The Rumors Are True: BEHR's Color of the Year for 2025 is Here

In recent years, home decor has leaned toward neutral tones, with white walls, beige rugs, and soft, muted decor reigning supreme.


But with BEHR’s 2025 Color of the Year, " Rumors," it’s clear that those “sad beige days” are behind us. This rich, ruby-like shade is making waves in the design world, offering a bold alternative to minimalist color schemes.


Warm yet striking, Rumors is the perfect hue for those ready to embrace more vibrant, sophisticated spaces. Let's take a deeper look:

Image Credit: BEHR
Image Credit: BEHR

PRESTIGE Paints Interior Paint and Primer In One Comparable Match of Behr* Rumors

For color lovers, Rumors makes a definitive statement: "Your taste was impeccable all along." And for those just stepping into a world of more expressive design, it says, "Welcome to the red side—it’s cozy over here."

Image Credit: BEHR

Why Red Is the Color of the Moment

Throughout 2024, red has emerged as a favorite in both fashion and interior design. The “unexpected red” theory, where a small splash of red in a room can tie everything together, has been particularly influential. This trend demonstrated how just a hint of this vibrant shade can create cohesion in a way that other colors don’t quite achieve.


However, BEHR’s Rumors goes beyond the classic red. It’s a deeper, more luxurious ruby shade that feels both timeless and contemporary. Whether it’s applied to a single accent wall or an entire room, Rumors has the power to instantly transform a space, making it feel more elegant and elevated.


Rumor has it that this shade may just be the hint of luxury your home has been missing.

The Psychology Behind Red Shades

According to BEHR’s VP of Color Services, Erika Woelfel, the brand’s decision to select Rumors as the Color of the Year came after extensive research into global trends, including shifts in music, fashion, and travel.


“We’re seeing a shift toward bolder color use among designers and homeowners,” Woelfel explains. In a time when people are seeking more expressive design choices, Rumors stands out as the ideal color for creating dramatic, impactful moments in the home.

Image Credit: BEHR

Why Rumors Is a Color Lover’s Dream

Rumors is the perfect shade for “color drenching,” a design trend where multiple walls are coated in the same bold hue. This creates an immersive experience and adds a sense of drama to any room.


Woelfel notes that Rumors is particularly striking in spaces where people gather, such as dining rooms, living areas, and kitchens. This shade can also be used as a neutral backdrop for more eclectic decor, allowing art and furniture to stand out against its rich, red tone.


And if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your private spaces, consider using Rumors in your bedroom, bathroom, or home office. Woelfel describes it as offering “sumptuous glamour,” transforming even the smallest spaces into areas of distinction and personal expression.

Can Minimalists Use BEHR’s 2025 Color of the Year?

Even if you typically prefer neutral tones, Rumors has a place in your home. This rich red works beautifully with muted palettes, creating a balance between vibrancy and subtlety.

Image Credit: BEHR

Woelfel suggests pairing Rumors with BEHR’s softer shades, like Blank Canvas, Even Better Beige, or Nutmeg Frost, to create a sophisticated, modern look. These combinations add a pop of energy to otherwise serene spaces while maintaining a sense of harmony.

Image Credit: BEHR

For a more monochromatic aesthetic, Woelfel recommends layering Rumors with light pinks or soft beiges. This allows the boldness of red to shine without overwhelming the room, offering an organic, cohesive feel.

Image Credit: BEHR

Incorporating Rumors into Your Home

For those looking to bring this vibrant red into their homes, Woelfel recommends starting with accent walls or smaller spaces if you’re not ready to commit to an entire room makeover.


Rumors can also be a showstopper for exteriors. In fact, BEHR’s survey found that 86% of people view homes with red front doors as more eye-catching—a perfect reason to give your entrance a ruby-red refresh.

Image Credit: BEHR

BEHR even included Rumors in its Curb Appeal Collection, a line of paints and stains designed for outdoor use, so you can bring this bold hue to your front door, shutters, or patio without worrying about durability in the elements.

Image Credit: BEHR

To try out Rumors for yourself, you can order a sample or upload a photo of your room to the BEHR website to try out the color online first.

Beyond Paint

If you're not up to re-coloring your walls for 2025, there are still other ways to incorporate Rumors into your decor. Here are a few pieces I found on Amazon that nod to BEHR's Color of the Year and also emulate the same vibes of luxury, indulgence, and glamour:


CANDWAX 3x3 Pillar Candle Set of 3

JAKY-Global Babys Breath Silk Artificial Flowers

Floroom 300pcs Silk Rose Petals

Nialnant Burgundy Cheesecloth Table Runner

Gorilla Grip Bath Rug Mat 24x17

WACOMECO Velvet Throw Pillow Covers, Pack of 2

Socomi Wedding Arch Draping Fabric

The Bottom Line

BEHR’s Rumors is a departure from the muted tones of previous years, like 2023’s Blank Canvas or 2024’s Cracked Pepper. This deep ruby red is both luxurious and bold, making a statement that color can be both fun and sophisticated.


Whether your style is maximalist or minimalist, Rumors offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your home with a shade that feels both timeless and on-trend.


What do you think of Rumors? Would you incorporate this shade into your home? Let me know in the comments below.

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2 of 7 comments
  • Lin119807029 Lin119807029 on Sep 16, 2024
    I Love It……
  • Ars54268128 Ars54268128 on Sep 17, 2024
    Rumors makes a bold color statement so I would only use it for an entry door. I had a smiliar color as an accent wall in my bedroom throughout the 90's.
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