For over a year, minimalism has been taking a backseat in kitchen design, with the once-dominant stark all-white and millennial gray palettes giving way to a vibrant embrace of color. Designers are now championing kitchens awash with moody hues like rich reds and deep blues, alongside brighter tones such as soft pinks and sage greens, signaling a refreshing shift in interior aesthetics.
According to Alyssa Gautieri, associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, the trend is clear: "Minimalism is out, and color is in." She notes that trending paint colors include dark purple, sunny yellow, and various shades of red, while blue and green tones continue to dominate interiors. For those hesitant to commit fully, she suggests experimenting by painting only upper cabinets, lower cabinets, or a kitchen island in a bold shade, balancing the rest of the space with neutral tones.
When upgrading kitchen spaces, Gautieri advises considering surrounding elements such as flooring, lighting, countertop styles, and backsplash choices to create a harmonious environment. The size of the kitchen and the amount of natural light also play crucial roles in color selection. Bright colors like cool yellow or light blue work best in smaller kitchens or those lacking natural light, while rich tones such as emerald green or navy blue can make a striking statement even in compact spaces.
Meanwhile, in Ojai, California, actor Johnny Galecki’s home has become a beacon of one of 2025’s most compelling paint trends: color drenching. His moody, cocoon-like library, recently showcased by renowned interior designers Pierce & Ward, is painted entirely in a rich, velvety red that envelops every surface — walls, trim, ceiling, and built-ins — creating an immersive, atmospheric, and sophisticated space.
Jennifer, Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, explains that color drenching eliminates contrasting lines and framing elements, allowing the eye to rest and resulting in a calming yet high-impact effect. Galecki’s library features a subtle sheen, likely from lacquer or high-gloss paint, which elevates the tone by catching light just right. The deep red hue feels luxurious and mysterious, proving that even small or low-lit rooms can benefit from embracing darker colors rather than defaulting to lighter shades.
For those inspired to try color drenching at home, experts recommend starting with smaller spaces like studies, powder rooms, or reading nooks. Selecting a shade that aligns with the desired mood is key, and finishes matter: matte paints add softness, while high-gloss or satin finishes lend refinement. Adding texture through furniture and accessories keeps the space dynamic and inviting.
Back in the broader design world, the retro glam aesthetic is also making waves as a beloved trend that marries glamorous details with nostalgic, vintage visuals. Designer Phillip Thomas describes retro glam as capturing the glamour of bygone eras, ranging from the refined elegance of 19th-century Jane Austen novels to the dazzling allure of old Hollywood films. This style is seen as a direct response to the sober, sterile interiors that dominated the past decade.
Carla Hancock Royder, founder of Carla Royder Designs, praises retro glam for injecting "energy and a chic vibe" into spaces. She highlights how bold retro-glam pieces — whether art, statement light fixtures, or antique furniture — can delightfully surprise visitors in traditional interiors, reflecting personality, craftsmanship appreciation, and a creative edge.
Thomas emphasizes that retro glam aims to envelop clients in a narrative that tells their story through design, transporting them to a fantasy realm removed from everyday life. To nail this aesthetic, he recommends choosing a glamorous time period that resonates personally, such as the Art Deco style of the 1920s or the polished midcentury look of the Mad Men era. Some even draw inspiration from "yesteryear California," when glamour was a lifestyle.
The key to success lies in incorporating specific elements from the chosen era—like a gleaming Art Deco mirror or a gilded Louis XVI chair—to evoke positive reactions and share a piece of oneself with guests. Mixing time periods is encouraged; for example, blending 1920s opulence with 1960s vibrancy or pairing midcentury furniture with Art Deco accents. Hancock Royder suggests combining velvet upholstery in mustard, avocado green, and earthy turquoise with sleek brass accents, shag rugs for texture, indoor palm trees for escapism, and statement lighting to create a layered look that is both timeless and daringly chic.
Ultimately, retro glam’s enduring appeal lies in balancing vintage and contemporary elements to keep spaces feeling fresh, not like a step back in time. As Hancock Royder puts it, "Retro glam is truly timeless—it’s never gone out of style, and it never will." This aesthetic celebrates bold design and personality, making it a vibrant counterpoint to minimalist trends.
From colorful kitchens that breathe new life into homes, to immersive color-drenched libraries, to the glamorous nostalgia of retro glam interiors, 2025’s design landscape is rich with personality and bold expression. Whether you’re refreshing your kitchen with sunny yellows or deep blues, transforming a small room with a saturated hue like Johnny Galecki’s red library, or layering vintage glamour with modern touches, the message is clear: color and character are back in style.
