Toward the end of every year, major paint manufacturers announce the Color of the Year, and it’s something color nerds like myself anxiously await. Sometimes, the paint color companies get it right with a beautiful, versatile color (like 2022’s Evergreen Fog), and sometimes they really miss the mark.
This year, Sherwin Williams did something different and announced the very first Color Capsule of the Year, which is a collection of colors, instead of just one! I LOVE this idea, but truthfully, I don’t love a lot of colors in the capsule. I’ll tell you why – having had the chance to sample them all, I just feel a lot of them aren’t suited for very many homes.
Paint companies take their cues from a lot of sources, and some of them just aren’t super relatable. It’s like runway fashion - there’s a lot of unique, really cool ideas, but most of what ends up on the runway is not practical for our closets.
So, this got me thinking... as a color expert who routinely works closely with real home owners, what colors would I choose for a 2025 Color Capsule? Colors are definitely trending warmer, with a shift away from completely neutral homes to bold, colorful accents (and even color drenching - painting walls, trim and ceiling the same color), and Sherwin Williams did take cues from this for sure, but my picks would be different.
With these trends in mind, but also what I know from what works in real homes, I’ve personally curated my own special list of colors, with options for every home and design style. I’ve paired this information with my top picks for materials, finishes and design styles, but these are not hard rules by any means. These picks were also selected for their versatility :)
Greek Villa (SW 7551)
Undertones: Soft, creamy white with warm undertones.
Pair With: Brass or antique gold hardware, marble countertops, and warm wood floors.
Style Match: Traditional, Farmhouse, or Coastal.
Trend: Perfect for creating bright, airy spaces.
Pure White (SW 7005)
Undertones: Crisp, neutral white with just a hint of warmth for balance.
Pair With: Any metal finish, sleek modern furnishings, and both warm and cool color accents.
Style Match: Minimalist, Modern, or Transitional.
Trend: Ideal for those seeking clean, timeless interiors, especially for trim, cabinetry, or full-room applications.
Gorgeous White (SW 6049)
Undertones: Slight pink-beige undertone that adds warmth and softness.
Pair With: Rose gold finishes, plush textiles, and natural fibers like jute or linen.
Style Match: Scandinavian, Contemporary, or Transitional.
Trend: Works well to add a touch of fun, fresh color to layered neutral schemes.
Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
Undertones: Muted beige with a hint of gray for balance and versatility.
Pair With: Black iron hardware, textured fabrics, and warm woods.
Style Match: Modern Farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, or Traditional.
Trend: Works well with the resurgence of warm neutrals, aligning with a cozy aesthetic.
Canvas Tan (SW 7531)
Undertones: Warm tan that leans beige (not yellow) with neutral undertones.
Pair With: Oil-rubbed bronze finishes, natural stone, and woven accents.
Style Match: Rustic, Mountain, Bohemian or Coastal.
Trend: Pairs seamlessly with earth tones and organic materials.
Clary Sage (SW 6178)
Undertones: A soft, muted green with gray undertones.
Pair With: Matte black hardware, brushed nickel, and light oak finishes.
Style Match: Cottagecore, Traditional, or Eclectic.
Trend: Green shades are trending for their soothing properties and connection to nature.
Smoky Blue (SW 7604)
Undertones: Dusty blue with cool gray undertones.
Pair With: Polished chrome, white wainscoting, and medium-tone woods.
Style Match: Coastal, Transitional, Modern and Maximalist.
Trend: A go-to accent for creating serene, ocean-inspired spaces.
Storm Cloud (SW 6249)
Undertones: Deep blue-gray with a moody, dramatic tone.
Pair With: Pewter hardware, dark wood, and leather accents.
Style Match: Industrial, Contemporary, or Moody Maximalism.
Trend: Bold statement walls and "moody minimalism" themes.
Westhaven (SW 9675)
Undertones: A sophisticated blue-green with gray undertones.
Pair With: Brushed nickel, rattan, and light wood tones for balance.
Style Match: Transitional, Modern Coastal, or Modern Farmhouse.
Trend: Blue-green tones are versatile options, creating bold accents and calm spaces.
Billiard Green (SW 0016)
Undertones: Classic, rich green with slight blue-gray undertones.
Pair With: Gold hardware, dark walnut, and velvet textiles.
Style Match: Traditional, English Country, or Art Deco.
Trend: Statement greens for libraries, dens, and accent furniture.
Carnelian (SW 7580)
Undertones: A deep red with subtle brown undertones.
Pair With: Aged bronze, deep mahogany, and leather.
Style Match: Victorian, Moody Boho, or Maximalist.
Trend: Dark, moody tones that add warmth and timeless sophistication to interiors.
Hardware, Materials, and Finishes
There aren’t a lot of rules when it comes to metal finishes these days, and it’s okay to mix and match throughout your home. With this in mind, here are some recommendations for each group of colors (no hard rules here - if your fave is not listed, you’re probably still fine!):
Warm Whites & Neutrals (Greek Villa, Pure White, Gorgeous White, Accessible Beige, Canvas Tan):
Opt for warm metals like brass, gold or copper. Natural materials like rattan, linen and jute work well for coastal and organic looks; while materials like leather and velvet work well for modern and traditional styles.Soft Greens & Blues (Clary Sage, Smoky Blue, Westhaven, Billiard Green):
Use brushed nickel, gold, black, or chrome finishes for a modern look. Complement with organic textures like wool, leather, or linen.Bold, Rich Hues (Storm Cloud, Carnelian):
Pair with dark wood finishes, aged metals, and luxurious textures such as velvet or silk for depth and drama.
Interior Design Styles and Trends
This color capsule is perfect for a variety of architectural and interior design styles:
Modern Farmhouse: Accessible Beige, Greek Villa, Pure White, and Canvas Tan serve as perfect base colors for walls, accented by Storm Cloud or Clary Sage cabinetry.
Mid-Century Modern: Add a pop of Smoky Blue, Westhaven, or Billiard Green to complement the clean lines of this style.
Eclectic Boho: Westhaven and Carnelian bring in the earthy, vibrant tones that define boho chic.
Coastal: Pure White and Smoky Blue create a crisp, seaside aesthetic, while Clary Sage and Westhaven add a natural element.
Victorian Revival: Carnelian, Billiard Green, and Storm Cloud evoke a historic charm, enhanced with detailed trim work.
One thing I love about paint is that while it is such an easy and affordable way to update your space, it is also one of the least permanent. That being said, I don’t feel this collection of colors will make you want to run out and repaint your home when next year’s color(s) of the year come out - you should be good for a while.
As always, before you make any final decisions for your paint project, it’s super important to sample your colors, and I highly recommend Samplize for this. Their large peel-and-stick samples are affordable, made with real paint, and available in all the colors I specify.
Happy painting!
-Millie
