As a color expert who works across the country, I’m exposed to colors and styles of all kinds, and believe me, it’s an adventure! I have always been amazed at the wide range of color preferences and styles; the colors we choose can speak volumes about who we are. I don’t often get motivated to write about specific paint colors, but once in a while, a color just speaks to me and presents something new, exciting, and unforgettable.
Behr has announced its Color of The Year for 2025, and it’s glorious. “Rumors,” a marvelous, deep ruby red, has been declared Behr’s winner for 2025, and it would be hard to argue with that choice. The color speaks for itself, and with this blog, I will discuss why Rumors is such a fantastic color choice and, in general, why these colors tend to get slept on by homeowners and some of the design community. So, clack those ruby slippers together, and let’s take a journey to Oz to discuss why Rumors, a ruby red color, should be in your design arsenal!
When you look at Rumors, you’ll understand why it’s such a potent red hue; Rumors is an example of how a shade of red can transform an interior. The color is a more understated, sophisticated take on a super-saturated red, balancing vibrancy and subtlety.
Rumors is described as a deep, intriguing red with undertones that make it versatile for various settings, and I agree with this description. Rumors is certainly weighty, but there’s a hint of romance to it, especially when applied in a matte finish, which is unexpected for a color as saturated as this is. I’m sure most everyone would not picture a ruby red to have such an elegant, muted presence, which is what’s so great about Rumors. It’s experimental, and with Behr’s efforts to try something different for ruby red, they’ve somehow created a color that’s both a throwback to a bygone era and something entirely new as well.
Historically, very dark reds have been challenging for homeowners to accept and interior designers to work with because they are often perceived as “loud,” abrasive, and, therefore, only used as accent colors. Their intense vibrancy can be overwhelming, creating a feeling of being overpowered by such a bold presence. Because of this, many people shy away from incorporating the bold hue into their homes, fearing it will dominate their space or clash with other design elements.
However, ruby red doesn’t have to be intimidating or overpowering. By adjusting the saturation and hue, designers can create a wide range of tones that retain the passionate essence of red while being more versatile and approachable. Rumors is a perfect example of this, as deeper or more muted variations of ruby red create warmth, sophistication, and wonder without the intensity or brightness many associate with “fire engine” reds.
If more homeowners and designers embrace different shades of deep reds, they can harness its rich and dynamic qualities more subtly. Rumors offers more flexibility than most realize, and more homeowners should be open to enjoying the color’s emotive power without feeling overwhelmed by its traditionally strong presence.
Well, I’m glad you asked! Since I heard the news about Rumors being Behr’s Color of the Year 2025, I’ve been daydreaming about different scenarios and spaces that would work beautifully with the color’s unique presence.
Here are some ideas I have for working with Rumors:
Working with Woods – Rumors looks stunning when juxtaposed with natural wood finishes. I particularly like the idea of pairing it with woods with lighter hardwoods with lighter finishes, like white oak, birch, or ash. Because Rumors has a warm weight to it, I feel pairing the color against shelving, furniture, or even window trim that’s lighter in wood tone would bring balance and eye-catching dynamics to the space.
Accent Walls – Rumors is a prime candidate for a standout dynamic accent wall. As a brief reminder, and to quote me, “an accent wall is an exterior or interior wall that’s colored differently than the surrounding area to create stark juxtaposition and contrast in colors.” Picture rumors surrounded by walls that are either steely-cool gray or warm off-white; it would create a focal point that pops, but not in a distracting manner. It adds just enough energy and warmth to wake the space up in the most appealing way!
Unexpected Spaces: I get excited thinking about using Rumors to create a passionate pop of color in overlooked areas. For example, Rumors’ deep ruby red allure would work wonderfully behind a bar, built-in coffee nook, or butler’s pantry! These spaces are prime for color, and their accessories, such as metallic/copper espresso machines or vintage whiskey bottles, look great when contrasted with a warm, muted hue.
Rumors is also the perfect choice for personal spaces where you want to create a coziness and richness that will hold you tight. Personal workspaces, libraries, private reading areas, and home offices can be great places to surround yourself with this rich color!
As a color specialist, I often see the same methodology in color creation/design, but Rumors excites me. Behr has taken a color that’s often misunderstood and underutilized and made it something unique and desirable. So tell me, what do you think about Behr’s Color of the Year for 2025? Could you see yourself adopting Rumors? Where do you see deep ruby red working in your home? Please share your thoughts and questions; I love hearing from you!
