“For 2025, we’re seeing a bold resurgence of the primary colour palette. Red, yellow, and blue—those three iconic hues—are not just nostalgic but are set to define the interiors of tomorrow in ways that feel fresh, unexpected, and exciting. Somewhat of a rebellion against ‘adult’ interior design schemes.
“From ‘unexpected red’ to ‘cosmic cobalt’ and ‘energising yellow,’ these dynamic shades are more than just bold pops—they’re statements of creativity, optimism, and confidence. Karl Openshaw Creative Director at Blocc Interiors shares advice on incorporating the colour trend into your home.”
A playful rebellion in 2025 design
“2025 is set to be a year of rebellion in interiors. Forget the muted, grown-up tones of recent years—this is about embracing the playfulness of life. Primary colours are back with a twist. Think Mondrian meets modern chic, and yes, it’s every bit as vibrant as it sounds.”
Unexpected red
‘‘Unexpected red theory’ captured the imagination of design enthusiasts and influencers alike, going viral on social media. Taylor Migliazzo Simon, a designer in New York coined this trend in a TikTok video with over 1 million views. This has led to a 3,000% increase in TikTok searches over the last year.
“Red has always been a colour that grabs attention, but this time, it’s about doing so in the most unexpected ways. ‘Unexpected red’ isn’t about painting a whole wall—it’s about injecting a jolt of energy in unconventional places. Picture a striking red door frame, a vibrant chair, or a crimson backsplash in a minimalist kitchen. This colour is bold, but it doesn’t have to dominate.”
Cosmic cobalt
“Next up is ‘cosmic cobalt’—a shade that’s as rich and deep as the night sky. If you’re looking to create a sense of calm with a touch of mystery, this is the shade for you. Incorporate it into an accent wall or go bold with a cobalt velvet sofa or striking art pieces. It’s a shade that feels both modern and timeless, effortlessly blending into contemporary and classic interiors alike. This is tipped as a must-use colour for 2025.”
Energising yellow
“Finally, ‘energising yellow’ is all about optimism. Dulux’s ‘True Joy,’ Colour of the Year for 2025, exudes positivity. It’s the burst of sunshine we need in our homes to lift spirits and brighten spaces. This shade is perfect for kitchens, playrooms, or any area where energy and happiness should thrive. Think of it as instant dopamine for your interiors.”
Colour theory
“Colours are crucial to successful interior design. But they can be complex. Understanding colour theory is a good place to begin.
“There are three primary colours: red; yellow; blue. You can think of them as the parents of the colour wheel. Mixing these three colours creates the secondary: purple; green; orange.”
Why primary colours?
“Primary colours aren’t just visually stimulating—they hold a unique emotional power. Red, yellow, and blue are the foundation of all other colours, making them the perfect building blocks for any space. These hues have a psychological impact that can elevate a room’s function and mood.”
The power of red
“Red has long been known to stimulate appetite, making it a perfect choice for dining rooms. It also commands attention and creates focal points, making spaces feel alive and engaging. If you want a room to evoke energy, red is your go-to.”
The calm of blue
“Blue offers a soothing, intellectual vibe. Perfect for home offices or bedrooms, it can create a serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxation or deep thinking. Studies even show that blue can help lower blood pressure, making it a wonderful colour for spaces designed for rest and recuperation.”
The joy of yellow
“Yellow is pure joy—it radiates positivity and energy, making it ideal for areas where you gather with loved ones or entertain guests. It’s the ultimate colour to bring warmth to your home, particularly in communal spaces like kitchens or entryways. It’s a colour that creates an energetic environment.”
Pairing colours
“Fear about what to pair with these bold statement colours can put people off using them. But the thing I love about primary colours is that they’re not restrictive at all.
“Neutrals are the perfect backdrop for playful primary hues. Think about softening the scheme with natural materials like linens, woods, and stones.
“Primary colours also pair wonderfully with tints and shades of the same hue. So red could be paired with pink or maroon, while primary blue could marry nicely with a sky or royal blue. A tint of primary yellow could be a cream shade, while a shade might be a rich gold.
“To double down on impact, I’d suggest consulting the colour wheel and exploring complementary colours. For blue, this is orange; for red, it’s green; and for yellow; it’s purple.”
5 tips for styling your home with primary colours
1. Recognise room function
“Consider the function of your room and the emotional response that certain colours can elicit. Choose a colour that will inspire a particular emotion or feeling that aligns with the room’s purpose.
“While a bright yellow might work for an energetic, communal space like a kitchen, a blue might be better in a home office where you want to stimulate motivation and productivity.
“Leading with the functionality approach ensures that the colour choice supports the intended use of the space and enhances its emotional impact.”
2. Pick out structural elements
“If you don’t want to commit to colour drenching all the walls red, blue or yellow, consider an accent wall, or if you’re feeling super adventurous the ceiling. If this still feels too brave, you can introduce a touch of primary colour to the space by painting a beam, window frame, or the inside of a cupboard.
“Experimenting with different textures alongside your primary colour scheme creates dimension. A new emerging trend is using textured paint to add depth to walls by creating variations in light and shadow. This effect can lift a room and make it feel livelier.”
3. Use the 60-30-10 rule
“The 60-30-10 rule is an interior design principle that involves using only three colours in any room. Don’t forget, colours are different to shades - you can involve as many shades as you like. The principal aims to create balanced and harmonious colour schemes.
“Start with choosing your main colour which will cover 60% of the room. This could be the walls or large pieces of furniture. Then you choose your secondary colour and use this for 30% of the room. This could include upholstery, curtains, or rugs. The final 10% will be for the remaining colour, which is reserved for accents.”
4. Accent pieces
“When it comes to furniture, selecting a piece in red, yellow or blue will create a focal point in the room. This pop of colour will take centre stage and immediately demand attention. Think of a bright red armchair, a yellow chest of drawers or a deep blue sofa.”
5. Decorative additions
“Soft furnishings including curtains, cushions, rugs and bedding can subtly create that dimension without overwhelming a space. Similarly, artwork, lamps and vases are great additions if you’d like to gently dip your toe into the trend.
“Sticking to small homeware investments allows you to incorporate the primary colour trend into your home if you’re on a budget - or decorating a rental home.”
The power of colour
“At the end of the day, the primary colour trend isn’t just about adding pops of red, yellow, or blue. It’s about embracing the emotions, energy, and mood that colour can bring into our daily lives.
“Whether it’s creating a space that energises and uplifts, or one that calms and centres, primary colours have the versatility and power to transform the atmosphere of any room.
“So, go ahead—embrace the playful, the bold, and the vibrant. Your home will thank you. Most importantly it’s about making the space yours, so don’t be fearful of breaking the rules to create your own vision.
“Let 2025 be the year you let colour truly take the lead.”
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