Interior design trends are constantly evolving, and 2025 is proving to be no exception to this rule. Several colors that were once considered essential for modern living spaces are now falling out of favor, particularly in living room design. According to Homes and Gardens, certain color palettes that dominated recent years are now being actively avoided by designers who want to stay current with emerging decorating trends.
Neutral tones, which have been heavily favored by interior architects in recent years, are experiencing a significant decline in popularity. Colors like beige, taupe, and gray, once thought to be timeless and foolproof choices, are actually losing their appeal among design professionals. These subdued shades are being replaced by more bold and daring color choices that add character and personality to living spaces.
Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore, explains that overly neutral tones are no longer highly appreciated in the design community. Saturated hues, on the other hand, are gaining favor among designers and decorators because they allow for greater personalization of a room. This shift reflects a broader movement toward more dynamic color palettes that respond to the demand for modernity and individual expression in home design.
Sage green, which was once a standout color frequently showcased across social media platforms, is also losing its dominance in 2025. Many design experts now consider this particular shade to be overused and too predictable for contemporary spaces. The color's omnipresence in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms has begun to create fatigue among both designers and homeowners, leading interior architects to favor more vibrant green tones that inject fresh energy into spaces.
However, sage green isn't expected to completely disappear from interior design. The color can still be effectively used in furniture pieces or decorative accessories to add natural touches to rooms. For those looking to refresh their living rooms, design experts recommend opting for more saturated green tones rather than the muted sage that has dominated recent years.
Pastel colors are also becoming less favored by decoration experts and interior design professionals. While these light, soft tones previously brought a feminine and elegant touch to living spaces, they now appear somewhat disconnected from current design trends. Pastel shades are expected to give way to more natural, earthier tones that better align with contemporary aesthetic preferences.
This evolution toward warmer, more grounded colors can be explained by a growing need for warmth, authenticity, and a general return to simplicity in home design. Shauna Dennison-Taylor, Creative Director at Penny Morrison, emphasizes that cool tones simply don't provide the comfort sensation that homeowners are increasingly seeking in their living spaces.
As we move toward the end of 2025 and into 2026, living rooms are expected to become more vibrant and alive, adopting nuances of brown and moss green that create a much more familial and welcoming atmosphere. This shift represents a significant departure from the somewhat bland interiors that have characterized recent years, moving toward environments that prioritize comfort and natural warmth over stark minimalism.
