4 Ways To Decorate With Fall’s Hottest Paint Colour

Last winter, content creator Taylor Simon went viral for her “unexpected red theory.” The idea is simple: adding a pop of red—in the form of a small accessory, a piece of furniture or an accent wall—to a room where it seemingly doesn’t belong can instantly make your decor choices look intentional, cohesive and polished. Think of it like a swipe of red lipstick for your interior—it’s the finishing touch that pulls the whole look together and levels up your basics (or in this case, your millennial grey couch).

There’s no denying the transformative power of a high-impact colour like red, but it also has a surprisingly broad appeal. Paint company Behr kicked off Colour of the Year season with a bang, revealing Rumors, a deep, purplish ruby, as its pick for 2025’s trendiest hue after a survey conducted by the brand found that 69 percent of Canadians would consider decorating with red. “We’ve been seeing people getting more confident with colour,” says Sarah Fishburne, the director of trend and design at The Home Depot, where the brand is exclusively sold.

Grounded, timeless and lively, Rumors lends itself particularly well to this shift away from shades of grey and beige. “Because people have so many neutrals in their homes right now, it's very easy to bring red in,” explains  Erika Woelfel, Behr’s vice president of colour and creative services.

The earthy brown undertones of Rumors give it a jewel-tone quality and a cocooning feel that’s familiar and comforting no matter your decor influences. “[Design styles] are getting more intertwined and morphing into one another,” says Fishburne. “We really wanted a colour that can go from traditional to casual to modern to vintage.” 

Ready to leave the beige life behind? Here’s how to embrace the Behr Colour of the Year in your home, according to the pros. 

Test the waters with a small splash of colour

You don’t have to go all out to get in on the trend. One of Woelfel’s favourite ways to bring colour into a space is in small doses, via an upcycled piece of furniture or a fresh coat of paint in an unexpected place, like the inside of cabinets, floating shelves or the back of a bookcase.

Make a statement with a show-stopping accent

Whether it’s used on a single wall, fireplace or kitchen cabinets, Rumors makes a great accent colour. 

Making a deep ruby red accent work in your space is all about picking the right colour to pair it with. Woelfel curated a companion trending colour palette, ranging from a warm white to a soft sky blue to a soothing green. “White [creates] a higher contrast for a clean, modern look. If you’re partnering it with a colour like [last] Cracked Pepper, it can go a little bit more moody,” she says. “I love it with a warmer neutral, like an Even Better Beige, or with Nutmeg Frost, a peachy pastel pink.”

Go bold with a monochromatic look

Not one to shy away from colour, Fishburne loves a monochromatic moment. “Paint the ceiling, wall and baseboards to create a moody aesthetic that’s dynamic, engaging and energizing,” she suggests. “Then bring in matching upholstery, layering red on red.”

When it comes to colour-drenching, picking the right finish is everything. For a more casual vibe, Woelfe recommends a flat eggshell finish. For a bolder and more luxurious look, opt for a high-sheen finish that bounces light in a dramatic way. “The higher the sheen, the more depth the color is going to have.”

Take it outside

Want to make a great first impression? Give your home’s exterior an easy DIY makeover by painting your front door red. Woelfel and Fishburne also love it on shutters or planters for an even easier way to boost curb appeal.