Sorry pastels, there's a new color palette on trend for spring – and it's all about playful and more saturated hues

Pastels are often the first color group to come to mind when thinking of spring colors, but in 2025, we're seeing warmer and more saturated tones come to the fore.

Indeed, designers are swapping once-loved pale pastels for joy-giving hues that add vibrancy and personality to rooms for a bolder take on spring color ideas. Here, we explore this emerging color trend, sharing designers' expertise in decorating with saturated tones to bring life to your home this spring.

'We're seeing a shift from traditional pale pastels to richer, warmer mid-tones that feel more inviting and sophisticated,' explains designer Sarah Hargrave of The Collective. 'The appeal of these mid-tones lies in their versatility. They work beautifully in a range of design styles, from modern to vintage-inspired spaces, and they layer well with both neutrals and deeper, grounding colors.'

Richer and more saturated pastels are on-trend for spring

'Pastels are often thought of as soft, powdery, and maybe even a little too sweet – but now, we’re embracing versions that have more depth and complexity,' observes designer Tineke Triggs of Tineke Triggs Interiors. 'Lately, I’ve been loving mid-tone pastels for spring instead of the typical pale hues. These colors bring a freshness that feels a little more grounded and livable. Think buttery yellows, earthy corals, and warm lavenders – tones that still read as light and airy but have a richness that makes them more versatile.'

This shift towards livelier hues in place of pastel room ideas has been cropping up in paint ideas too. Farrow & Ball jas just launched new colors to its palette, and while in true Farrow & Ball style, each hue boasts timelessness and liveability, saturated and warming colors feature throughout, feeling especially at home for spring. From the uplifting yellow paint Duster to the orange-brown hybrid Marmelo, this paint collection cements the move towards bolder tones that bring zeal to the home.

How to decorate with bolder tones this spring

Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite interior spaces that reflect a richer take on pastels for spring decorating, complete with tips from designers on how to tap into this color trend stylishly.

1. Color drench with a mid-tone paint

'More saturated mid-tones are taking over because people realize that color doesn't have to be something to be scared of,' says designer Emma Kemper of Emma Beryl Interiors. 'Pastels were a safe approach to adding color since they are softer and less intimidating.'

'Mid tones are still subdued, making a room feel more encapsulating. You feel like the space is hugging you. When you want to use a mid-tone, consider the wood tones you want to use. Also, don't forget to consider painting the ceiling and trim the same color to make the room feel complete,' says Emma.

Color-drenching ideas are not only on-trend, but it's a paint trick that's known to make a space feel more cohesive with fewer visual breaks. As Emma suggests, this technique works especially well with mid-tones to make color the focal point of your room.

2. Pair colorful hues with natural materials

If you're going bold with a statement mid-tone in your color scheme, much like the playful green walls in this colorful living room, incorporate natural materials to ground the scheme.

'To incorporate mid-tones into your home, consider using them on walls for a cozy yet fresh feel, or introduce them through accent furniture, textiles, and decor,' says interior designer Sarah Hargrave. 'Pairing these richer pastels with natural textures – such as linen, wood, and rattan – can enhance their warmth, while soft metallics like brass or warm nickel add a touch of sophistication.'

3. Go for a statement warm blue paint

Blue paints have seen plenty of appeal in recent months, especially warmer mid-tones that feel playful. Used to drench a room, the right blue paint is a great way to add character and color to any room, but it makes an especially good choice for bathroom color ideas, as seen here.

'This rich, warm blue in a girl's bath, is a shift away from icy to something more grounded and enveloping,' explains interior designer Caroline Kopp. 'These warmer, more pigmented pastels create spaces that feel both fresh and cozy, and never clinical or childish like standard pastels can be. They pair beautifully with mid-toned woods and marble.'

Some of our favorite warm blue paints to try are Lick's Blue 08 and Farrow & Ball's Yonder.

4. Pair saturated hues with dark wood tones

'The wall color in this dining room is a perfect example of the shift we’re seeing toward richer, warmer pastels,' says designer Tineke Triggs. 'It’s not too muted, not too bold, but just saturated enough to feel sophisticated while still being soft and inviting.'

'If you’re thinking about incorporating these warmer pastels into your space, there are a few things to keep in mind. Pairing these shades with neutrals keeps them from feeling too sugary, while darker wood tones, black accents, or brass (like in this gorgeous chandelier) help anchor the color and make it feel more sophisticated,' Tineke continues.

'A matte-painted wall paired with lacquered furniture or natural textiles keeps the space dynamic and layered. Richer pastels play beautifully with deeper hues like forest green, navy, or even a deep merlot to create depth and interest. Don’t be afraid of adding a little drama!' says Tineke.

Swapping pale pastels for more saturated tones is a wonderful way to bring more excitement to your home this spring. Whether you do so by refreshing the wall color with paint or through smaller decor, a pop of bright color can go a long way in transforming any room.