Crafting artistic walls with plaster and lime paint finishes
Elevate any room with a wall that stops guests in their tracks. By combining Venetian plaster and Limewash, you’ll create a timeless, luxurious finish that feels both artisanal and modern. Limewash brings soft, cloud-like color variation—think sun-bleached terracotta, faded sage, or dusty rose—that shifts subtly with the light. Venetian plaster, on the other hand, delivers depth and drama: choose a polished, glass-smooth shine (the kind you see in high-end Vegas interiors) or a pitted, aged look with delicate cracks and raw concrete vibes. Both materials are naturally breathable, mold-resistant, and free of VOCs, making them a healthier, eco-friendly upgrade over standard latex paints. The result? A textured, gallery-worthy feature wall that looks hand-crafted over decades—but you can complete it in a single weekend.
In 2025, home painting trends emphasize **solid colors** (uniform, non-patterned hues without textures like sponging or heavy distressing) for creating bold, immersive, and cohesive spaces. Designers are moving away from stark grays, cool neutrals, and overly bright accents toward warmer, more nuanced solids that feel grounded, indulgent, and timeless. This shift reflects a desire for comfort, biophilic (nature-inspired) connections, and subtle sophistication, with "color drenching" (painting walls, trim, ceilings, and even doors in the same solid shade) as a key technique for depth without overwhelm.
Key Trends in Solid Colors 1. **Earthy Browns and Mochas (The Dominant Neutral Evolution)** Browns are the breakout stars, replacing cold grays with warm, chocolatey solids that evoke indulgence and coziness. Pantone's Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse (17-1230), is a medium brown that's nurturing and versatile—perfect for living rooms or bedrooms drenched in one shade. - Popular picks: Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 (heathered plum-brown), Behr Rumors (deep ruby-brown), Sherwin-Williams Thunderous or Wild Truffle. These work as all-over solids for moody yet approachable spaces, pairing with wood tones or creamy accents. 2. **Deep, Saturated Jewel Tones (Bold Statements)** For those embracing color confidence, rich solids like emerald greens, peacock blues, and oxblood reds are surging. These create dramatic, enveloping rooms without patterns—think full-wall solids for instant elegance. - Standouts: Valspar Encore (jewel-tone navy), Behr Black Sapphire (mysterious deep blue), Sherwin-Williams Country Squire (sparkling emerald) or Cascades (deep green-blue). Use on accent walls, cabinets, or entire rooms for a "speakeasy" vibe; they're versatile with metallics or naturals. 3. **Muted Greens and Sage (Calming Biophilic Hues)** Nature-inspired solids continue strong, but deeper and more complex than past years. These solids bring serenity and pair beautifully with browns or woods. - Favorites: Sherwin-Williams Rockwood Shutter Green or Gallery Green, Benjamin Moore Rosepine or Wethersfield Moss, Behr Frosted Jade (soft green-gray). Ideal for bedrooms or kitchens—drench for a forest-like calm. 4. **Warm Neutrals and Off-Whites (Subtle Foundations)** Not gone, but evolved: Warmer solids like creamy beiges, khakis, and butter yellows replace stark whites. These act as "quietly colorful" bases for layering bolder accents. - Go-tos: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Shoji White, Benjamin Moore Alabaster equivalents, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Quietude (soft green-tinged neutral). Butter yellow (e.g., Mylands Butter) is rising as a sunny alternative to white walls. 5. **Nuanced Purples and Plums (Sophisticated Surprises)** Subtle violets with brown/gray undertones add intrigue without overwhelming. Glidden's moody violet and Benjamin Moore's Cinnamon Slate lead here. ### Bold Solids vs. Neutrals in 2025 - **Bold solids** (jewels, deep reds/greens) are gaining for expressive, personality-driven homes—up from neutral dominance, but often muted or earthy to avoid feeling dated. - **Warm neutrals** remain foundational (e.g., for open-concept spaces), but they're richer now—think "complex" khakis or mochas over beige/gray. - Outdated: Cool grays, stark whites, high-contrast trim, single accent walls, or Barbie pinks. Tips: Always sample solids in your lighting—undertones shift dramatically. Matte or eggshell finishes enhance the uniform, modern look of solids. For visuals, trends on platforms like Pinterest show drenched mocha rooms and jewel-tone offices dominating 2025 boards. These trends blend boldness with livability, making homes feel intentionally curated and welcoming.
As we embrace new design and decor trends, sustainability in home painting is gaining attention. The shift towards eco-friendly paints reflects environmental awareness and the desire for healthier homes. This year's trend highlights the variety of eco-friendly paints with low or zero VOCs, reducing exposure to harmful emissions and improving indoor air quality. Additionally, natural and renewable materials like plant-based pigments and mineral-based paints offer an environmentally friendly alternative, providing unique colors and character. Upcycling and repurposing are also influencing paint production, with manufacturers incorporating recycled content to minimize waste and enhance the circular economy. These trends underline the move towards conscious consumerism and responsible home improvement, allowing homeowners to beautify their spaces while fostering sustainability
