Top 10 Colors Designers Are Using to Cool Homes in 2025

1. Serene Sky Blue

Sky blue has swept into 2025 as a dominant shade for cooling interiors. Designers favor this gentle hue for its almost instant calming effect, which research from the Pantone Color Institute shows can reduce stress and even lower perceived room temperature by up to 2 degrees Celsius. Homeowners are painting bedroom walls, ceilings, and even cabinetry in various blue tones to create a restful sanctuary. Sky blue reflects natural light well, making rooms appear brighter and airier. Interior designer Maya Lin notes that clients often report feeling more relaxed and focused in blue-toned rooms. This color has also been seen in major 2025 home decor exhibitions, highlighting its popularity among professionals. Its versatility means it pairs beautifully with both modern and classic furnishings.

2. Misty Sage Green

Sage green continues to trend upwards thanks to its soothing, earthy qualities. In a 2025 survey by Houzz, over 38% of designers listed sage as their top choice for creating a peaceful home environment. The muted, misty undertone of this green makes it especially effective in kitchens and living spaces, where it pairs well with wood accents and natural fibers. Studies have shown that green hues can evoke feelings of tranquility and wellness—qualities in high demand as more people seek sanctuary in their homes. Misty sage also blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, a look favored in biophilic design trends this year. Designers are using it on walls, soft furnishings, and even tiles for a subtle yet impactful cooling effect.

3. Crisp Arctic White

Arctic white has made a comeback in 2025, chosen for its crisp, clean appeal. Unlike warmer whites, this shade has a cool undertone that helps bounce natural light around a room and visually lowers the temperature. According to a report from Sherwin-Williams, white remains the most popular paint color for ceilings and trim in climate-conscious homes. Designers love using this shade in compact spaces to maximize brightness and create a sense of openness. The minimalist look is in, with arctic white serving as a backdrop for colorful accents or layered neutrals. This cool white also resists yellowing over time, making it a lasting choice for sun-filled rooms.

4. Oceanic Teal

Teal, especially ocean-inspired shades, is making waves in designer palettes for 2025. This color combines the calming properties of blue with the grounding effect of green, and is showing up in bathrooms, home offices, and even exterior siding. According to Benjamin Moore’s 2025 color trend report, deep teal hues are associated with increased creativity and focus, making them ideal for spaces where people work or study. The coolness of teal is said to evoke fresh sea breezes, instantly making a room feel cooler and more refreshing. Many designers are pairing oceanic teal with sandy beige or driftwood tones to recreate a coastal retreat at home.

5. Soft Dove Grey

Grey has been a staple in home design for years, but in 2025, it’s the soft, dove-toned versions that are stealing the spotlight. Research from the Global Color Research Institute suggests that soft grey has a cooling psychological effect because it reflects light without the harshness of pure white. It’s a favorite for modern living rooms and open-plan spaces, giving a sophisticated but understated vibe. Dove grey works beautifully with metallic accents, cool blues, and indoor plants, making it a flexible choice for many design styles. Designers also report that homeowners prefer grey for its ability to disguise dust and wear, keeping spaces looking fresh longer.

6. Powder Lilac

Lilac, especially in its powdery, pale form, has emerged as a surprising trendsetter in 2025. Designers like Emily Henderson have noted a surge in requests for lilac walls and accents in nurseries, bedrooms, and even kitchens. This color is associated with serenity and balance, and recent psychological studies suggest that soft purple hues can help lower anxiety and promote restful sleep. Powder lilac’s cool undertones make it ideal for combating the heat, especially in sun-drenched rooms. It’s being used alongside white trim and light woods for a fresh, modern look that still feels welcoming.

7. Seafoam Aqua

Seafoam aqua is a playful yet calming color that’s popping up in homes across the globe in 2025. According to interior trend analysts, this shade is particularly effective at creating a sense of coolness because it blends the refreshing qualities of blue and the gentle energy of green. Designers are using seafoam on kitchen cabinetry, bathroom tiles, and even outdoor furniture to evoke the feeling of a seaside escape. The color is also associated with feelings of optimism and relaxation, supported by recent studies in environmental psychology. Seafoam aqua pairs well with whites, sandy neutrals, and natural textures like rattan or linen.

8. Chalky Mint

Mint has evolved from a retro favorite to a chic, modern staple in cooling color palettes. The chalky, subdued version of mint is especially popular in 2025, as shown by a 2025 Home Design Trends survey where 24% of respondents chose it as their go-to paint color for summer renovations. Chalky mint is used in everything from statement walls to accent decor, offering a fresh, airy touch that doesn’t overwhelm a space. Its association with cleanliness and new beginnings makes it perfect for bathrooms and entryways. Designers love its adaptability, noting that it works just as well in vintage-inspired homes as in ultra-modern spaces.

9. Cool Clay Beige

Clay beige, with its cool undertones, has been gaining traction for its understated elegance and versatility. Unlike traditional warm beiges, this color reads as soft and calming, making it a top pick for living rooms and bedrooms that need a serene touch. Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology highlights that cool neutrals like clay beige can reduce visual clutter and help create a peaceful atmosphere. Designers are pairing it with crisp whites, charcoal greys, and even pastel accents to keep spaces feeling open and breezy. The color’s natural, earthy vibe also fits seamlessly with the ongoing trend toward sustainable, eco-friendly design.

10. Pale Ice Blue

Pale ice blue rounds out the top 10 colors for cooling homes in 2025, beloved for its almost ethereal quality. This color has surged in popularity according to a 2025 color forecast by Dulux, cited for its ability to make small, hot rooms feel larger and cooler. Pale ice blue is being used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and even on kitchen cabinets to create an oasis-like effect. The shade reflects both artificial and natural light, making spaces feel open and inviting. Designers appreciate how ice blue harmonizes with metallics, glass, and other cool tones for a sophisticated, spa-like finish. Its subtlety ensures it never feels overwhelming, even when used on all four walls.