Dunn-Edwards' 2025 Color of the Year Is a Warm, Inviting Shade That Looks Great Anywhere

If there’s one thing to take away from the color of the year 2025 announcements so far, it’s that warm shades are expected to dominate in the coming year. Adding to the running list of inviting hues is Dunn-Edwards 2025 color of the year selection—Caramelized. The brand is dubbing this warm terracotta brown that’s reminiscent of sunbaked clay “the new neutral.” 

To select its annual color of the year, Dunn-Edwards' color experts research emerging influences across culture, fashion, technology, lifestyle, and more. In 2025, the team predicts earthy, timeless colors will be more prevalent than ever—and Caramelized aligns with this growing trend. 

“In the current fast-paced, high-tech age, we find ourselves drawn to more saturated and timeless colors to create personal spaces that feel welcoming, stylish, and grounded,” said Lauren Hoferkamp, lead color expert at Dunn-Edwards, in a press release. 

Caramelized is part of Dunn-Edwards’ 2025 Color and Design Trends palette, which features a mix of warm and cool shades that perfectly blend nostalgia and modernity. “When considering the draw to a mindset of ‘old is new,’ Caramelized emerged from our 2025 Color and Design Trends as a clear representation of this new year—the effortlessly versatile hue pairs well with various styles, from vintage-inspired interiors to contemporary spaces,” said Hoferkamp.

While Caramelized is a warm, statement-making hue, it still functions as a grounding neutral and can be used in many applications throughout the home. No matter your personal design style, this shade with add character to any room, be it in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, or home office.