If your home still rocks mouse grey walls and a few duck blue throw pillows, brace yourself: Gen Z has spoken, and they’re calling for a colour revolution faster than you can say « pumpkin spice latte. » As fall rolls around and 2025 edges closer, this new wave of tastemakers is tossing out yesterday’s overdone hues for something decidedly warmer, deeper and yes, more dramatic.
Gen Z’s Colour Cancel List: Out with the Old!
Once upon a time, certain colours were crowned the uncontested queens of interior trends, gracing every living room and Pinterest board across the land. But Gen Z, ever in search of novelty and authenticity, has officially declared some of these shades past their prime. According to this thoroughly opinionated generation, the following have lost their lustre:
- Mouse grey – too neutral, too absent, and frankly a bit soul-sapping
- Duck blue – swap that « classic » vibe for something truly modern
- Mustard yellow – overexposed and underwhelming now
- Candy pink – sweet, but lacking in depth and personality
Let’s pause for a moment of silence for these dearly departed tones. With their overuse and lack of punch, Gen Z is steering clear and seeking out colour choices that transform a space with energy and comfort.
Why These Colours Had to Go: Inside Gen Z’s Mind
If you’re wondering what’s so wrong with these classic shades, it all boils down to character. Candy pink, for one, has been accused of being too sugary and shallow—like that friend who’s nice but you can’t remember what they talked about five minutes after they’ve left. Gen Z wants depth! That’s why candy pink’s shelf life has expired, replaced by richer choices such as deep rose and audacious red-purple. These new favourites pack a sense of drama, well-suited to the young and ever-so-slightly rebellious spirit of today’s trendsetters.
Mouse grey, described as overly neutral and lacking soul, has also been left in the design dust. Duck blue, on the other hand, may have once seemed timeless, but it’s now dismissed as too conventional. Mustard yellow’s time in the sun, too, is dimming; it’s simply been seen too often and no longer feels fresh.
What’s In for 2024-2025: The Rise of Warmth and Depth
So, if the old favourites are out, what’s taking their place? The answer: warm, deep, and comforting shades that create the perfect cocoon for cooler seasons. As the leaves start to fall, it’s the ideal time to give your home a makeover with the following Gen Z-approved updates:
- Reds, oranges, browns, and beiges for cushions, throws, curtains, or even a freshly painted accent wall
- Textiles that scream « snuggle up, » like wool blankets, velvet pillows, and thick rugs, swapping out those too-light summer fabrics
- Seasonal decorative flourishes: think pumpkins, dry leaves, cinnamon- or hazelnut-scented candles, pine cones, and autumn wreaths—because your decor should match your cozy, autumnal vibes
These rich tones bring instant warmth and make a space inviting—exactly what you want as the temperature drops and everyone’s craving comfort with a side of style.
Deco Refresh: Don’t Just Follow Trends, Embrace the Mood
By updating your palette with these new, enveloping colours and trading in lightweight summer textiles for cozier ones, you can breathe new life into your space and keep it right in line with what’s hot for 2024 and 2025. The result? A home that’s both welcoming and on-point, ready for gatherings, quiet nights in, or your next impromptu TikTok backdrop.
And remember, lest your sofa start to feel left behind: a few touches are often all it takes. Choose accent pieces in the update palette, a handful of snug fabrics, and a sprinkle of seasonal decor. Your home will thank you—and so will your Gen Z friends (even if they do so with a well-timed eye roll).
Passionate about design and interior architecture for many years, I strive to highlight the pieces that have marked modern design and the stories behind their creators, with C86 Design.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
