Reflecting central theme ‘A new harmony’, colour expert Lee Eiseman unveiled seven colour palettes as part of the Pantone View Home and Interiors 2025 at The Inspired Home Show.
“Harmony is a beautiful word that conjures up certain pictures in your mind…being in tune with ourselves and with others within our immediate surroundings and the greater world around us,” she explains.
“It also conveys a sense of balance, a sense of equilibrium and a much sought-after need and aspiration of humans. When it comes to design, much of the harmony that is created is certainly because of the educated and creative use of colour.”
Eiseman shared that the inspiration for the 2025 palettes came from a variety of sources and industries, but nature played a significant role.
“That’s largely due to the beauty in nature that surrounds us and people’s general desire to be thoughtful, congruent and compatible with the earth we inhabit.
“The variety of colours that come from within the earth can be both muted and vibrant and can be reflected in anything from chillable whiskey rocks made from natural soapstone to vibrant glassware reminiscent of amethyst gems.
“Animals, flowers and plants can all be natural sources of colour inspiration, for example, green is trending particularly in specialty beverages.”
When it comes to consumers’ desire for balance and wellness, Eiseman noted the current popularity of comfort foods, weighted blankets (and even weighted stuffed animals that mimic a human embrace) and dance as a form of both exercise and creative expression.
Other influences she shared include the popularity of western motifs such as denim and leather; how art is being influenced by both AI and regenerative design; unique and original fashion that can either be futuristic or ‘reinvented retro’ and surrealism in both art and advertising.
“That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for neutrals,” she adds. “Designers and marketers just need to add a touch of newness, so the eye doesn’t gloss over them. I love the use of off-white and cream alongside what we’re calling punked up pastels.”
Because harmony is commonly associated with music, each of the seven palettes has a musical name.
• Blended Notes—described by Eiseman as healthful and tranquil, this palette features cool naturals, icy tones and refreshing blue-greens. It’s gently stimulating, like a breath of fresh air.
• Easy Listening—“this palette is all about serenity. It says ‘let’s relax. Let’s unwind’. It features a variety of soft and light-hearted pastels with a gentle fizz.”
• Tempo Timing—inspired by kinetic energy and youthful athleticism, this palette is polished and crafted. Dark conveys a sense of power, Eiseman explained, so this palette includes several dark tones. But it also contains a few lighter ones like off-white and peach so it’s not too dark.
• Staccato—in what Eiseman called a different kind of mix, Staccato can be described as representing sweet and sour. It incorporates bright colours that can be used in colour blocking and evokes feelings of design as play.
• Stage Prescence—retro 1970s stylings and smooth jazz are influences in this earthy and eclectic palette that can easily be used in bold patterning. It features strong colours like tan with a little orange in it, but it’s still smooth, said Eiseman.
• Perfect Pitch—some might call this palette gothic Eiseman said, but she described it as “smokey and high-brow with colours that appear to have a powdery finish. It feels cinematic and mysterious, while conveying a feeling of sophistication and luxury.”
• Crescendo—like its name conveys, Crescendo includes colours that seem to make noise. Though Eiseman called it “not quite as bold as Staccato”, this palette also features vibrant tones that seem to build toward a joyful journey. It has influences in both technology and music.
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