How to Use the 2025 and 2026 Colour Trends Sensibly in Your Projects

Every year brings new colours into the spotlight — and 2025 is no different. Earthy clays, deep greens, warmer neutrals, and rich, moody tones are all trending. But here’s the real question: how do you use them in your home without regretting it in three years?

Short answer: Use 2025 colour trends as accents, layer them with timeless neutrals, and always test them in your own space before committing. Trends can inspire, but the key is applying them in ways that feel personal, practical, and enduring.

What’s trending in 2025?

• Earthy, warm neutrals: Clay, caramel, sandy beige

• Deep moody greens & blues: Olive, emerald, midnight

• Two-tone cabinetry / double drenching: Layered depth instead of single flat colour

• Textural finishes: Matte, fluted, ribbed, veined surfaces

• Warmer whites: Creams and stone-based whites replacing cool greys

5 ways to use these trends sensibly

1. Keep the base timeless

Cabinetry, flooring, and benchtops are the most expensive to change. Stick to warm whites, timber, or stone neutrals here, and bring in trend colours through accents.

2. Use colour where it’s swap-able

Paint, splashbacks, bar stools, lighting, and textiles are perfect for experimenting. These can be updated in 5–10 years without a full renovation.

3. Limit trends to one feature

Choose one hero: a deep green island, a clay-toned splashback, or moody pendant lights. Multiple “trends” layered together can date a space fast.

4. Always test in your light

Colours look different in Hawke’s Bay’s coastal sun vs shaded villa kitchens. Buy a test pot or order a large swatch, and live with it for a week before deciding.

5. Think undertones, not just colours

Choose muted, natural undertones (clay vs bright orange, sage vs neon green). These feel grounded and age gracefully.

Local context: Hawke’s Bay

With strong natural light and many open-plan homes, lighter tones paired with a single rich accent work beautifully here. In character villas, clay and deep greens complement timber trims, while in 70s/80s homes, layering warm whites with moody blues can modernise without clashing.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Painting all cabinetry in a bold trend colour — expensive to change later.

• Forgetting about flooring and lighting undertones (they can clash with trendy tones).

• Following Pinterest too literally without considering your own home’s light and proportions.