Interior Styles
A Burst of Colour, Creativity, and Expression
Photo: Unsplash
Interior design is embracing a revival of colour, creativity, and personality, moving away from the stark minimalism of recent years. Our homes are no longer just places to live; they’re evolving into dynamic, joyful sanctuaries that reflect who we are, how we feel, and what inspires us. With themes like dopamine décor, hand-painted artistry, and a renewed love for uplifting hues, there’s an undeniable shift towards interiors that are as emotional as they are beautiful.
Let’s explore some of the most exciting ways to bring energy, artistry, and optimism into your spaces, inspired by the bold, unapologetic approach to colour that 2025 promises.
---
1. Dopamine Décor: Vibrancy That Sparks Joy
Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
Dopamine Décor celebrates bold, joyful colours and playful design that stimulates happiness — a perfect antidote to neutral spaces that no longer inspire. This approach is all about embracing vivid shades, expressive patterns, and whimsical elements to create interiors that lift your mood the moment you step inside.
Think deep greens paired with rich yellows, statement walls in shades of pink or coral, and accessories in bright, energetic hues. Mix and match textures like velvet cushions, patterned rugs, and bold artwork to infuse your rooms with personality and life.
Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 forecast highlights “dopamine-drenched colours,” such as punchy lilacs and glitzy golds, paired with pastel greens and warm whites to create spaces that are both playful and accessible.
Photo: Unsplash
How to Start Small:
- Incorporate bright, colourful throw pillows, lampshades, or artwork.
- Experiment with a feature wall in a vibrant hue or wallpaper with oversized patterns.
- Introduce statement furniture like a cobalt-blue sofa or a mustard armchair.
Why It Works:
- Colour has a proven effect on mood; bright tones encourage optimism and creativity.
- It allows for personal expression, turning your home into a reflection of your happiness and individuality.
Design Tip: If bold colours feel intimidating, balance them with grounding neutrals like warm white, soft beige, or earthy wood finishes.
---
2. Hand-Painted Murals: Artistry That Tells a Story
Photo: Rebel Walls
There’s something captivating about a hand-painted mural — it brings art to life in a way no framed print can. Murals, both bold and subtle, are making their way into modern homes as a powerful form of self-expression. From elegant, muted designs to vibrant, larger-than-life statements, they can transform any space into a personal masterpiece.
Nature themes are particularly beloved, with soft botanical scenes, delicate florals, and serene landscapes creating calming backdrops. Alternatively, geometric designs and abstract patterns offer a contemporary twist, bringing energy and depth to your walls.
Think nostalgic, heritage-inspired palettes of rich reds, greens, and blues. These colours honour tradition while remaining fresh when paired with more modern tones.
Where to Use Murals:
- Living Rooms: A striking accent wall can define the space and anchor your decor.
- Children’s Rooms: Playful and imaginative murals create a whimsical wonderland.
- Stairwells and Hallways: These often-overlooked spaces can come alive with hand-painted details.
Why Murals Matter:
- They tell a story unique to you, offering a bespoke, personalised design.
- Hand-painted art adds craftsmanship and authenticity to your space, setting it apart from mass-produced alternatives.
Getting Started: Commission a local artist to create a mural inspired by your home’s story, or experiment with stencils and DIY designs for a budget-friendly option.
---
3. Yellow Kitchens: A Cheerful Heart of the Home
Photo: Unsplash
Yellow has always been associated with happiness, and it’s quickly becoming the go-to colour for breathing new life into kitchens. Whether you choose a buttery pastel, deep ochre, or golden mustard, yellow cabinetry, splashbacks, and accents instantly create warmth and cheer.
Sue Wadden from Sherwin-Williams notes that “buttery yellows” will play a significant role in interior design. While they may not be the “Colour of the Year,” these shades are poised to dominate kitchen spaces, offering a refreshing departure from traditional neutrals.
Yellow works beautifully across different styles:
- Modern Kitchens: Pair sleek yellow cabinetry with matte black hardware and clean lines for a contemporary finish.
- Classic Country Kitchens:** Pale yellow cabinets combined with wood accents, open shelving, and vintage accessories create a cosy, timeless feel.
- Eclectic Spaces: Vibrant yellow tiles, colourful appliances, and mismatched chairs can bring fun and character to the kitchen.
If full yellow cabinets feel too bold, opt for smaller touches such as sunny bar stools, patterned backsplash tiles, or pendant lights in a bright golden hue.
Why Yellow?
- It’s uplifting and energising, perfect for the space where families gather and memories are made.
- Yellow symbolises positivity, light, and warmth — creating a welcoming heart for your home.
**Design Tip:** To maintain balance, pair yellow tones with natural elements like wood, marble countertops, or soft grey accents for a sophisticated finish.
---
4. Living Mood: Mocha Mousse by PANTONE
Photo: INTERLÜBKE
The PANTONE Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230), introduces a versatile and sophisticated hue to interiors. This earthy tone balances refined elegance with warmth, making it an ideal foundation or accent in various design styles.
Mocha Mousse adapts effortlessly to minimalist modern schemes or traditional, detail-rich spaces. Its inviting neutrality promotes a sense of comfort and wellbeing, encouraging homeowners to create spaces that feel personal and harmonious.
How to Incorporate Mocha Mousse:
- Use it as a grounding base colour for walls, paired with brighter accents or metallic details.
- Combine with natural textures like stone, wood, or rattan to enhance its earthy appeal.
- Introduce it through soft furnishings such as throws, cushions, or upholstered furniture to add warmth without overpowering a room.
Photo: LA CORNUE
Photo: HARLEQUIN
This hue inspires designs that focus on cosiness and connection, making it a perfect choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and communal spaces.
Extra Tip: But you have to love the colour! Don't let 'trends' define your true style and self.
---
5. Textured and Layered Neutrals: Warmth with Subtle Sophistication
Photo: SCHLOSSBERG
Photo: KIEFFER
For those who prefer a more subdued palette, neutrals are stepping up with new life. This year, beige, taupe, and soft greys are taking on richer, earthier undertones, complemented by layers of texture and natural materials. These nuanced neutrals feel warm and grounding, offering a sophisticated backdrop that pairs beautifully with bolder design choices elsewhere in your home.
An organic grey and brown palette reflects this shift, drawing inspiration from natural stone and raw materials showcased at Milan Design Week.
Ways to Add Depth to Neutrals:
- Incorporate textured fabrics like linen, wool, or boucle.
- Add natural materials such as raw wood, rattan, stone, or clay pottery.
- Layer neutral tones in different shades to create a soft, calming effect.
Neutrals don’t have to be boring; when mixed with rich textures and warm accents, they can be incredibly inviting and luxurious.
---
6. Curated Chaos: Mixing Patterns, Colours, and Styles
Photo: Unsplash
For those who love breaking the rules, the concept of “curated chaos” is the perfect approach to interior design. This style invites you to mix bold colours, unexpected patterns, and contrasting textures, creating spaces that are full of life and energy without feeling messy.
Sherwin-Williams calls this “a little bit of chaos,” where impactful bursts of colour—like a painted trim or bold furniture—can redefine a space without overwhelming it. Rich jewel tones, dopamine brights, and heritage colours all have their place in this playful, daring design philosophy.
The key lies in intentional layering:
- Pair floral patterns with geometric prints.
- Mix vintage furniture with modern accents.
- Use bold colours as highlights against more subtle backdrops.
Curated chaos is about embracing imperfection and creating homes that feel lived-in, loved, and uniquely yours.
---
The Transformative Power of Colour and Creativity
Your home should inspire you every day. Whether through the uplifting energy of dopamine décor, the artistic beauty of hand-painted murals, or the cosy elegance of Mocha Mousse, there are endless ways to reimagine your space. From rich neutrals to curated chaos, colour and creativity give your home a voice — one that reflects your story, passions, and personality.
Photo: Unsplash
At Grace & Holmes, we believe every home deserves to be a sanctuary of joy and inspiration. Experiment with colour, embrace artistry, and make your space uniquely yours.
Feeling inspired? Discover more design tips and inspiration here and let’s transform your home together.
---
Ready to let colour and creativity guide your interiors? Take the leap and create a space that sparks joy every day.
Interior Styles: A Burst of Colour, Creativity, and Expression was first published here at www.graceandholmes.com