- 3 min read

ChatGPT Predicts the Dulux Colour of the Year 2025

Dulux has been selecting its Colour of the Year since 2004, and these colours reflect societal trends, emotions, and global shifts in culture and design. Over the years, the selections have varied from vibrant, optimistic tones to muted, comforting shades that resonate with the mood of the times.

Previous Colours of the Year (2004-2024)

Year	Colour of the Year	Psychological Interpretation
2010	Soft Olive	Grounding, nurturing, and growth.
2011	Forest Falls	Growth, luxury, balance.
2012	Firecracker 4	Passion, warmth, courage.
2013	Indigo Blue	Wisdom, integrity, serenity.
2014	Teal	Balance between serenity and energy.
2015	Copper Blush	Breathes warmth into interiors.
2016	Cherished Gold	Warmth, wealth, and optimism.
2017	Denim Drift	Stability, resilience, and adaptability.
2018	Heart Wood	Comfort, security, and nurturing.
2019	Spiced Honey	Invigoration, energy, and optimism.
2020	Tranquil Dawn	Calmness, healing, and forward-thinking.
2021	Brave Ground	Stability, resilience, and nature-focused.
2022	Bright Skies	Openness, hope, and optimism.
2023	Wild Wonder	Connection to nature, vitality, and curiosity.
2024	Sweet Embrace	Comfort, nurturing, and gentle optimism.

Colour Psychology Comparison

From a psychological perspective, Dulux's colour selections have consistently aimed to mirror and respond to global events and cultural needs.

For instance, Bright Skies in 2022 was a hopeful and optimistic shade that emerged as the world sought openness and fresh beginnings after the pandemic. It symbolized the desire for a clear and bright future.

In contrast, Brave Ground in 2021 was a more muted, earthy tone, providing stability and grounding during uncertain times, as people craved resilience and connection to nature amid global challenges.

In the mid-2010s, colours like Heartwood and Denim Drift reflected the growing desire for comfort and stability. As society shifted towards self-care, nurturing, and personal well-being, these shades evoked a sense of inner calm and resilience.

This pattern of moving between brighter, more energetic colours and muted, calming tones reflects how global events influence emotional needs, mirrored in the colour selections.

Prediction for 2025

I asked ChatGPT to act as a colour psychologist and try to preditct the COTY 2025. Here's what it told me.

Given the current global landscape, with an emphasis on environmental consciousness, sustainability, and creating serene spaces amidst the fast-paced digital world, I would expect Dulux to select a deep, muted green or a soft terracotta for 2025.

These shades would represent balance between human progress and nature, evoking feelings of comfort and renewal while encouraging a deeper connection with the earth—essential themes as we seek harmony in increasingly complex times.

I then explain to ChatGPT that a recent Instagram post from Dulux asking employees to use one word to describe the colour, suggested that the colour is "uplifting" and "demure". So I asked ChatGPT to consider this additional feedback in its prediction. Here's how it adjusted its response.

Based on a recently released Instagram Reel by Dulux, where staff described the COTY as uplifting and demure, this suggests a soft, understated tone that still evokes positive, soothing emotions. Considering Dulux's past trends, the color for 2025 could likely fall into one of these categories:

Soft Pastel Shades: An uplifting but demure color could be a pastel shade, which is light, subtle, and calming.
- Soft lilac, lavender, or light pinks could represent this combination well, as they are often considered serene but optimistic.
Neutral or Muted Tones with Warm Undertones: Colors like a muted peach, blush, or a dusty rose could work, balancing warmth with a soft, inviting feel.
Subdued Greens or Blues: Given the "uplifting" and "demure" hints, a soft mint green or light powder blue might also be a contender, as these shades offer a calming yet refreshing vibe.

Final Prediction:

I would expect the 2025 Dulux Colour of the Year to be something like:

Muted lavender (evoking a sense of calm, uplifting warmth).
Alternatively, a soft mint green or pale coral could also embody those qualities.

Conclusion

Whether ChatGPT is accurate or not, is irrelevant. The COTY is going to be part of likely 4 different (but complimentary) palettes and you can choose to use it on its own, together with other colours, as an accent or in accessories.

Whether or not it will inspire you to get painting, remains to be seen. Let's Colour!

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.