Each year, major paint brands unveil their Color of the Year, a reflection of global influences—economic conditions, cultural moods, and shifting consumer desires. These selections capture the collective sentiment of the time, responding to how people want to live and feel in their spaces.
For 2025 *drum roll*…… A return to warmth, depth, and understated luxury!
What Drives Color Trends?
Historically, color trends are influenced by socio-economic conditions. When uncertainty looms, people gravitate toward comforting, familiar hues. In prosperous times, bolder, more experimental colors emerge. The 2025 palette embodies quiet sophistication, which emphasizes a sense of stability, well-being, and simplicity.
The 2025 Color Palette
From left to right.
• Behr’s “Rumors “– A deep crimson evoking warmth, elegance, and a hint of drama.
• Sherwin-Williams’ “Quietude” – A curated mix of nine earthy, grounding shades.
• Pantone’s “Mocha Mousse” – A soft brown inspired by coffee and chocolate, emphasizing comfort and indulgence in the simple moments.
• Benjamin Moore’s “Cinnamon Slate” – A rich mix of heathered plum and brown, offering depth and modern sensibility.
Together, these colors suggest a desire for homes to feel inviting, grounded, and effortlessly elegant—a sentiment that aligns with today’s luxury real estate landscape. The Behr conducted a survey to 1,000 US adults and respondents described these shades as glamorous (51%), luxurious (57%), and expensive (47%).
The Rise of “Quiet Luxury” in Interior Design
The term Quiet Luxury refers to timeless elegance. Instead of flashy displays of wealth, today’s high-net-worth buyers seek spaces that feel refined, effortless, and enduring.
So what does this look like in practice?
• Soft, neutral palettes – Colors like Rumors, Mocha Mousse and Cinnamon Slate, create a serene, move-in-ready appeal that buyers find irresistible.
• Natural materials – Think stone, aged wood, linen, and leather—materials that age beautifully and exude craftsmanship.
• Subtle texture layering – Plaster walls, fluted wood paneling, boucle sofas, and cashmere throws create an inviting, tactile experience.
• Muted metallics – Aged brass and warm bronze replace high-shine finishes, adding depth without excess.
For buyers in communities like Kukio, Hualalai, and Mauna Kea, this style embodies sophisticated ease, just like the feeling of walking into a perfectly designed boutique hotel that doesn’t try too hard.
The Emotional Appeal of Color in Real Estate
At its core, real estate is about emotion. Buyers choose homes that make them feel unique and satisfied. For sellers, understanding this buyer desire can be a strategic advantage. Staging with a muted, textural color palette aligned with Quiet Luxury makes a home feel move-in ready and inherently desirable.
For homeowners considering renovations, selling luxury homes, or developers curating high-end residences, the takeaway is clear: quiet sophistication sells.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a luxury home on the Big Island, we’re here to guide you. Let’s connect and explore the island’s most exquisite properties.