Before the big reveal of the Behr 2025 Color of the Year, know this: When it comes to interior paint, some colors have been known to cause a stir among consumers. Purples and reds, for instance, are notoriously polarizing. So the results of a recent consumer survey by paint manufacturer Behr may come as a bit of a surprise: More than 75% of respondents said they would consider painting a room or a wall a shade of red.
With this in mind, the paint company has named Rumors (MQ1-15), a deep and dynamic crimson hue, as the Behr 2025 Color of the Year.
“It’s that perfect color that brings in a balance of warmth and vitality into a space,” says Erica Woelfel, Behr’s vice president of color and creative services. She’s confident that Rumors will empower DIY-ers, designers, and painting professionals to embrace the impact of color in both interior and exterior spaces.
Is it the ”unexpected red” theory manifested? Not quite—rather than mining the cultural lexicon for color inspiration as in years past, Behr entrusted those consumer opinions for its pick. This year is all about leaning into customer empowerment, says Woelfel. Behr’s research, an online survey of 1,000 American adults, found that red “can have a positive impact on one’s state of mind.” A majority of participants agreed that the color makes them feel stronger and more confident. When reviewing Rumors specifically, respondents described the enriching, enduring hue as not only glamorous (51%)—but also luxurious (57%) and expensive (47%). “It gives the vibe of a high-end hotel,” says Woelfel, adding that extending the ambience to your residential space can create a sense of escape.
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Perhaps Rumors’ enriching hue will serve as a catalyst, as Woelfel says people are now looking to bring color into their home. Whether going bold on all four walls or coating a cozy nook or a piece of furniture, “red is an easy entry point for that, especially because we’ve been decorating with neutrals for so many years.”
