2025 Colour Of The Year: Rumors Is A Bold Ruby Red For Impactful Spaces

Looking for 2025 design inspo? Behr Paint Company has just announced its 2025 Colour of the Year: Rumors is a deep, dynamic ruby red poised to make bold statements in homes across Canada. Perfect for DIYers, designers, and professionals alike, Rumors empowers individuals to create impactful colour moments that elevate any space. We chatted with Behr and designer spokesperson Amanda Aerin to learn more! —Vita Daily

What makes Rumors, a deep ruby red, stand out as Behr’s Colour of the Year for 2025? What inspired the selection of this bold hue? 

Behr: We noticed a shift of people looking to incorporate more personality and depth into their home, whether painting the whole wall or adding a subtle, sophisticated accent. New research conducted by BEHR Paint reveals that a majority of Canadians (69%) would consider painting a room or wall a shade of red and 68% of Canadians say a red paint colour can add depth and character to living spaces. We selected a colour that could be a confident anchor within a room, while still complimenting neutrals. 

How can homeowners incorporate such a vibrant colour like Rumors into their spaces without overwhelming the room? Do you have any tips for balancing bold colours with neutrals? 

Amanda Aerin: deep red like Rumors creates an engaging ambiance in places where people gather such as dining rooms, living spaces, kitchens and entryways. It brings sumptuous glamour to bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms. Incorporating lighter toned area rugs, textural furnishings and wood elements to a space to balance the saturation will provide balance and warmth. The addition of patinaed brass accessories and a touch of greenery will ensure the room feels well thought out and curated over time. 

In Behr’s survey, 41% of Canadians believe adding Rumors would make their home feel more expensive. What design strategies can help maximize the luxurious feel of this rich ruby tone? 

Amanda Aerin: Rumors creates an elegant ambience that confidently allows you to express yourself with colour, adding a touch of luxe into any living space. To maximize the its sophisticated effect on a room, consider using Rumors on an accent wall to create a focal point in the room. Pair this with neutral tones on the other walls to balance the richness of the ruby hue. This approach adds depth and interest to the space, allowing the bold colour to stand out without overwhelming the room. Additionally, incorporating luxurious materials like marble, velvet or metalic accents in furniture or decor near the accent wall can further enhance the upscale feel of the space. 

Red can be an intimidating colour for many. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to embrace such a bold shade but are curious to try it? 

Amanda Aerin: For those who find red intimidating but want to try it, start with small projects to ease into the bold hue. Consider painting your front door in Rumors (MQ1-15) for a stunning first impression or transforming a fireplace into a focal point. Adding Rumors inside of a cabinet on floating shelves can introduce a subtle yet sophisticated touch of red without overwhelming your space. These smaller projects help build confidence in using a more vibrant colour. 

How do you envision using Rumors in different spaces like bedrooms, front doors, or home offices to create impactful and mood-enhancing design moments? 

Amanda Aerin: BEHR 2025 Colour of the Year, Rumors (MQ1-15) is a deep ruby red that adds warmth and rich allure both in and outside the home! A red front door instantly feels welcoming, a bedroom accent wall evokes feelings of a luxe boutique hotel and a home office is energized due to the richness of its wall colour.