Asian Paints ColourNext 2025: The design trends that will define this year

Colour is more than just a visual choice—it’s an expression of identity, mood, and the cultural shifts shaping our world. From the spaces we live in to the clothes we wear, every shade tells a story. And for over two decades, Asian Paints ColourNext has been at the forefront of decoding these stories, setting the standard in colour and design forecasting.

Now in its 22nd year, ColourNext 2025 is more than just a colour forecast—it’s a reflection of how we connect with our emotions, heritage, and evolving aesthetics. This year’s palette captures a collective longing for warmth, nostalgia, and self-expression, shaping the way we design our spaces.

At the heart of this forecast is Cardinal, the Colour of the Year, a shade that embodies the complexity of being human. Complementing it is the Wallpaper of the Year, Spring Tune, a poetic homage to nature’s quiet elegance. Alongside these, four distinct design directions—Feel More, Salt, India Everywhere, and Bad Taste?—offer a fresh perspective on how we interact with the world around us.

If you’re looking to refresh your space or explore the future of design, here’s everything you need to know about ColourNext 2025.

The colour of the year: Cardinal—A shade that invites introspection

Cardinal is more than just a colour—it’s an experience. Chosen for its ability to stir deep emotion and introspection, it reflects our growing need for authenticity and connection. This dusky, complex shade invites us to embrace every feeling—joy, nostalgia, stillness, and contemplation—without hesitation.

Beyond aesthetics, Cardinal marks a shift toward richer, more immersive spaces. Whether in interiors, fashion, or design, its warmth and depth create an atmosphere that is both grounding and inspiring. It's a colour that embodies comfort, passion, and the quiet confidence that colour brings into our lives.

 

In the picture: 

Reproduced Jeanerret Kangaroo Chairs, Naga Bench, and Ceramic Urn - Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974
Moda Sofa from Camerich - Defurn
Nama Wardrobe - Red Blue & Yellow
Wallace Armchair - Poliform

Wallpaper of the year: Spring Tune—a celebration of slow living

Inspired by the serenity of ancient Indian courtyards, Spring Tune unfolds like a poetic reverie. Delicate floral motifs rise from attar bottles, their gentle forms reaching toward an infinite sky. This wallpaper blends nostalgia with contemporary elegance, transforming spaces into peaceful sanctuaries where time slows down.

In a world that often feels rushed, Spring Tune is a reminder to pause, appreciate, and embrace the beauty of unhurried moments. It complements warm neutrals, handcrafted furniture, and soft lighting, creating an environment that feels effortlessly lived-in.

 

Feel More: A return to the visceral  

In an age of algorithm-driven sameness, people are seeking experiences that stir the senses. Feel More is about embracing emotion in all its raw, unfiltered authenticity.

This direction invites a bold approach to design—mixing old and new, layering textures, and celebrating imperfections. Spaces are no longer just curated; they are lived in, evolving reflections of the people who inhabit them. The palette is rich and self-assured, with colours that add depth and character to interiors.

 

In the picture: 

English Child’s Rocking Horse, Teakwood Country Console, Clay Vase On Side Table, Ceramic Vase On Console, and Side Table - Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 
Meld Green Rug From Urbane II Collection - Hands Carpet

Salt: The elemental beauty of a timeless material

Salt, a mineral woven into human history, is being rediscovered as a biomaterial of the future. Its crystalline beauty and delicate strength tell a story forged over millennia. As sustainability becomes a priority, salt emerges as a symbol of possibility, proving that the simplest materials can inspire awe and innovation.

From its light-diffusing properties to its antibacterial benefits, salt bridges the elemental and the ethereal. The accompanying palette reflects its luminous qualities, featuring soft, milky hues alongside the striking vibrancy of Iranian blue salt.

 

In the picture: 

Gobekli Multi Rug From One Love Collection and Kenna Ivory Gold Rug - Hands Carpet
Elan Sofa By Camerich - Defurn
2+1 Coffee Table and Art - Red Blue & Yellow
Floor Lamp, Long English Country Console, Wooden Head On Console, Reproduced Jeanerret Kangaroo Chair In Second Room, and Tobacco Glazed Chinese Barni Jar - Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974

India everywhere: A confident global design language

Indian design is stepping beyond traditional narratives, confidently asserting itself on the global stage. No longer boxed into exoticism, craft, or mass production, Indian aesthetics are being redefined with paradoxes and multitudes.

This direction reflects a balance of heritage and contemporary design—where folklore and tradition meet modern innovation. The palette is sophisticated and dynamic, embracing high contrasts and unexpected juxtapositions. As India’s creative industries flourish, its design language is no longer just an influence; it’s a movement.

 

In the picture: 

Drumstick Table and Box Jute Rug - Hatsu
3some Seating - Red Blue & Yellow

Bad taste?: The rebellion against safe design  

Luxury is no longer subtle—it’s audacious. Once dismissed as ‘bad taste,’ bold design choices are now a statement of self-expression.

This direction is about embracing extravagance with confidence—mixing patterns, clashing colours, and celebrating unconventional aesthetics. Gold accents, animal prints, and maximalist designs take centre stage, rejecting the restrained elegance of old-world luxury. In 2025, playing it safe is out; personality, irreverence, and fearless creativity are in.

 

In the picture: 

Colonial Queen Anne Legs Birdcage, Floor Lamp, Reproduced Jeanerret Kangaroo Chair, and Teakwood Country Console - Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974

The colours and design narratives of 2025 point to a larger shift in how we experience spaces. Whether it’s the deep introspection of Cardinal, the nostalgic charm of Spring Tune, or the unfiltered expression of Bad Taste?, this year is about confidence, storytelling, and creating environments that feel true to who we are.

As we move forward, design isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about what feels right.

All images: Asian Paints