Interior paint | an alternative to white and their considerations
White paint is everywhere. Inside, outside, all white, partially white, lots of white. And I understand why. White paint is a timeless and versatile choice for any home, offering a clean, fresh canvas that can enhance natural light and make spaces feel more open. However, exploring alternatives to white can add depth, warmth, and personality to your home, as well as making it more unique. Here are some tips and trends for choosing non-white paint colours in 2025 and beyond.
What to Consider when Choosing Paint
1. Room Function and Mood
Colour has a huge impact on human behaviour and emotions. Different colours, hues, and tones bring up distinct associations that impact human mood and decision-making. Therefore, it’s important to first consider what the space will be used for. In living rooms and bedrooms, for example, we want the space to create a cozy atmosphere, so you could opt for colours that are a little warmer and inviting such as the one in the image below. For kitchens and bathrooms, you can opt for a brighter colour to add a refreshing and energetic vibe to the space. For offices and/or a study, neutral tones like greige or muted earth tones promote focus and productivity.
Image | Ellison Studios
Colours other than white can create a warmer space for rooms where you are seeking to create a cozy atmosphere.
2. Lighting
Different kinds of natural and artificial lighting, from bright and yellow whites to coloured LEDs, all impact the appearance of paint, thanks to colour theory. Natural light that streams through your windows displays the truest representation of colours. That's why colours often appear different on your walls than they did under the store's fluorescent bulbs. Understanding colour theory means we can afford to choose a darker or richer colour in a room that has ample natural light without making us feel closed in. For example, we can risk a deep blue wall with lots of natural light flooding in to balance the space. We must also consider which direction the windows of the room face, as this will determine how much light the room is bathed in during the mornings and afternoons, which also impacts colour at different times of the day.
Image | Bubby & Bean
Deep hues in a well-lit space can add a striking element without making the area feel enclosed.
When natural light fades and our artificial light sources come into play, we can see another change in the tone of our paint choices. Warm lighting tends to emphasize yellow undertones in paint, while bright white light will bring out the cooler tones in the paint.
3. Paint Finishes and Paint Sheens
Paint finishes and sheens can also impact the colour appearance in different lighting settings, so it’s helpful to view your desired colour in the correct sheen for your space. For example, a high-gloss sheen on trim or doors will amplify the colour and provide more depth with lighting reflecting off the colour than the same colour in matte on the walls.
Once you understand the above considerations, the best way to determine the right colour is to swatch first and paint later! Dulux sells A4 wall stickers for every colour online which makes it super easy to attach to your wall to view the colour in various lights. Better yet, grab yourself a test pot and paint directly onto the wall for the truest colour test. Note that not all test pots will come in the right sheen for your desired application, so it's important to remember how sheen affects colour when making your final decision.
Image | Dulux Paints
Sample Colour Stickers and Sample Pots are easily ordered online from Dulux.
Now you know what’s important to consider when making your choice, the actual colour you decide on will depend on the style you’re hoping to achieve and the existing furniture and décor already in place.
Trending Colours for 2025
Scarlet Opus, the eminent trend forecasters based in the UK, presented in Melbourne recently at Décor & Design. I had the privilege of sitting in on the seminar to learn the latest in forecasts for colour trends heading into 2025.
Leading into 2025, we were presented with three distinct trends; however, the one that most resonated with the style of JMS Style & Design was one entitled “honest neutral.” After a tumultuous few years post-COVID, the world is now looking for choices that reflect durability, timelessness, a lack of pretension, honesty, and a soulful appreciation for nature and textures. They are calling it “elevated ordinary,” and I like it. The key colours of this trend are Pantone Rust, Taffy, Tea, and Olivine. All of these colours, can be incorporated into your interior design and decoration schemes to create a harmonious, modern, and cozy space.
Trending colours for 2025 | Inspiration for your space
When using these colours for wall paint, consider a softer hue for those cozy rooms such as lounge rooms or bedrooms. For kitchens and bathrooms, you can afford to use the full colour, if you’re brave enough.
Image | JMS Style & Design
Embrace the colours of 2025 with a rich rust-painted wall, adding warmth and modern elegance to your space.
Choosing an alternative to white paint can transform your home by adding warmth, depth, and personality. By considering the function of each room, the lighting, the paint finish, and your existing decor, you can select colours that enhance your living spaces.
Image | JMS Style & Design
Transform your bedroom into a serene sanctuary with a softer hue of Pantone Olivine. This gentle shade creates a soothing ambiance, adding a sense of relaxation and comfort to your space
The trends for 2025, which include warm neutrals and earthy tones and their varying hues, offer a variety of options to suit any style and preference. But, if you’re still desperate to incorporate a white and not sure which way to go, you can’t go wrong with my go-to, Dulux Natural White. It’s a favourite for its versatility and subtle warmth and works well in both contemporary and classic settings. If you're feeling inspired but need assistance choosing the perfect colour for your home, don't hesitate to contact us at JMS Style & Design. We're here to help you curate the space you’ll love to live in!
Happy painting!
