The Rise of Earthy Tones: Brown and Green are Changing the Interiors Game
Beiges will be usurped by two emerging earthy hues as the preferred neutral shades in 2025.
Welcome folks! Let's chat about the hottest trend in home decor for 2025 – the takeover of beige by brown and green! Say goodbye to the usual neutral star of interiors and get ready for some serious style shake-up. So, why these two earthy shades, and what makes them the new go-to neutrals?
Sara Hesikova, our resident Content Editor and our platform's Certified Expert in Training on Furniture, shares the scoop. Last year was all about beige, and while it's not completely out of the game, it's stepping aside to make room for more popular hues that set the mood for 2025.
So, what colors are taking over from beige? You guessed it – browns and greens are stealing the spotlight, bringing their warm, comforting vibes to interiors. Here's why:
Kate Palmer, Creative Director at The Painted Furniture Company, explains the shift: “In 2025, we're seeing beige slowly step aside in favor of warmer, earthier tones, particularly rich browns and muted greens." This evolution in color preference reflects a broad move away from sterile minimalism towards richer, more layered interiors. People are favoring colors that tell a story, evoke emotion, and bring a sense of place.
While beige will always hold a special spot as a classic backdrop, 2025 is all about colors that make us feel cozy, inspired, and connected to our environment. The fact that beige is being replaced by not one but two different earthy colors speaks volumes about the current, highly individualistic approach to home decorating.
Brown: The New Neutral
Remember when Pantone announced Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230) as their Color of the Year for 2025? Yep, it was just a confirmation that what we were seeing was already happening – brown was becoming the new go-to neutral shade.
According to Ashif Kazee from Roccia, people are increasingly seeking calmer neutrals that still feel vibrant, and brown fits the bill. These warmer browns offer the same versatility as beige but with a modern edge and emotional depth that beige lacks.
For instance, Lucie Mather, interiors expert from Arighi Bianchi, points out that shades like latte or espresso are being used as a foundational neutral but still pack a punch with depth and sophistication. “With these browner neutrals, light plays a crucial role," she explains.
There’s a much greater contrast when surfaces featuring these coffee and earthy tones are hit by natural daylight compared to the evening when they take on a more cocooning and dramatic quality.” This variation is a real asset in interior design, allowing you to create different moods within the same space depending on the time of day or occasion.
Green: The Perfect Neutral Companion
Green has been popular for a few years now, thanks to the biophilic design trend that took off around the pandemic. But this year, earthier and more muted takes on green are in the limelight as the new go-to neutrals.
According to Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Color Expert at Dulux, “green’s always been a neutral as it's just a natural extension of being surrounded by living plants in our gardens and the wider nature." That's the magic of green – it pairs well with almost every other color you can think of.
And get this – it's specifically sage and olive green tones that are gaining popularity, as they embrace our collective craving for more connection to the natural world. These soft greens work beautifully in almost any room, drawing you into a world of harmonious comfort.
From soft and comfy swivel chairs in chic green bouclé to stylish washable rugs boasting abstract-style brushstrokes, it's easy to incorporate these earthy hues into your home. So, whether you're embracing the trend or are already ahead of the curve, brown and green are definitely worth considering for your next interiors makeover.
Sources:
- Brown is the new beige: Experts reveal why you should be decorating with richer tones this season. Daily Express
- Brown and Green are the New Neutrals in Interior Design. Houzz
- How to Incorporate Green into Your Home Design. Better Homes & Gardens
In the realm of interior design, minimalism is evolving to incorporate warmer, earthier tones such as brown and green, reflecting a shift towards richer, more layered environments that tell a story and evoke emotion. Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might find inspiration in the trendy use of brown swivel chairs in chic green bouclé, while food-and-drink aficionados can create a harmonious, comforting atmosphere with earthy green washable rugs. Meanwhile, home-and-garden lovers can embrace this connection to nature by incorporating sage and olive green tones into their outdoor spaces.
