Behr's 2025 Color of the Year Breathes New Life Into Classic Red—See 'Rumors' Here

Rumors, a deep and dynamic ruby hue, reimagines timeless red.

Red is a classic color that has been used in interior design throughout history, but it's currently experiencing a renaissance in a way we've never seen before. Leaning into this trend is Behr Paint, which has chosen Rumors as its 2025 Color of the Year. This deep, dynamic ruby red is where nostalgic flair and timeless elegance intersect to create a shade that is versatile and approachable.

“We’re seeing people embrace color like never before,” said Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company. “Rumors is a modern take on the timeless red that creates an energetic appeal to make a lasting statement in a stunning way.”

Related: Every 2025 Color of the Year We Know So Far—and Inspiration for How to Use Each in Your Home

If you've been interested in bringing more color into your home but have been hesitant to do so, Rumors is the perfect shade for getting your feet wet. The color pairs effortlessly with the neutrals people already have in their homes, like whites and soft blues, making Rumors simple to incorporate into any space.

"Rumors is a very approachable, versatile red," Woelfel told Martha Stewart, noting that you can use this rich jewel tone in big ways or small. "A small project would be painting a piece of furniture, and a bigger project would be painting an accent wall or painting cabinetry in a kitchen," she says.

For homeowners who are ready to embrace color in a bolder way, Rumors is also a captivating option for color-drenched spaces. "If you paint the ceiling, and the walls, and the doors, and all the trim, it creates a very luxurious space, says Woelfel.

To help the brand decide on its 2025 Color of the Year, Behr conducted its own consumer research and found that 76 percent of Americans say they would consider painting a room or a wall a shade of red. What's more, 84 percent said that a small pop of red in a room catches their attention.

This data aligns with trends we've already seen in home design so far this year, such as the "unexpected red theory," a term coined by Brooklyn-based designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon on TikTok. The phrase describes the fashion and interior design phenomenon by which incorporating a pop of red improves the aesthetic of any space.

While Behr's Rumors aligns with today's trends, its versatility spans eras. "Red is a classic that artists and designers have been using for centuries," says Woelfel—as well as in more recent history. "We saw it back in the 90s ... so there's a little bit of that nostalgic nod, but now it's been reinvented."

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.