Neutrals may never go out of style, but moody and bright colors are definitely becoming more popular in home design. In 2025, design experts are predicting that homeowners will fully lean into designing personalized spaces that reflect their style. When it comes to choosing a paint color, we’re going to see a lot more adventurous hues in the new year — think bold blue, warm red and rich purple.
Knowing that homeowners are embracing more color, Glidden has chosen a warm, high-impact hue as it’s 2025 color of the year: Purple Basil (PPG1046-7).
The dramatic paint color adds personality to any space, whether it’s used on walls, kitchen cabinets or an exterior surface, like the front door. Experiment with color drenching in the living room, coating the walls, trim and ceiling in the unexpected shade. Or, use Purple Basil on a smaller scale — imagine a bedroom accent wall, bathroom vanity or the inside of cabinet doors.
“Purple Basil is a bold yet adaptable color that adds energy to a room without overpowering it,” says Alyson Ferrari, PPG color expert for Glidden. The rich shade, a combination of cool blue and warm red, adds vibrance to an interior while still feeling cozy and comfortable.
“It gives people freedom to reintroduce color into their space while remaining timeless, sophisticated and elegant. For homeowners who are hesitant to step away from neutrals, Purple Basil is the perfect color to elevate a space, as it plays on the line of dramatic yet safe, encouraging them to add color to their space in a way that feels comfortable.”
Glidden’s color choice represents a shift in home design we’ve been predicting for a while. While many homeowners still appreciate the visual appeal that all-white interiors, ultra-modern designs and a minimalist aesthetic can offer, many are willing to take more of a design risk, too.
“As a designer who has always embraced color, I am thrilled color is back and homeowners have more confidence than ever to use color,” says Sarah Fishburne, trend and design director for The Home Depot. “We’re seeing people really start to understand their design aesthetic and be more authentic to what makes them happy.”
Color isn’t only making a comeback in interiors — it’s trending for exteriors, too. Use Purple Basil to refresh the front door, shutters or window boxes to bring a pop of color outdoors. Glidden experts also recommend the color for architectural trim on a vintage home.
“So many people start their color selection journey looking at bold hues, but ultimately settle for a more expected or muted color,” said Ashley McCollum, PPG color expert for Glidden. “This year, we are encouraging these ‘color chip daydreamers,’ as we call them, to put aside trepidation about what the neighbors will think or potential resale value.”
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
