicted the return of butterfly clips, bucket hats, and demin maxi skirts? My inner tween is thrilled.).

In 2025, something fascinating is happening—these trending colors feel like they’ve been pulled straight from the past (but in a far more tasteful way than my Blossom-inspired fashion choices). From warm browns to muted greens, soft yellows to historical blues, this year’s palette is deeply influenced by antique and vintage aesthetics.

Take a look at the palette Pantone, Benjamin Moore, HGTV, and more predict to be top picks this year:

So why are we collectively drawn to these colors now? The answer lies in cultural shifts, a growing appreciation for historical homes, and a desire for more timeless, sustainable choices in design.

The Influence of Historical Homes

Historical homes have been having a moment. Whether it’s through social media accounts dedicated to restoring Victorian and Colonial homes, or the rise of aesthetics like Grandmillennial and Cottagecore, people are looking to the past for inspiration. There’s a growing appreciation for craftsmanship, materials that stand the test of time, and colors that feel connected to nature and tradition.

The 2025 color trends reflect this beautifully. Colors like Delft blue, Ashwood Moss, and Spiced Cider wouldn’t feel out of place in an 18th-century farmhouse or a turn-of-the-century brownstone. Even the warm neutrals, like Nomadic Desert and Chowning’s Tan, recall the natural patinas of aged wood and plaster walls. These colors work in modern homes not just because they’re beautiful, but because they carry a sense of history with them.

Timeless Colors for Sustainable Design

Fast furniture and trendy design choices often lead to waste—what’s in style one year may feel outdated just a few years later. But by choosing colors rooted in historical palettes, we’re naturally making more sustainable decisions.

Think about it: Mocha Mousse, Leather Saddle Brown, and Sea Salt are warm, grounding colors that have been used in homes for centuries. A kitchen painted in Butter Yellow will feel as charming in 10 years as it does today and as it did 75 years ago. Even bolder choices, like Cherry Red, tie back to classic design elements, from antique rugs to vintage signage. These are hues that have staying power, which means less waste and a home that feels effortlessly timeless.

The Comfort of Familiar Colors

Beyond aesthetics and sustainability, there’s also an emotional reason why we’re drawn to these colors. In uncertain times, people seek comfort in familiar, grounding elements. The warm browns and deep greens in this year’s palette evoke nature, stability, and nostalgia. They remind us of old libraries, well-loved leather chairs, and sunlit kitchens where generations have gathered. Even the cool whites and pale pastels have a softness to them—Tissue Pink and Glacier White feel welcoming rather than stark.

In many ways, these color trends are a reaction to our fast-paced, digital world. They encourage us to slow down, appreciate craftsmanship, and create homes that feel like sanctuaries. By looking to the past, we’re making choices that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

Bringing These Colors Into Your Home

If you’re drawn to these hues, consider ways to incorporate them in a way that complements your home’s architecture and existing decor. Whether it’s through painted walls, upholstery, or small accents (ahem you're in the right place for art accents with these hues!), these colors can add depth and character to any space. In my next post, I’ll dive into how to mix and match these colors in an antique modern home to create a look that’s both classic and fresh.

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