Counting Down to the warm season with five new spring summer 2025 color trends
Who else was eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring? As spring naturally inspires a desire to refresh our spaces, it’s also the best time to explore new color trends that will define the upcoming season. With this in mind, I’ve put together a roundup of the key color trends to try this Spring/Summer by picking five specific colors. Many of these have already been featured on the blog or within TRENDBARK resources, but this post brings everything together in one place for easy reference.
But before we dive into the latest color trends, let’s take a quick look at how we predict future color trends at TRENDBARK – a question I often get asked.
_
How We Forecast the Key Color Trends
Predicting future color trends is all about having a multi-layered research approach – in our case, blending on-site exploration with digital analysis. It all begins with macro trend analysis, where we study global consumer behavior, fashion, lifestyle movements, technological advancements, and environmental shifts to identify key influences on design.
We then refine our insights through industry research by attending major design events across Europe. Here, we identify which trends are practical, sustainable, and impactful, and understand at which stage they are. Additionally, we analyze social media patterns and AI-generated reports, plus our research is enriched by input from the ITALIANBARK® global network, providing first hand insights from industry professionals.
Unlike fleeting digital trends, we always ensure physical validation by testing each color prediction with real-world swatches, color cards, and material applications. This is how to transform abstract ideas into actionable design solutions. By combining these methods, we don’t just forecast trends but provide designers, architects, and creatives with tangible color solutions.
A sneak peek for you in this post, while for the full color trends range – the source is always the Trendbook: “Color Trends 25/26“.
____
spring summer 2025 color trends 01: Butter Yellow
Butter Yellow is emerging as a must-try color trend, bringing a sense of warmth, softness, and optimism to interiors and fashion alike – as we predicted last summer in this post. This delicate pastel shade sits between cream and golden yellow, offering a subtle yet uplifting touch that feels both nostalgic and modern. Its versatility makes it easy to incorporate into various design styles—whether through cozy textiles, painted walls, or statement furniture pieces.
Butter yellow pairs beautifully with earthy neutrals for a soothing, minimalist look or with bolder hues like deep blue or terracotta for a striking contrast. As a color associated with comfort and lightness, it perfectly captures the desire for cozy yet refreshing spaces, making it an ideal choice for the Spring/Summer season.
____
Spring/Summer 2025 Color Trend 02: Aqua
Aqua is making waves as a key color trend for Spring/Summer, reaffirming our predictions from last year. Highlighted in our previous trend forecast, this refreshing hue was a standout at Milan Design Week, where it emerged as a rising star in interiors and design. With its serene yet vibrant quality, aqua strikes the perfect balance between tranquility and energy, making it an ideal choice for the warmer seasons.
Aqua versatility allows it to complement both earthy neutrals for a calming effect and bold, saturated tones for a more dynamic look. As designers and brands increasingly embrace water-inspired hues, aqua is set to define the season, bringing a fresh, modern touch to interiors, fashion, and beyond.
____
Spring Summer 2025 Color Trend 03: Rooibos Red
With the resurgence of bohemian aesthetics and the growing influence of the new craft movement, terracotta-inspired hues continue to shape interior design. However, for a fresh, modern take this Spring/Summer, Rooibos Tea Red is emerging as a standout alternative. Richer and more nuanced than classic terracotta, this earthy yet vibrant shade brings warmth, depth, and a contemporary edge to interiors.
Rooibos Tea Red’s natural, sunbaked quality makes it a perfect complement to organic materials like wood, rattan, and linen, while its bold undertones add a touch of sophistication and energy. As designers seek earthy, grounded palettes with a twist, Rooibos Tea Red offers the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it a must-try color this season.
____
Spring Summer 2025 Color Trend 04: Lilac
Another color trend we already met here on ITALIANBARK is lilac. With the continued rise of soft pastels in design, lilac is making a statement as one of the key colors to try this Spring/Summer. This delicate yet modern hue strikes the perfect balance between tranquility and playfulness, making it a versatile choice for both interiors and fashion.
Unlike bolder purples, lilac carries a subtle, airy quality that pairs beautifully with neutrals, earthy tones, and even metallics, adding a fresh and contemporary touch. Its connection to nature and well-being—evoking blooming lavender fields and a sense of calm—aligns perfectly with the ongoing trend toward mindful, soothing spaces. Whether used as an accent or a statement shade, lilac brings soft elegance and a forward-thinking aesthetic, proving that pastels are anything but predictable this season.
____
spring summer 2025 color trends 05: Sea Salt
A newcomer for this spring/summer season I’m proposing to you – Sea Salt. Inspired by the natural hues of Himalayan salt, this delicate neutral pink carries warm, mineral undertones that make it both soothing and sophisticated. Unlike traditional blush tones, Pink Salt has a muted, dusty quality, making it incredibly versatile—it pairs beautifully with warm neutrals, terracotta, and deep browns for a grounded, organic feel, or with crisp whites and cool grays for a modern, elegant touch.
As the trend for natural, wellness-inspired interiors continues to grow, Pink Salt perfectly embodies the balance between warmth, softness, and understated luxury, making it a must-try shade this season.
____
Get Inspired by the next color Trends
To dive deeper into the next wave of emerging hues, explore TRENDBARK’s latest book, “Color Trends 2025/26”. Inside, you’ll find an in-depth analysis of the key shades, influences, and palettes set to define the future of design.
Stay ahead of the curve—discover the full spectrum of color trends now!
