Pop of Color

There are few things that can freshen up a space like a new coat of paint. Whether the color is bold or muted, it always brings a new energy into a space.

If you’re eager to change things up, but are still looking for a little inspiration or guidance, look no further. We had the opportunity to connect with the experts at Benjamin Moore about the brand’s “Color of the Year” for 2025 and the accompanying color palate.

This year’s pick, Cinnamon Slate, is described as “a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety plum,” and is joined by nine other colors in the collection, which is meant to feel “quietly colorful” while creating a nuanced look that is both vibrant while maintaining subtlety.

“As the use of more saturated color in design has increased in recent years, we are seeing a growing interest in more nuanced colors, whose undertones add intricacy and dimension,” Andrea Magno, the director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore, said. “Cinnamon Slate is an inviting hue that offers enduring style and modern sensibility. Its depth and richness bring an air of approachability and sense of comfort throughout the home, making it a new favorite for years to come.”

Hannah Yeo, the senior manager of color marketing for Benjamin Moore, was kind enough to answer a handful of questions about the Color of the Year, how it is picked, and how to approach the palate if you’re thinking about giving your walls, doors, cabinets, or even ceilings, a makeover.

Long Branch City Lifestyle: When did the "Color of the Year" begin for Benjamin Moore?

Hannah Yeo: Benjamin Moore has a long history of researching and forecasting trends. In 2005, we formally selected the “Color of the Year,” and our Color Trends campaign has been growing since.

LBCL: The company gets a ton of earned media from this topic; Architectural Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, Today.com, just to name a few from this year. Someone did a "Live Reaction" video on YouTube and got almost 10K views and there are countless short clips on social media around this topic. Is it kind of overwhelming to think that people are so passionate about this reveal each year?

HY: It’s an exciting time! We are thrilled to see homeowners and designers thinking of ways to bring colors and design ideas into their spaces — ideas they may not have considered before. Choosing the right colors can be daunting and our goal is to provide color and design inspiration that guides homeowners through the paint color selection process with fresh ideas. The Color of the Year and Color Trends 2025 palette serve as an opportunity for the Color Marketing & Development team to share insights and points of inspiration with all customers, so we are excited when people are passionate about the color and their spaces.

LBCL: What goes into choosing the "Color of the Year"? Is there a panel of people? Are they all from Benjamin Moore, or are outside partners consulted?

HY: The Benjamin Moore Color Marketing & Development Team selects the Color of the Year and the full Color Trends 2025 palette. It is a yearlong creative process and global exploration of color and design, spanning from interior design to fashion to cultural and technology influences. The team tracks and analyzes a wide array of ideas that are ultimately synthesized to guide the curation of the Color Trends palette and select the Color of the Year. These colors are viewed through the lens of paint, so the hues on your walls stay relevant for years to come.

LBCL: This year's color (Cinnamon Slate) is really eye-catching, but it might not be for everyone. Is the potential broad, or narrow, appeal of a color something that is taken into consideration when making a choice?

HY: Through the Color Trends palette, we aim to inspire and spark new ideas. While we recognize that color is highly personal, if we’ve encouraged the homeowners to see color in a new light or helped to find a way to incorporate it into their lifestyles, we consider that a success.

LBCL: What is the inspiration for the "Color Trend" choices?

HY: Each color in the Color Trends palette represents an upcoming design direction. By examining the palette, you can gain insight into the overall color trends. Some years focus on bold, saturated hues, while others highlight soft, healing tones. The palette also offers color combination ideas and suggests ways to incorporate additional colors into your home, alongside the Color of the Year.

LBCL: When thinking of a "Color of the Year," is there a use-case considered? As in, Color X might be good as an accent whereas Color Y is good for whole-room use.

HY: While there’s no limit to how to use color in your space, supporting Color Trends images provide different ideas on how you can bring the color into your space. This year, the 10 colors from the Color Trends 2025 palette can be used as foundational colors for the entire home. The nuanced hues create a beautiful harmony that is both striking and understated. Cinnamon Slate, our Color of the Year 2025, can be used in a living room or bedroom to bring sophisticated warmth. It also pairs well with lots of neutrals and textured materials to complete the room.

LBCL: Has there been a "Color of a Year" that has really exploded in popularity and been a surprise?

HY: There’s generally an uptick on all the colors that are highlighted through the Color Trends campaign, especially the Color of the Year. The one that stands out the most is Aegean Teal 2136-40, our Color of the Year 2021. This hidden gem color quickly rose to the top of the best-seller list and continues to hold its place today.

You can explore all the colors Benjamin Moore has to offer at www.benjaminmoore.com and can follow them on Instagram @benjaminmoore