Designing Your Brand and Website with Impact
When it comes to branding and web design, color is more than just a visual element—it’s a powerful communication tool that can influence perception, evoke emotions, and guide user behavior. The right color scheme can elevate your brand, making it more memorable and impactful. Whether you’re refreshing your existing brand or building something new, understanding the latest color trends can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
In 2025, the selected colors of the year are not just about trends; they reflect broader cultural sentiments and design movements. As we dive into each of these colors, consider how they might align with your brand’s message and the experience you want to create for your users.
What is the 2025 Color of the Year?
The idea of a single “Color of the Year” is a bit of a myth. In reality, several key players in the world of design and paint—like Pantone, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams—each crown their own Color (or Colors) of the Year. These choices are more than just about what looks good; they reflect broader cultural and design trends that are expected to influence everything from branding to website design in the coming year.
These companies employ expert colorists and trend forecasters who study everything from art and fashion to current events and societal shifts. Their goal? To pinpoint the colors that will resonate most in the year ahead, shaping not just home décor but also how brands present themselves in the marketplace.
Here’s a list of the 2025 Colors of the Year that have been announced so far:
- Behr – Rumors
- HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams – Quietude
- Valspar – Encore
- Dutch Boy – Mapped Blue
- Stainmaster Paints – Truffle
- Minwax – Violet
- Little Greene – Mochi
These colors represent a mix of calming hues, earthy tones, and vibrant pops of color, each with potential to make a significant impact in branding and web design. The diversity in these selections allows for flexibility in creating color schemes that resonate with various brand personalities and target audiences.
Why Colors Matter in Branding and Web Design
Color is one of the most powerful tools in a designer’s toolkit. It’s not just about aesthetics—color has the power to evoke emotions, convey messages, and influence behavior. When chosen thoughtfully, color can strengthen a brand’s identity, make a website more engaging, and even guide users’ actions.
In web design, color psychology plays a crucial role. For instance, blue is often used by financial institutions because it conveys trust and stability. Red can create a sense of urgency, making it a popular choice for call-to-action buttons. By understanding the psychological impact of colors, you can create a visual brand that not only looks good but also connects with your audience on a deeper level.
The 2025 Colors of the Year: How to Use Them in Your Brand and Website
Several major paint companies have already revealed their 2025 Color of the Year. Let’s explore how you can incorporate these colors into your brand’s visual identity and website design to create a memorable and impactful online presence.
Behr: Rumors
Behr’s “Rumors” is a rich ruby red that commands attention without overwhelming the senses. In branding, red is a color that evokes passion, energy, and urgency. It’s perfect for brands that want to make a bold statement and leave a lasting impression. In web design, “Rumors” can be used as an accent color to draw attention to key elements like buttons or calls-to-action. Pair it with neutral tones like white or grey to create a balanced look that’s both dynamic and elegant.
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams: Quietude
“Quietude” is a soft, sage green with subtle blue undertones, designed to create a calming, peaceful environment. Green is often associated with growth, harmony, and stability, making it an excellent choice for brands in the wellness or environmental sectors. On a website, “Quietude” can be used as a background color to create a serene and inviting space that encourages users to stay and explore. It pairs beautifully with natural textures and materials, reinforcing a sense of tranquility and balance.
Valspar: Encore
Valspar’s “Encore” is a deep, tranquil blue that evokes a sense of peace and reflection. Blue is universally associated with trust and dependability, which is why brands in the tech and finance industries often use it. “Encore” can be used in web design to create a sense of security and professionalism. Consider using it as a primary color in your website’s palette, especially in headers or navigation bars, to create a cohesive and trustworthy online presence.
Dutch Boy: Mapped Blue
Dutch Boy’s “Mapped Blue” is a medium-toned blue with subtle yellow undertones, giving it a warm and inviting feel. This color is ideal for brands looking to balance modernity with approachability. In web design, “Mapped Blue” can be used to create a welcoming and user-friendly interface. It’s particularly effective in spaces where you want to convey both professionalism and warmth, such as service-based businesses or community-focused organizations.
Stainmaster Paints: Truffle
“Truffle” by Stainmaster Paints is a rich, earthy brown that exudes warmth and comfort. Brown is often associated with reliability and strength, making it a great choice for brands that want to convey stability and dependability. In web design, “Truffle” can be used as a background color to create a cozy and grounded feel. It’s particularly effective when paired with lighter colors like beige or cream, which can help soften its intensity while maintaining its welcoming vibe.
Minwax: Violet
Minwax’s “Violet” is a soft and elegant shade that brings a subtle hint of luxury and tranquility. Purple is often associated with creativity, wisdom, and spirituality, making it a great choice for brands in the creative industries. On a website, “Violet” can be used to add a touch of sophistication and elegance, especially in areas where you want to inspire or evoke emotion. Pair it with neutral tones like grey or white to create a balanced and harmonious look.
Little Greene: Mochi
“Mochi” by Little Greene is a warm, inviting neutral with a soft, creamy undertone. Neutrals like “Mochi” are versatile and timeless, making them a staple in both branding and web design. This color can serve as the foundation of your website’s color palette, providing a backdrop that allows other colors to shine. “Mochi” is perfect for creating a clean, minimalist look that feels both modern and comfortable, making it a great choice for brands that want to convey simplicity and elegance.
Wrap Up Your Brand or Workspace in Color
Choosing the right color scheme is more than just a design choice—it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your brand’s perception and your website’s user experience. Whether you’re looking to inspire creativity, evoke trust, or create a calm and inviting environment, these 2025 colors of the year provide a great starting point. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and let your colors do the talking!
Looking to refresh your brand or website with the latest trends? Cider House Media offers expert design services to help bring your vision to life. Let’s make your brand as vibrant as these colors of the year!
