Every year, interior design trends are shaped by the "Colors of the Year" introduced by leading paint brands. For 2025, the focus leans toward warm earth tones, muted greens, soft neutrals, and moody blues and purples, reflecting a collective desire for comfort, serenity, and a connection to nature. These hues—like Dunn-Edwards’ Caramelized, Behr’s Rumors, Krylon’s Hammered Black, and Sherwin-Williams’ Grounded—are versatile backdrops that can elevate your space when paired with thoughtfully chosen wall art.
To help you make the most of these trending shades, we're going to do a series of posts to help you find the perfect artwork that harmonizes with each color group. In our first post we're going to cover a quick overview of the colors and general art selection tips.
Brown Tones: Caramelized, Leather Saddle Brown, Grounded
Why These Shades Work
Brown tones like caramel, chocolate, and tan exude warmth and grounding energy. These colors make spaces feel inviting and intimate, perfectly aligning with the trend toward natural, earthy interiors.
Art That Works Best
- • Abstract Pieces in Burnt Orange or Ochre: To enhance the warmth of brown walls, choose artwork with subtle touches of burnt orange, golden yellows, or terracotta. These shades will create a harmonious, layered look.
- • Botanical Prints with Green Accents: To contrast with brown tones, opt for botanical illustrations or nature-inspired art that incorporates muted greens like Ashwood Moss or Rosepine.
- • Monochromatic Art in Sepia or Cream: Photographic prints in sepia tones or minimalist art in white or cream can subtly enhance the cozy effect of brown walls.
- • Framed Textiles or Woven Art: Art made from natural materials like woven baskets or macramé offers an organic texture that pairs beautifully with caramel or tan walls.
Frame Recommendation: Frametolia's Rustic Walnut Frame brings out the richness of these hues while maintaining a natural, understated elegance.
Green Tones: Ashwood Moss, Rosepine, Paris Rain
Why These Shades Work
Muted greens, from mossy to sage-like tones, evoke a soothing, organic feel that aligns with biophilic design trends. These colors create a calming environment that pairs well with natural and earthy aesthetics.
Art That Works Best
- • Landscape Paintings: Look for paintings of rolling hills, forests, or serene lakes. These will reinforce the natural vibe of green walls without feeling overpowering.
- • Modern Geometric Art: Pair muted greens with art that features soft pinks, such as Tissue Pink or Studio Mauve, for a sophisticated, modern palette.
- • Black-and-White Photography: If you prefer a minimalist approach, black-and-white photography stands out beautifully against muted green walls, creating a timeless look.
- • Metallic Accents in Gold or Bronze: Metallic elements in artwork or sculptures can add a touch of luxury to green backdrops without competing with the wall color.
Frame Recommendation: Opt for Frametolia’s Matte Black Frame to provide a sleek, modern contrast or the Brushed Gold Frame to enhance the luxurious appeal of metallic accents.
Neutral Shades: Sea Salt, Glacier White, Drift of Mist
Why These Shades Work
Soft neutrals like creamy whites, beiges, and greys serve as versatile backdrops that brighten spaces while maintaining a clean, serene aesthetic. These colors allow you to get creative with bold or intricate art choices.
Art That Works Best
- • Bold Abstract Art: Add visual interest with large-scale abstract art in moody tones like Encore or Hammered Black to create a striking contrast against light neutrals.
- • Pastel Watercolors: Soft washes of color in pinks, blues, and lavenders, like Studio Mauve or Violet, create a soothing and cohesive look.
- • Textured Artworks: Neutral walls benefit from artwork with texture, such as impasto paintings or mixed-media collages.
- • Gallery Wall of Personal Photos: Neutrals allow you to design an eclectic gallery wall with family photos or personal mementos, framed in coordinated tones.
Frame Recommendation: Frametolia’s Classic White Frame or Natural Wood Frame will maintain a clean, minimalist look that works perfectly with neutral walls.
Moody Blues and Purples: Encore, Violet, Purple Basil
Why These Shades Work
Rich blues and purples bring depth and drama to a room, while also fostering a sense of calm and introspection. These shades are perfect for adding character to accent walls or smaller spaces like home offices.
Art That Works Best
- • Metallic or Jewel-Toned Art: Deep blues and purples pair wonderfully with art that features golds, silvers, or jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red.
- • Ethereal Cloudscapes or Seascapes: Capturing soft blues and greys, this type of artwork complements moody walls without overwhelming the space.
- • Minimalist Line Drawings: White or metallic line art framed in black or gold will pop against rich, saturated colors.
- • Bold Florals: Florals in complementary hues like soft oranges, yellows, or blush pinks add a lively contrast to moody walls.
Frame Recommendation: Frametolia’s Antique Gold Frame enhances the regal feel of purples and blues, while a Matte Black Frame creates a crisp, modern contrast.
Dark and Dramatic Shades: Rumors, Hammered Black, Starless Sky
Why These Shades Work
Dark tones like charcoal, deep burgundy, and black bring a sense of sophistication and boldness to interiors. These colors work especially well in contemporary or industrial spaces.
Art That Works Best
- • High-Contrast Black and White Prints: Monochromatic art creates a timeless look and breaks up the heaviness of dark walls.
- • Abstract Expressionist Art: Pieces with pops of bright colors, like oranges, greens, or whites, provide a dynamic contrast.
- • Gold Leaf or Metallic Details: For a luxurious touch, select art with metallic finishes that shimmer against dark backdrops.
- • Portraiture: Large-scale portraits or sketches in neutral tones create a gallery-like sophistication.
Frame Recommendation: Frametolia’s Black Gallery Frame or Gold Accent Frame helps define the artwork while complementing the dramatic wall color.
Closing Thoughts
When selecting artwork for your home in 2025, let the wall color guide your choices. Whether you aim for tonal harmony or bold contrasts, the key is to ensure that the art enhances the overall mood of the space. With the perfect pairing of colors, textures, and frames, your walls will be a true reflection of your personal style.
In the coming weeks we'll be posting more in-depth features that detail and share examples of how to incorporate these colors into your art and decor - so stay tuned!
