17 Gorgeous Paint Colors For A Happy Home, According To Color Experts

Dark Espresso Wood

I’m not sure this ever qualified as good design, but espresso-colored veneer was everywhere just a few years ago. Heavy, dark finishes tend to make spaces feel gloomy, and frankly, cheap. Instead, opt for natural, solid woods like white oak or walnut. While they may cost more upfront, they're a smart lifelong investment because of their durability and timelessness.

Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets

This room is cringe on so many levels. Rooms lack personality when everything matches perfectly, but also this trad furniture with rolled arms and decorative nail heads are a bit gag-inducing. Instead, choose sophisticated styles, from sleek curves to classic and modern silhouettes, paired with vintage pieces for a layered, lived-in look.

The Color Grey

It's had its heyday, but grey needs to go in 2025. It was just so overdone. I admittedly still have a grey sofa from West Elm that is now 10 years old and it *will* go in 2025. Instead, I'll look for earthy, natural, and warm colors to replace it.

Metal Beds

Metal bed frames can feel cold and stark when your bedroom should feel warm and cozy. They don't inspire good feng shui too because it's thought that the energy flows too quickly through metal, creating a sense of restlessness or heightened activity. Not something you want in your bedroom! A wooden or upholstered bed is a much better choice for a calmer, more grounded space to sleep.

Glam French Country

The charm of French country is its simplicity and authenticity — there’s nothing overtly glamorous about it. This bed is a little too "extra." True French country style emphasizes natural woods, organic fibers, and timeless, understated decor.

Mid Century Modern

There is a timelessness to the clean lines and quality of midcentury modern design, but homes are becoming cozier, less minimal, and leaning into curvier shapes and elevated designs.

Bulky Furniture

Heavy-weighted sofas with rolled arms are making way for low-seated, modular sofas in sophisticated shapes.

Futons

Sleeper sofas are becoming more comfortable and stylish, leaving the dorm-room vibe of futons a thing of the past.

Boho

For those who love this aesthetic, don't worry. Rustic is still in, but in an elevated way with natural fibers, colors, and reclaimed woods still in the mix. That said, it's time to lose the macramé wall hangings, eclectic mix of furniture and textiles, and plants everywhere in rattan pots.

Teal Furniture

While playful and eye-catching, this color is a bit garish. Look for subdued and sophisticated jewel tones for colors that will stand the test of time. Here are home color trends that will be huge in 2025 and beyond.

Barn Door Beds

Barn doors, outside of a barn, are definitely out, but this tacky farmhouse look especially needs to go.

Industrial Anything

Metal chairs, exposed Edison bulbs, kitschy steampunk decor is a home decor scene that needs to stay way back in the past. Update the look with softer, more organic accents like a wood farm table with linen slipcovered chairs.

Recliners

Dad's Lazyboy needs to stay hidden in his man cave or officially go. The bulky chairs, while super comfortable, can dominate a room. Instead, look for accent chairs that are still really comfortable but look sleek and modern.

Tuscan Kitchens

If you're on the hunt for a first home, you might see this popular kitchen trend from the early 2000s everywhere. Instead,upgrade to a modern Mediterranean look with warm neutrals and natural stone materials.

Glass-Top Tables

Glass-top dining and coffee tables can feel cold and impractical (they require constant cleaning!). Instead, choose wood or stone dining tables for a sturdier, earthier vibe.

Gold Hardware

Unlacquered brass is on trend in kitchens and baths, but this faux gold look that conjures up '80s brass needs to go.

Corduroy Upholstery

Corduroy upholstery may be affordable, but it often ends up looking cheap and dated. For a more refined and timeless feel, opt for fabrics like wool, velvet, or natural linen.

Chevron and Overly Geometric Patterns

Chevron patterns have been on their way out for a couple years now, but 2025 is the time to truly let them go. Buh-bye!

Aubergine

Purple has taken a backseat in home decor trends over the past few years, but 2025 is set to change that in a big way. From Glidden's 2025 Color of the Year, Purple Basil, to Benjamin Moore's moody and nature-inspired Cinnamon Slate — a rich mix of purple and brown — even Farrow & Ball’s opulent Brinjal and Coordonné Paints' lush Berenjena, deep, rich purples are making a much-welcome return. These shades embody everything we love about purple hues: royalty, luxury, creativity, and a little mystery.

Mocha Mousse

Pantone Color of the Year, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, is a deliciously warm brown that blends two of my favorite things: coffee and chocolate. This cozy, yet refined hue is rich without being overpowering, with a muted sophistication (think: coffee with a splash of cream) that instantly warms up a space. Pantone describes it as the color of comfort, and I couldn’t agree more. “Mocha Mousse is the perfect choice for 2025," says designer Ashley Stark. "Mocha Mousse offers endless possibilities for decorating, whether it’s through a plush rug, a soothing carpet, or as a base for bold pops of color like deep jewel tones or metallics. This versatile shade opens up a world of design options, making it a timeless and adaptable addition to any space."

Brick Red

Brick Red, a warm and inviting hue, is stepping into the spotlight for 2025. Colors like BEHR’s color of the year, Rumors, are embracing the growing trend of burgundy-inspired tones. With its deep red base and subtle brown undertones, Brick Red adds the perfect touch of warmth and depth to your earthy decor.

Chartreuse

Named after the French liqueur, Chartreuse sits between yellow and green on the color spectrum and can range from a neon-like brightness to softer, more muted tones. Its a unique balance of warmth from its yellow undertones and coolness from its green hues, giveing it a versatile quality that gets along with a variety of palettes. Look for it in Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color of the Year Capsuleand Article's Abisko Velvet Sectional.

Sky Blue

This classic and versatile color can't help but create calm, serene spaces (think bedrooms and bathrooms) while still being fresh and fun. Often associated with the sky and sea, the color pairs perfectly with a variety of styles, from coastal and cottage to modern and minimalist, and complements neutrals like white, beige, and gray for a crisp, modern look. For a softer palette, sky blue, like in Anthropologie's Velvet Lawson Chair, with blush pinks and muted greens for a perfect 2025 color mix.

Truffle Brown

Browns remain a dominant force in home decor, and truffle shades like Graham & Brown's Color of the Year, Elderton, are rich, warm and incredibly versatile. Use them in furniture, textiles, and accessories. Truffle brown pairs beautifully with earthy neutrals, soft creams, or even jewel tones, and can be used as a statement wall color or an accent in decor pieces.

Clove

This moody neutral, like one of Sherwin Williams's COY Clove orBenjamin Moore Wrought Iron, add drama and sophistication to any room, from half baths if you want to use just a little to living room and bar areas like this Austin-based design from Arterberry Cooke.

Dusty Pink

The blush-painted molding in this kids' room designed by Bungalowe elevates the entire space, but you don't have to limit dusty pinks to girl's rooms. In 2025, consider it on kitchen cabinets, in bathrooms, bedrooms, even a home office for a soothing, relaxed, even romantic vibe. This muted shade of pink offers a warm, inviting feel and pairs beautifully with earthy tones like terracotta, beige, and olive green.

Deep Forest Green

The perfectly imperfect look of this Zia Zellige Racing Green tile complements the refined elegance of this bathroom designed by Karan and Sapna Aggarwal of Bungalowe. Deep, rich jewel tones like deep forest green are grounding spaces and adding a touch of elegance to any space.

Honey

Warm neutrals like honey, soft beige, and warm white complement the shades of rich browns like Dunn-Edwards's Color of the Year Caramelized. Look for it on honey-colored woods and paints for your 2025 refresh!

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"