The Future Looks Bright!
2025 Color Trends We’re Loving

Make room, Millennial Gray—there’s a whole new palette ready to play! It’s time to share the spotlight.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, a full-service Knoxville interior design firm based in Farragut, we’re welcoming 2025 with open arms and wide-open paint decks, because color is back in a big way. From rich jewel tones to reimagined rusts to the joyful burst of vibrant lilac, this year’s design landscape is drenched in bold, expressive hues—and we mean that literally.

Let’s explore the color trends we’re most excited about, how we’re already using them in Knoxville and surrounding counties, and why color drenching might just be your new favorite thing.

Gray Area: Why We’re Not Breaking Up—Just Seeing Other Colors

Let’s set the record straight: we never fell out of love with gray. We just realized it doesn’t have to be the only color we commit to.

There was a time when gray was the go-to—fresh, polished, and endlessly versatile. And truth be told? It still is. Gray can be timeless, grounding, and effortlessly chic when used with intention. At Rowan Hall, we still reach for a soft greige or a moody charcoal when the space calls for it. In the right setting, gray doesn’t just work—it shines.

But when the world hit pause in 2020, something shifted. With all that extra time at home, our our Knoxville interior design clients started to tune into how their spaces made them feel. And for some, all-gray everything began to feel a little…flat. The result? A craving for warmth, depth, and a touch more personality.

We started seeing clients light up over bold wallpapers, richly colored upholstery, and cabinetry painted in hues that felt distinctly them. Even during gray’s reign as design’s darling, it wasn’t a cure-all—because let’s be honest, no color is. (If only it were that easy!) That’s exactly why great design matters. It’s not just about picking pretty shades—it’s about finding your perfect fit.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we believe there’s still plenty of room for gray—it’s just not the automatic answer anymore. Our job is to help you strike the right balance between classic and current. Whether that means layering in warm tones to soften a cool backdrop or letting a deep graphite moment make a statement, we make sure every choice feels intentional—and beautifully you.

So no, gray isn’t over. It’s just evolved. And we’re here for every shade of it.

Rust Revival: Earthy but Elevated

Rust is having a major moment—but this isn’t your 1970s shag carpet situation. Today’s rusts are richer, moodier, and far more refined—think burnished terracotta, spiced cinnamon, and desert clay.

These warm, earthy tones bring instant depth and dimension, especially when paired with materials like stone, brass, or olive green.

For a modern update, rust has traded out its old partner avocado (we don’t miss it—sorry, not sorry!) for deep indigos and sapphire blues. The result is less “desert adobe” and more “art collector’s townhouse.”

Our Color Specialist, Sylvia, puts it best:

“For just a hint of rust that’s less earthy and more sophisticated, we’re seeing it paired with cool jewel tones—especially blues—and loving it!”

We love using rust in:

• Velvet accent chairs and ottomans
• Layered textiles like throws, drapes, and area rugs
• Art, ceramics, and accent pieces that warm up a space without overwhelming it

Bonus: Rust bridges the gap between old-world charm and modern edge, making it a transitional superstar—just like us.

Jewel Tones: Drama in the Best Way

Nothing says intentional luxury like a moody emerald or a saturated sapphire. Jewel tones are unapologetically rich, adding drama and depth in just the right doses—but the way we’re using them in 2025 feels fresher than ever.

Sylvia explains it perfectly:

“Classic jewel tones always seem to circle Art Deco motifs—stunning when done right, but very Great Gatsby costume party when done wrong! We’re used to seeing them play out in geometric patterns or paired with yellow gold and bright silver metallics—but that often feels heavy and overbearing, like we’re putting on airs.

2025 jewel tones have been recontextualized to feel less formal. I’m seeing them in florals and organic shapes for the first time. We’re really considering other methods of presentation to enjoy the richness of the color free from the context of the old ways the palette was styled.”

This new take is just right for the Rowan Hall aesthetic—livable luxury that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Our transitional design style, a favorite among our Farragut interior design clients, aligns perfectly with these modern reimaginings of bejeweled palettes.

We recommend jewel tones for:

• Dining rooms (they deserve to be unforgettable)
• Libraries and home offices
• Ceilings! (Yes, really—don’t forget the fifth wall)

By pairing them with natural materials, curved silhouettes, and softer finishes, jewel tones feel elevated and approachable.

Lilac’s Bright, Bold Moment

You heard it here first: Lilac is the new blush—and it’s bringing the energy.

Gone are the shy, barely-there lilacs of the past. In 2025, lilac is vivid, youthful, and full of life. It’s showing up everywhere—from textiles to cabinetry—with a personality that’s impossible to ignore.

We’re especially seeing lilac:

• Pulling forest green and olive accents through botanical prints
• Accented with chartreuse or yellow for bold, high-contrast combos
• Used in vibrant upholstery, wallpaper, and painted millwork

Mauve, by contrast, is lilac’s more versatile cousin—a quieter, muted variation for those craving subtlety. But if you’re ready to make a statement? Lilac is the way to go.

Sylvia is loving the shift.

“We saw lilac—along with its shier cousin, mauve—and a high-risk, high-reward partner like chartreuse in Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color Capsule. Now those predictions are coming true before our eyes in the new textiles arriving at the office!”

Lilac is vibrant, joyful, and unapologetically fun—exactly the kind of energy we’re channeling into 2025.

What’s Color Drenching—and Why We’re Obsessed

Of all the trends we’re loving for 2025, color drenching might be our favorite.

The concept? Take one color (or a tonal family) and apply it floor-to-ceiling—walls, trim, ceiling, cabinetry. The result? A cocoon-like space that feels immersive, dramatic, and oh-so intentional.

We love it for:

• Home offices (hello, deep focus)
• Powder rooms (tiny but mighty!)
• Bedrooms (cue the cozy, spa-like vibes)

Our Knoxville interior designers are seeing color drenching more and more in client requests—and we’re here for it. Whether it’s a moody blue study or a soft clay bedroom, the effect is always luxe and tailored. If you’re new to the idea, start with a muted hue like sage, mauve, or warm earth tones. From there, layer in wood, metal, and texture to build depth and dimension.

Pro tip: Paint the trim and ceiling, too. That’s what makes it magic.

In Summary: Your Home Deserves More Color

If the last decade was about playing it safe, 2025 is about playing with color. Whether you’re dreaming of a full-home transformation or a single room that makes your heart skip, our team is here to help you make bold, beautiful choices you’ll love living with.

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in.

With our structured 4-step design process, custom furnishings, strong vendor partnerships, and climate-controlled staging area, Rowan Hall Interiors brings warmth, clarity, and creativity to every colorful project.

Ready to let color lead the way?
Schedule your design consultation today, and let’s drench your space in something delightfully you.