When it comes to choosing a bedroom paint color, a few usual suspects probably come to mind: calming blues and greens, dusty pinks, maybe even a butter yellow to keep things bright and cheerful — right? Well, apparently, something moodier is in store for 2025.
As part of Apartment Therapy’s fifth annual The State of Home Design Survey, we polled 154 designers on their up-and-coming design predictions for 2025 — from popular layouts to emerging patterns. These design pros were also asked which bedroom paint color they think will dominate next year, and a surprising 41% of them landed on chocolate brown. Plum was the runner-up at 27%, which tracks, since food-inspired colors are trending right now.
While the choice might seem unexpected at first, the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. Brown has a uniquely calm and grounding effect to it, which is perfect for a room that’s meant for relaxation. Even Shea McGee of Studio McGee predicted back in 2023 that brown would be the “new neutral” we’d all gravitate toward, and Pantone just announced a soft brown hue, Mocha Mousse, as their 2025 color of the year.
New York-based designer Becky Shea is a big fan of this earthy hue in the home. “When used correctly, it creates such a warm, comforting atmosphere,” she shares. “It has a timeless elegance that can really elevate a space, adding both richness and depth.” She also notes that brown is a multitasker: It grounds a room, makes it feel cozy and inviting, and still exudes sophistication. “Whether it’s through furniture, accents, or wall tones, brown adds a natural, earthy quality that works beautifully in a variety of interiors,” she adds.
Ohio-based designer Liberty Riggs of Morrison Gates credits the surge in brown interiors to their liveable, inviting quality. “I’m hoping that the trend towards warmer neutrals and browns sticks around for a while,” Riggs says. “They are so much more approachable than the cooler neutrals that dominated the last decade.” It’s true: The fact that brown goes with so many other colors makes it a timeless choice. It’s a versatile, earthy hue with big design power, and can be layered onto most existing furniture and decor.
Your bedroom should reflect whatever vibe makes you happiest or whatever feeling you want to cultivate. If cozy, sophisticated, and grounding are high on your list, though, then don’t sleep on brown — it might just be your new favorite color. Plus, mood is everything when designing a bedroom, and brown creates an irresistible feeling of warmth and comfort.
