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colournextForecastReport 2025

The ColourNext forecast report by Asian Paints explores design directions influenced by color, materials, and textures, highlighting the significance of salt as a sustainable biomaterial. It presents the Colour of the Year and provides interdisciplinary insights for designers across various fields. The report emphasizes salt's potential in innovative design, sustainability, and cultural significance.

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rajat
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
84 views83 pages

colournextForecastReport 2025

The ColourNext forecast report by Asian Paints explores design directions influenced by color, materials, and textures, highlighting the significance of salt as a sustainable biomaterial. It presents the Colour of the Year and provides interdisciplinary insights for designers across various fields. The report emphasizes salt's potential in innovative design, sustainability, and cultural significance.

Uploaded by

rajat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Forecast Report

Introduction
to the report
About
The ColourNext forecast report dives deeper to chronicle the context
and catalysts for each of the forecast design directions. The report
captures their manifestation in society and in various areas of design
such as spaces, communication, food, apparel and lifestyle. With an

ColourNext
enhanced narrative of the directions and their application, the report
has interdisciplinary insight for everyone designing products, spaces
or communication.

The report presents the Colour of the Year, giving readers an


understanding of this year's design mood and sentiment.

At Asian Paints, we've been studying colour and its varied A direction unexplored remains just that—a passed-over possibility,
influences on lifestyle since 2003, and year after year we are an idea ahead of its time, a path not taken. But when keen minds
fascinated by the small and big stories that emerge out of the imagine, decode and interpret these design directions, they become
vibrant landscape that is this world. beautiful concepts, products and even objets d'art! This report will be
an invaluable guide on that journey.
Every year, our colour marketing team collaborates with experts
from a range of creative disciplines—architecture, art, interiors,
fashion, sociology, media and FMCG, to put together ColourNext,
a comprehensive forecast of design directions in colours,
materials, textures and finishes that are relevant to the world.
Over the years, ColourNext has evolved as South Asia's foremost,
one-of-its-kind, intelligence in colour and material.

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Contents 6
Salt Triggers
Colour Forecast
Wallpaper & Texture Forecast
Material Forecast
Mini Stories
Design Examples

44
India Triggers
Colour Forecast
Everywhere Wallpaper & Texture Forecast
Material Forecast
Mini Stories
Design Examples

78
Bad Triggers
Colour Forecast
Taste? Wallpaper & Texture Forecast
Material Forecast
Mini Stories
Design Examples

112
Feel Triggers
Colour Forecast
More Wallpaper & Texture Forecast
Material Forecast
Mini Stories
Design Examples

146
Colour of
the Year 2025

152
Wallpaper of
the Year 2025

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An extraordinary biomaterial with untapped potential

" Salt is born of the purest


parents: the sun and the sea.”
– Pythagoras

Salt, a mineral omnipresent in our daily lives, is being rediscovered as


the biomaterial of the future—available in abundance with extraordinary
potential. With its crystalline beauty and delicate strength, salt carries a
story forged over millennia.

At a time when global sustainability goals are driving a shift towards


abundant, natural resources, salt emerges as an emblem of possibility,
proving that the simplest materials can inspire awe and wonder.

From its ability to diffuse light and its antibacterial properties to its
carbon-neutrality, salt’s innate versatility makes it a bridge between the
elemental and the ethereal, poised to influence diverse industries.
Image for SALT by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Triggers

Triggers
DESALINATION AND POTASH
FUELLING SALT’S ABUNDANCE
With the advancement of desalination technology, seawater is increasingly
being converted into fresh water, leaving behind salt as a byproduct. Similarly,
the mining of potash, a critical resource for agriculture, generates significant
quantities of salt. While salt formation is actively managed in construction
materials to avoid damage, its abundance opens up exciting potential for
product design and temporary structures. These processes not only ensure
salt’s availability but also position it as a sustainable and versatile resource
for innovation, reinforcing its role in design and beyond. DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY As industries and societies shift towards eco-friendly practices,
WITH A NATURAL RESOURCE materials that are abundant, natural, and low-impact in design
and application are in high demand. Salt, with its carbon-
neutrality and versatility, aligns perfectly with emerging
global sustainability goals. Its potential for use in sustainable
construction, antibacterial solutions, and renewable energy
makes it a cornerstone material in a greener future.
(TOP) Luna Salada Hotel de Sal, Bolivia
(BOTTOM) Photo Credits: Dinkun Chen

Tiled salt field in Tainan, southern Taiwan


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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Triggers

REVIVAL OF TRADITIONAL
ADVANCEMENTS IN SALT-BASED
SALT CRAFT
TECHNOLOGIES
Traditional practices such as salt crystal crafts
Salt is emerging as a transformative material and artisanal salt harvesting are experiencing
in design and architecture, offering unique and a revival, driven by a desire for authenticity
innovative solutions for redefining sustainable and connection to heritage. This renewed
construction and design. With its antibacterial interest elevates salt’s cultural significance
properties and natural textural elegance, these while inspiring its use in modern design,
( LEFT) Salt panels inside the Luma Arles tower
advancements using salt demonstrate its potential (RIGHT) Atelier Luma uses salt crystals to create bridging the past and the future.
to create efficient, eco-friendly, and visually a glass-like cladding material
Maldon Salt is a gourmet sea salt that is harvested
captivating spaces. Photo Credits: LUMA Arles/Gehry Partners in Maldon, Essex. Its distinctive pyramid salt flakes
have been skilfully made using the same traditional
artisanal methods in its coastal town since 1882.
Photo credits: Maldon

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Colour Forecast

Colour
Forecast L163
SALT WHITE
8331
GREY FLANNEL
7231
PALE ORCHID

"Celebrating the
crystalline strength
and ethereal allure of
timeless natural forms"

8656 SA17 8439


SALT: NATURE'S This light-to-mid tone palette embodies delicate serenity,
MUD HOUSE TEA ROSE WROUGHT IRON
ELEMENTAL ALCHEMY drawing inspiration from the transformative beauty of
salt and the habitats it is harvested from. Soft pastels and
grounded neutrals echo the calm within salt marshes and
their elemental minerals; while subtle metallics add a
shimmering depth reminiscent of sunlight on translucent
surfaces. These layered, nuanced hues celebrate nature’s
quiet complexity and evolving allure.

M918 M921 M919


WHITE SILVER PLUM SILVER CORAL SILVER
(METALLIC) (METALLIC) (METALLIC)
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Wallpaper & Texture Forecast

Wallpaper &
Texture Forecast

FUSION
1838 WILLOW
2008-145-04
PEARL CREAM

SABKHA
Harlequin Colour 4
EDEF111615
LARIMAR

WALLS OF Capturing the mineral’s delicate strength and pristine allure, ‘Sabkha’ reflects

ELEMENTAL the textured beauty of salt plains; while ‘Fusion’ brings a soft, milky radiance,
weaving a serene narrative of salt’s elemental and timeless elegance onto walls.
BEAUTY
1838 Willow Fusion Wallpaper in use

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Wallpaper & Texture Forecast

CRYSTALLINE Embodying the raw elegance and versatile charm of

HARMONY IN DESIGN salt, ‘Marmorino’ offers understated sophistication


with its soft, earthy finish, while ‘Lithos Dazzle’ brings
a luminous edge with its delicate copper mica flakes.
In contrast, ‘Ironic’ captures the rugged allure of
oxidized metal, echoing salt’s transformative nature.
Tying the ensemble together, ‘Archi Concrete’ adds a
modern, industrial aesthetic, grounding the palette in
contemporary minimalism.

LITHOS DAZZLE
Base Coat: Lithos Untinted +
RP Mica Flakes (Copper)
IRONIC Top Coat: RP Protective Coat

ARCHI CONCRETE
MARMORINO EXPOSED
Cream Drop (9523) Solemn Grey (8302)

Royale Play Ironic Texture in use

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Material Forecast

Material
Forecast Explore soft and hard materials
that complement the palette

" Salt is so common, so


easy to obtain, and so
inexpensive that we
have forgotten that
from the beginning of
civilization until about
100 years ago, salt was
one of the most sought-
after commodities in
human history.”
– Mark Kurlansky,
Salt: A World History

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Material Forecast

1. Evoking natural fragility, dried gelatine showcases a


translucent, crackled surface that captures the ethereal
beauty of impermanence and transformation.

2. Inspired by salt-dyed textures, this green fabric mimics the SOFT MATERIALS
organic diffusion patterns of minerals, embodying the serene
This palette highlights innovative material-making techniques, including salt-resist
fluidity and natural imperfections found in salt formations.
dyeing, crystal-encrusted fabrics, and 3D-printed textiles. These processes utilize
3. A striking exploration of salt crystals on hemp, this material natural imperfections to create contemporary designs that balance structure and
juxtaposes rugged organic textures with glistening mineral softness, emphasizing resilience and functionality.
accents, creating a raw yet refined visual language.

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Material Forecast

HARD MATERIALS
Drawing from nature’s mineral essence, this palette celebrates the interplay
of solidity and translucence. From the rugged textures of rusted iron and
travertine to the shimmering elegance of onyx and alabaster marble, these
materials evoke a timeless harmony between elemental strength and
ethereal beauty.

1 1. Textures inspired by salt’s transformative nature, these tiles showcase


crackled surfaces, rusted hues, and organic stains, reflecting raw character
and timeless durability.

2. A harmonious exploration of salt in its varied forms—pink, celtic, and


black—combined with cement, resin, and natural gums to create innovative,
textural compositions.
2

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Salt 1

The Silent
Mini Sculptor of Time
2

The Crystal
Stories Catalyst
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Mini Stories

Mini Story 1 -
The Silent
Sculptor of
Time
Salt has been nature’s silent architect salt is driving sustainable innovation at
for millennia, sculpting breathtaking Atelier Luma in Southern France, where
landscapes and shaping cultures. salt harvested from regional marshes is
In Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni—a used to create antibacterial door handles,
vast salt flat—mirrors the heavens, cladding panels, and even lampshades.
creating a surreal expanse where Similarly, architect Malé Uribe's exhibition
earth and sky dissolve into one. This 'Salt Imaginaries' showcases works
extraordinary landscape has become a created with discarded salt from lithium
global icon, attracting adventurers and extraction in the Atacama Desert to
photographers seeking its otherworldly reconsider the value of this material.
beauty. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, India, As the world seeks sustainable solutions,
the Sambhar Salt Lake has sustained salt, with its timeless strength and
generations of salt farmers, whose untapped versatility, is quietly reshaping
traditional methods of salt extraction the boundaries of design and innovation.
reflect a harmonious relationship with Salt Hotel, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
nature. Beyond its aesthetic allure, Photo Credits: Pedro Szekely

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Mini Stories

Mini Story 2 -
The Crystal
Catalyst
From Himalayan salt lamps glowing fabrics infused with salt’s texture for tactile
warmly in homes to the healing salt caves appeal. Whether nurturing the body, fuelling
of Poland, salt has long been celebrated for sustainability, or inspiring beauty, salt is no
its therapeutic properties. In Wieliczka, a longer a mere seasoning; it’s a catalyst for
UNESCO World Heritage salt mine, visitors innovation and wellbeing, bridging heritage
descend into an underground labyrinth to and modernity with refined precision.
experience a microclimate believed to boost Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland
respiratory health—a tradition spanning Photo credits: Renata
centuries. On a different frontier, Swiss
researchers are integrating salt into cutting-
edge energy storage systems, harnessing
its latent potential to create carbon-neutral
solutions. Even in design, salt crystals
are inspiring avant-garde creations, from
luminous salt chandeliers that diffuse an
ethereal stream of light to experimental

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Design Directions

Design
Directions

Conceptualized by Asian Paints to capture the elemental and grounded beauty


of Salt, this space balances starkness with warmth. A textured glass ceiling plays
with light and shadow, echoing the crystalline formations of salt—dry, arid, yet
inviting. A muted palette and raw textures—with walls coated with Royale Play
'Archi Argilla Earth' in Wrought Iron—enhance the space’s depth, reinforcing the
connection to salt’s coarse materiality.
Images for SALT by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Design Directions

This tile collection captures the ethereal beauty of salt crystals through
delicate transparencies, harmonious crystal lattices, and desaturated
veining. Designed to diffuse light, these porcelain stoneware tiles are
perfect for minimalist and contemporary interiors, blending natural
textures with a modern minimalism. Suitable indoors and outdoors
across residential, public or commercial spaces—and even on a yacht—
the collection is available in a range of formats and finishes, big enough
to cover walls and floors for visual uniformity.
Italian stoneware brand Casalgrande Padana’s ‘Supreme’ tile collection

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Design Directions

Salt is being embraced as a therapeutic element


globally. From Himalayan salt caves at NAAD Wellness
in Haryana offering respite from New Delhi's poor
air quality to pink salt cooking blocks infusing meals
with subtle flavours, its applications are vast. Rock salt
lamps, believed to enhance one’s mood and alleviate
seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and salt therapy
rooms in homes across the United States exemplify
its wellness potential.
Photo Credits: NAAD Wellness

French designer Roxane Lahidji’s 'Marble Salts' collection


showcases the mineral's versatile potential as a sustainable
material. Combining 95% sea salt with tree resin, she mimics
the colours, texture and veining of a natural stone like marble.
From sculpted tables to lamps, this award-winning line
redefines salt as a premium design element, and has been
featured in the States of Matter exhibition in Brussels in 2023.
Photo Credits: Roxane Lahidji

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Design Directions

Within Frank Gehry’s Tower at Luma, Arles, a sustainable


architectural choice—the “Wall of Salt"—exemplifies
the mineral's modern utility and timeless natural beauty.
Crafted from Camargue salt flats in Southern France, a
salt panel cladding showcases transformative design
potential by reducing heat loads, resisting fire, and
adding visual intrigue within the structure's design.
Photo Credits: LUMA Arles/Gehry Partners

(TOP) Photo Credits: Iwan Baan


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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT SALT // Design Directions

Issey Miyake’s Spring capsule collection, Lucid, draws


inspiration from the crystalline beauty of salt. An
homage to his Pleats Please release from 30 years
ago, the vibrant designs incorporate bold geometric
patterns reminiscent of salt crystals. With pieces in
the collection named after the mineral, such as the
Salt Solid Dress, the collection fuses innovation with
nature’s elemental elegance.
Photo Credits: Issey Miyake

Colombian start-up E-Dina’s innovative WaterLight turns saltwater into


electricity, providing a reliable, portable solution for off-grid communities.
Requiring just 500ml of seawater, it delivers up to 45 days of light and
doubles as a mini power generator for charging small devices.
Photo Credits: E-Dina WaterLight

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From India, to the world

" There have been centuries of


homegrown design in India and
now it’s being interpreted with
this new global perspective
that’s making Indian design
more and more desirable..."
- Vikram Goyal

Indian design is striding confidently on the global stage, without the


exotic catch-all identity but one with room for paradoxes and multitudes.
Once boxed into narratives of craft, exoticism and mass-manufacturing,
India now presents itself with a global design language, where heritage
is reimagined, not overexplained. As creative and design education
flourishes, and production and innovation accelerate, Indian genius is
being celebrated globally.

A sophisticated and colour-confident palette with high contrast and


unlikely juxtapositions captures this moment. Folklore and tradition can
be, but not necessarily, woven fluently into contemporary design—echoing
immediate recognition while still carrying the weight of provenance.
Image for INDIA EVERYWHERE by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Triggers

Triggers
BRIDGING CULTURES GLOBALLY
India’s cultural influence is travelling far and wide, fostering
global curiosity and admiration. Valentino’s India-specific
collection for Diwali, featuring exquisitely crafted bags by
Indian artisans, highlights the country’s rising prominence
in luxury. Similarly, Rahul Mishra’s recent showcase at
Paris Haute Couture Week, reinterpreting Indian mythology
through couture, reflects the global embrace of Indian
creativity. From Bollywood premieres in Cannes to Indian
artists at global art fairs, cultural diplomacy is creating an
THE GLOBAL SUCCESS OF Indian entrepreneurs, designers, and creators are making
international spotlight for India’s rich narrative. It’s no longer
INDIAN INNOVATORS waves across global industries, breaking barriers and redefining Rahul Mishra's showcase at Paris
Haute Couture Week about being “exotic”; it’s about India’s voice commanding
excellence. From Sundar Pichai at Google to Guneet Monga’s
Photo Credits: Filippo Fior respect and setting trends worldwide.
Oscar-winning documentary The Elephant Whisperers, Indian
talent is setting benchmarks worldwide. This surge of recognition
highlights India’s intellectual and creative prowess, drawing in
global respect for the country’s innovation and ingenuity.
Photo Credits: Netflix

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Triggers

DIASPORA YOUTH REDISCOVERING


THEIR INDIAN HERITAGE
A new wave of diaspora youth is reconnecting with
their Indian roots, not through self-consciousness but
with pride and purpose. By embracing heritage through
fashion, art, and design, they are shaping a refreshed,
modern narrative—one that honours tradition
while redefining its relevance in today’s world. This
rediscovery adds a global dimension to India’s story.

BETTER PRODUCTION Access to advanced production technologies is empowering Indian (LEFT) American musician Niles Hollowell-Dhar gets his stage
name KSHMR from the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir,
TECHNOLOGY COMING industries to compete globally with elevated quality and precision.
where his paternal side hails from
From textiles to manufacturing, these advancements are blending
TO INDIA heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge efficiency, enabling Indian
Photo credits: S. Camelot

design to meet—and set—global standards. It’s a shift that ensures


India’s creative output is both scalable and deeply authentic.
(TOP) Embroidery Machine at Surat Textile Garments Factory
Photo credits: Shutterstock

(LEFT) Diaspora Co. is bringing authentic


Indian spice experiences to western
consumers.
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Colour Forecast

Colour
Forecast 8403
PISTA GLIMMER
X167
MAHUA-I

"Indian hues shaping


stories across the globe"
K294
BLACK SAND

COLOURS OF INDIA, Exuding quiet confidence with mid-to-dark tones, this

REIMAGINED GLOBALLY palette has mature, complex hues that are layered with
soft grey undertones. Rich, mellow and dusky shades
create a harmonious interplay of contrasts. It reflects
India’s evolving design identity—global, confident and
self-assured in its dynamism and adaptability.

8742 7479
LUMBER JACK CONTINENTAL GREEN

9907 SA21
CARAMEL SAUCE MADDER ROSE
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Wallpaper & Texture Forecast

Wallpaper &
Texture Forecast

CLARICE
1838 ELODIE
1907-138-04
CANTALOUPE GREEN

MAKEMO
PIERRE FREY Îles Enchantees
FP981001
OCRE

WALLS From the intricate artistry of Clarice’s ‘Elodie’ to the organic linearity of Pierre Frey’s

THAT TELL ‘Makemo,’ these wallpapers celebrate India’s evolving design story. Rooted in India’s
rich heritage of pattern-making and storytelling, these designs reinterpret familiar
STORIES forms with a modern sensibility. The delicate interplay of textures and motifs reflects
India’s ability to harmonize its cultural legacy with contemporary aesthetics, creating Pierre Frey Îles Enchantees Makemo Wallpaper in use
a visual dialogue that feels both global and distinctly Indian.

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Wallpaper & Texture Forecast

CRAFTED FOR A Embodying India’s evolving aesthetic—sophisticated,

GLOBAL INDIA understated, yet rich with character—'Midas',


'Calcecruda Rustic', 'Marmorino', and 'Metallo Fuso'
create a tactile interplay of softness and structure. This
palette reflects India’s confident global identity—where
materiality takes centre stage, and craftsmanship
translates into contemporary expression.

MIDAS CALCECRUDA RUSTIC


Silver Leaf Grey Jay (K089)

MARMORINO METALLO FUSO


White (0908) Bronze

Royale Play Midas Silver Leaf Texture in use

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Material Forecast

Material
Forecast Explore soft and hard materials
that complement the palette

" If I were asked under


what sky the human mind
has most fully developed
some of its choicest
gifts, has most deeply
pondered on the greatest
problems of life, and
has found solutions, I
should point to India.”
– Max Müller

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Material Forecast

SOFT MATERIALS
Showcasing an interplay of heritage
craftsmanship and modern techniques, each
fabric in this palette tells a story of meticulous
detailing—from the delicate patterns of
1. Copper-accented woven fabrics blend metallic
Bengal’s Jamdani cotton and Gujarat’s
brilliance with traditional weaving techniques,
handwoven Tangaliya to the subtle sheen of offering a contemporary take on India’s rich
soft metallic fabrics. Natural-dyed flat weaves textile legacy.
and modern appliqué techniques further
2. Delicately crafted sheer fabrics adorned with
enhance the collection, celebrating India’s
light, intricate embroidery celebrate India’s
textile legacy with contemporary elegance. heritage of refined and timelessly elegant artistry.

2
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Material Forecast

HARD MATERIALS
Echoing India’s rich legacy, this palette blends the tactile
warmth of wood and cane with the sleek allure of metals
and the earthy richness of stone. From the deep blue
2
hues of lapis to the muted tones of coloured concrete,
each material tells a story of India's rich materiality.

1. Lightweight yet sturdy, cane highlights India’s sustainable designs,


seamlessly blending natural textures with functional elegance.

2. Intricately carved wooden blocks with geometric motifs celebrate


India’s block-printing legacy, adding precision and artistic flair to
surfaces and textiles.

3. Timeless and versatile, brass objects embody India’s artisanal


heritage with their warm, golden hues and durability, offering a
luxurious yet earthy appeal.

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" Indian design is
having a contemporary
renaissance——the
power of a culture
of storytelling is
in plain sight for
the world to see."

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India 1

Cultural Narratives
Everywhere Reimagined
India’s Designers
Mini
2

Shine on the
Stories Global Stage
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Mini Stories

Mini Story 1 -
Cultural
Narratives
Reimagined
At the Venice Biennale, India’s pavilion without losing its soul. Meanwhile, Indian
celebrated its vibrant art scene with author Geetanjali Shree made history by
works by renowned contemporary artists winning the International Booker Prize for
like Atul Dodiya and Gauri Gill. These her novel Tomb of Sand, a deeply moving
artworks reflected a mature Indian Indian story that resonated with readers
voice that resonated globally. Similarly, worldwide for its universal themes of loss
Indian cinema’s presence expanded and rediscovery. This collective reimagining
beyond Bollywood with S.S. Rajamouli’s of India’s cultural assets is reshaping
RRR winning an Oscar, captivating perceptions worldwide, asserting India’s
international audiences with its epic identity not as a relic of the past, but as
storytelling and universal themes. Chef a dynamic, modern creative power.
Gaggan Anand’s reinterpretation of Indian Photo Credits: Gaggan Anand
cuisine received a Michelin star, proving
that culinary narratives could evolve

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Mini Stories

Mini Story 2 -
India's Designers
Shine on the
Global Stage
When Rahul Mishra became the first Indian design philosophies. These stories reflect a
designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture broader narrative—Indian creativity is no
Week, it marked a turning point for Indian longer an exotic curiosity but a sophisticated
fashion. No longer confined to ethnic force shaping global design. With Falguni
stereotypes, Mishra’s intricate designs and Shane Peacock’s creations dazzling
seamlessly wove India’s craft legacy with on Hollywood red carpets and Vaishali
global haute couture sensibilities. Anita Shadangule becoming the first Indian female
Dongre’s sustainable luxury bridal collection designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture
at New York Fashion Week brought Week, the world is witnessing India’s rise
Indian craftsmanship to the international as a tastemaker, confidently asserting its
spotlight, redefining contemporary bridal identity in a modern, global language.
fashion. In architecture, Bijoy Jain’s Studio Studio Mumbai exhibition at Fondation Cartier
Mumbai gained international acclaim, explores craft, architecture and ‘making space’.
blending local materials with contemporary

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Design Directions

Design
Directions

Conceptualized by Asian Paints to echo the story of India Everywhere,


this room has the deep colours of its palette which anchor the
space, while intricately carved wooden accents add a touch of
craftsmanship. Alongside, woven textiles, stacked books, and
sculptural decor introduce layers of cultural depth without feeling
overtly nostalgic. The linear fireplace lends a sculptural presence,
bringing together a recognisable contemporary global design
language from India.
Image for INDIA EVERYWHERE by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Design Directions

Founded by Safi Enayat, who brought his love for Indian cuisine and Bollywood
glamour to Denmark, Dhaba Kitchen highlights India’s unpretentious yet iconic
Indian hair oiling rituals are finding
dhabas within the Nordic food landscape. Its Copenhagen outlet offers a modern,
global recognition with brands like
upscale take on Indian dining, showcasing vibrant flavours, cultural heritage, and
Fable & Mane and indē wild leading the
a bold aesthetic that’s captivated Danish kitchens and food patrons alike.
way. Fable & Mane revives traditional
Photo Credits: Dhaba Kitchen practices with modern branding;
while indē wild, founded by influencer
Diipa Büller-Khosla, blends Ayurvedic
ingredients with contemporary appeal,
making the age-old champi a worldwide
phenomenon in hair care.
Photo Credits (LEFT): indē wild
(BELOW): Fable & Mane

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT INDIA EVERYWHERE // Design Directions

London’s Design Museum spotlighted the evolving


(LEFT) Diljit Dosanjh has become a global
relationship between South Asian women and the
ambassador for Punjabi culture, merging
sari in its exhibition, The Offbeat Sari. The showcase
tradition with contemporary appeal. From
reframed the sari from being seen as traditional
his history-making Coachella performance
attire to a symbol of contemporary individuality
to appearances on international platforms
and modernity. Highlighting the finest saris of our
like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,
time by designers, weavers and craftspeople in
he unapologetically wears his Punjabi
India, it celebrated a renewed global appreciation
identity with a modern twist, redefining
for this timeless garment, blending tradition with
cultural export with authenticity and
progressive design narratives.
universal appeal.
The Offbeat Sari London's Design Museum
Diljit Dosanjh performs on ‘The Tonight Show
with Jimmy Fallon’.

(RIGHT) Indian accessory brand Gigai redefines


contemporary luxury by intertwining indigenous
craftsmanship with modern technology. Moving
beyond ethnic clichés, the brand crafts audacious,
myth-inspired accessories that narrate personal
stories and fantasies. With a focus on innovation
and global appeal, Gigai exemplifies how Indian
design can transcend boundaries, positioning
itself as a pioneer in modern creative expression.
Photo Credits: Gigai

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He who is brave, is free

" Too much of a good thing can be


wonderful."
- Mae West

Luxury no longer whispers; it roars. The aesthetic once dismissed as “bad


taste” has risen as a bold rebellion against the restrained elegance of
traditional old money luxury. This movement celebrates flamboyance,
audacity, and unapologetic self-expression; rejecting muted palettes and
understated designs that have long been hallmarks of the elite. Instead,
it embraces a visual language dripping with glamour and deliberate
excess—a joyous ode to the unapologetically nouveau riche.

This aesthetic shift reflects a deeper societal transformation. With trust


in traditional power structures and the exclusivity of generational wealth
eroding, new definitions of luxury are emerging—playful, warm, authentic
and infinitely more inclusive. Gold accents, animal prints, and vibrant
designs now carry the torch of self-expression, signalling a break from
the austere rules of “good taste” dictated by the old guard. It’s not about
expensive items; it’s about embracing chutzpah and an attitude that is
unfazed by criticism, reconfiguring luxury into a statement of individuality.
Image for BAD TASTE? by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Triggers

Triggers
A FALLING TRUST IN THE OLD
MONEY ESTABLISHMENT
As societal trust in traditional power structures and generational wealth
diminishes, the exclusivity of old money luxury feels increasingly out of
touch. People are embracing a bolder, more inclusive aesthetic that reflects
individuality rather than inherited privilege, rejecting the restrained
elegance that once defined the elite.
Photo Credits: Shutterstock

INFLUENCER CULTURE: Social media has democratized luxury, allowing influencers to

DEMOCRATISING LUXURY redefine taste and trends. With platforms like Instagram and
TikTok spotlighting bold, audacious aesthetics, the nouveau
riche are unapologetically embracing glitz and glamour. This
shift has turned self-expression into a new form of cultural
capital, making excess a symbol of confidence and creativity.
Photo Credits (BOTTOM): Shutterstock

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THE BLURRING LINE As boundaries between art, fashion, and design continue to

BETWEEN ART AND DESIGN dissolve, luxury has evolved into a playground for creative
experimentation. From avant-garde furniture to flamboyant
runway shows, this fusion of disciplines champions bold,
A DESIRE FOR INDIVIDUALITY IN expressive statements, redefining luxury as an unapologetic
A HOMOGENIZED WORLD celebration of individuality.
The embroidered C-Chair by architect Rooshad Shroff with zardozi
In an era of mass production and algorithm-driven
embroidery on its seat and armrests
uniformity, people crave spaces and products that stand out.
This yearning for uniqueness fuels a celebration of deliberate
excess, vibrant designs, and daring aesthetics—an antidote
to the muted minimalism that has dominated for decades.
Photo Credits: Shutterstock

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Colour Forecast

Colour
Forecast 9697
3176
MID BUFF
AJRAKH BLUE 9864
YELLOW MOSS

"Unleashing daring hues


with enduring charm"

A CELEBRATION OF BOLD This defiant palette thrives on bold contrasts balanced

INDIVIDUALITY with deliberate intensity where amplified hues are


grounded by deep, anchoring tones. Its theatrical mid to
dark tones embrace the art of audacious exaggeration.
The interplay of saturation and shadow creates a visceral
tension, capturing the energy of excess unapologetically X178
with a wild exuberance. GULABI-I

SV13 9617
JAL MAHAL DIANTHUS

X202 8253
AUSPICIOUS RED-I RAVEN SONG
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Wallpaper & Texture Forecast

Wallpaper &
Texture Forecast

HOLLYHOCKS
Sanderson One Sixty
DOSW217032
COPPER/RHODERA

TEHEA
PIERRE FREY Îles Enchantees
FP971002
CHARBON

FEARLESS, Exuding confidence and excess, Sanderson One Sixty’s ‘Hollyhocks’ envelops

FLAMBOYANT spaces in opulent florals, rich in copper and rhodera hues. In contrast, Pierre
Frey’s ‘Tehea’ delivers striking monochrome abstraction, injecting bold graphic
STATEMENTS energy. Together, these wallpapers revel in audacity, transforming interiors into
statements of unrestrained self-expression. Sanderson One Sixty Hollyhocks Wallpaper in use

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OF DARING EXCESS… Lustrous, extravagant, and unapologetically bold,


this palette celebrates high-impact luxury. 'Metallo
Fuso Ripple’s textured metallics and 'Stellato’s deep
passion fruit hues exude fearless vibrancy. 'Gold
Leaf' introduces a touch of decadent refinement,
while 'Lithos Moonwalk' ignites interiors with fiery
dynamism, embodying high-impact maximalism.

METALLO FUSO RIPPLE STELLATO


Bronze Passion Fruit (8141)

LITHOS MOONWALK
MIDAS Base Coat: Lithos Madder Rose (SA21)
Gold Leaf Top Coat: Glitz Madder Rose (SA21)

Royale Play Metallo Fuso Ripple Texture in use

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Material Forecast

Material
Forecast Explore soft and hard materials
that complement the palette

" More is more and less is


a bore."
– Iris Apfel

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Material Forecast

SOFT MATERIALS
With leathers and visceral prints, these fabrics are a celebration
of audacity, transforming spaces into a theatrical showcase of
individuality and flair. Embellished textiles shimmer with bold
confidence, while tactile weaves and textured patterns embrace
maximalism. Collaged patterns and decorated finishes bring layers
of depth, inviting an exploration of daring self-expression.

1. Exuding unapologetic boldness, the leopard-print


embroidered fabric captures the essence of maximalist
self-expression with textured richness and vibrant hues
that celebrate glamour and audacity.

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Material Forecast

HARD MATERIALS
From the reflective allure of antique mirrors to the deep, moody hues
of leather veneer, each decadent and unapologetic material demands
attention. Gold mosaics and brass inlays add a touch of flamboyance,
while decorative plaster ceilings and malachite evoke timeless opulence.
Together, these luxurious finishes and intricate details create a visual
narrative of grandeur that celebrates excess with sophistication and flair.
1

1. Intricately detailed metal objects celebrate decorative


excess and tactile, lavish craftsmanship.

2. Gold-leafed tiles bring shimmering opulence, showcasing


bold maximalism and statement-making luxury.

3. High-gloss marble mosaics redefine elegance with


vibrant hues and striking polished contrasts.

2
3

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Bad Taste? 1

The Loud Revival


of Glamour
Mini 2

From Beige
Stories to Brazen
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Mini Stories

Mini Story 1-
The Loud
Revival of
Glamour
The rise of bold self-expression is evident restraint—Bad Roman, a three-Michelin-
across industries, as designs once dismissed star faux-Roman, quasi-Italian themed
as over-the-top now take center stage. In restaurant in New York, proudly calls itself
fashion, brands like Versace continue to “the year's most unhinged Italian restaurant
champion audacious prints, gold accents, so far!” This unapologetic embrace of
and unapologetic opulence, drawing maximalism signals a larger societal shift:
inspiration from the flamboyant aesthetics one where playfulness, individuality,
of the ’90s. Pop stars like Harry Styles and and bold statements are celebrated as
Lizzo embody this ethos, donning bold, hallmarks of modern sophistication.
playful ensembles on red carpets that Photo Credits: Bad Roman
redefine contemporary glamour. While
patterns and textures reminiscent of animal
skin are gaining popularity in homes around
the globe—embracing excess rather than

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Mini Story 2-
From Beige
to Brazen
In an era where traditional ideas of wealth interiors and audacious fashion choices. The
and “stealth luxury” are being questioned, movement away from muted palettes and
a new wave of aesthetics is reclaiming restrained aesthetics is loud, proud, and,
flamboyance and self-expression. Gucci’s most importantly, inclusive—ushering in an
runway collections under Alessandro era where being “too much” is just enough.
Michele celebrated an exuberance of Photo Credits: Gucci
animal prints, glittering sequins, and
retro maximalism, inspiring a generation
to reject minimalism. The trend extends
to home décor as well, with brands like
Jonathan Adler and Moooi embracing a
menagerie of animal motifs, bright colours,
and over-the-top design. This cultural
shift is further amplified on social media,
where influencers flaunt vibrant, eclectic

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Design Directions

Design
Directions
Conceptualized by Asian Paints to embody the spirit of Bad Taste?, this living
room captures an extravagance where confidence trumps convention. Leather
curtains held by industrial steel rods; provocative torn book pages and a bright
pop of green questions notions of refinement and value. It’s a deliberate
irreverence, unafraid of being politically incorrect.
Image for BAD TASTE? by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT BAD TASTE? // Design Directions

Fur-lined interiors and bold designs are redefining restaurant aesthetics


Netflix’s Griselda, starring Sofía Vergara, dramatizes the life of Colombian
globally. The Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar in Aspen flaunts faux fur elements,
drug lord Griselda Blanco against the backdrop of opulent Florida mansions.
while La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills features cheetah-print carpets.
Featuring retro decadence, lavish interiors, and bold aesthetics, the series
Meanwhile, NYC’s Bad Roman celebrates “unhinged Italian luxury” with
reflects a fascination with crime-family narratives, blending excess and
playful maximalist decor, creating indulgent dining experiences steeped
power with a bold visual language.
in audacity and style.
Photo Credits: Netflix
La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills
Photo credits: Shelby Moore

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The shift from quiet luxury to bold


maximalism is evident in recent
skyrocketing trends. In 2024, Pinterest
reported a 3460% rise in maximalist
jewellery searches, while Vogue predicted
“loud luxury” to dominate the year. Gen Z’s
rejection of understated aesthetics, with
trends like sculptural jewellery (+75%) and
leopard prints (+25%) signalling an embrace
In her book Bad Taste,
of unapologetic extravagance.
Nathalie Olah dismantles
the elitist concept of
“good taste” as a classist
construct. By championing
the “tacky” and the bold,
Olah reclaims identity and
challenges beauty standards,
positioning maximalism
and individuality as defiant,
empowering expressions in
today’s cultural narrative.

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The beauty of feeling everything

" The best way to pay for a lovely


moment is to enjoy it."
- Richard Bach

In a world with increasing algorithmic-sameness, people are opening


up to experiences that can potentially range from awe-inspiring to
triggering just to feel something—a brave return to the visceral, tactile
and immersive.

In 2025, we’re getting increasingly comfortable with acknowledging


big feelings and dealing with them. This manifests as a courageous
exploration of experiences, lifestyles and even family situations that
don’t meet the norm.

We’re not hiding the grey parts of our life, but making it a part of our
visible and invisible identity—with complex layers and colourful details.
Our created environments are sensorially lavish and self-assured in its
individualistic absurdity.
Image for FEEL MORE by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT FEEL MORE // Triggers

Triggers
ESCAPING EMOTIONAL FLATNESS
A growing yearning to escape the emotional numbness
brought on by materialism, antidepressants, and digital
oversaturation has sparked a pursuit of richer, more
vibrant experiences. This desire for reconnection fuels
a movement toward designs that awaken the senses,
A REACTION Years of curated, Insta-perfect projections have left people craving
offering emotional jolts that disrupt monotony and
TO HYPER- authenticity. This shift toward raw, unfiltered moments sparks designs
restore vitality to everyday life.
and experiences that embrace imperfection. By leaning into flaws and
PERFECTIONISM unpredictability, this trend celebrates the joy of spontaneity and the (LEFT) Installation view of Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi
Kusama at Tate Modern, London
beauty of unrefined, deeply felt moments.
Photo Credits (LEFT): Tate Photography
A person fixing porcelain with kintsugi method (BELOW): Wallace Fonseca
Photo Credits: Shutterstock

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THE RISE OF EMOTIONAL VITALITY


In a world that often prioritizes productivity and efficiency,
THE PURSUIT OF SENSORY emotional vitality is becoming the new cultural currency.
RECONNECTION Experiences and designs that evoke awe, wonder, and joy are
gaining momentum, inspiring brands and creators to craft
As technology becomes increasingly immersive, people immersive environments that electrify the senses and invite
are seeking physical and emotional experiences that feel people to truly feel more.
real and grounded. The allure of tactile textures, haptic
Photo Credits: Unsplash
feedback, and ASMR-inspired interactions reflects a deeper
need to reconnect with the tangible world, creating spaces
and moments that heighten awareness and deepen
human connection.

(LEFT): Resonating
Microcosms of Life
Photo Credits (TOP):
Alexander McFeron

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT FEEL MORE // Colour Forecast

Colour
Forecast 7236
HILL CREST
K046
COOL CAMELLIA K141
MEDITATION

"Heightened Sensations
in Every Hue"

K034
SANDSTONE ROUGE

LAYERS OF EMOTION This palette unfolds like a muted symphony, where each hue
7810
dissolves seamlessly into the next, creating a sense of rhythm 9744
DRY MOSS MALHAAR
and fluidity. With no sharp contrasts or bold disruptions, the
colours fade into each other evoking an immersive, dreamlike
depth that is felt more than seen. Its range of soft hues and
light tones is both expansive yet calming.

X204
PESHWAI PINK-I

K076
MAUVE FOG

9842 SA16 SA14


MINT MAYONNAISE APRICOT CREAM CRUSHED NUTMEG
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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT FEEL MORE // Wallpaper & Texture Forecast

Wallpaper &
Texture Forecast

AIR
Harlequin colour 4
HC4W113003
SKY BLUE

TRANSAT
PIERRE FREY LES DESSINS 7
FP013002
SUNSET

EXPRESSIONS Capturing the spirit of emotional depth, Harlequin’s ‘Air’ evokes a sense of awe

IN COLOUR with its serene sky blue clouds. In contrast, Pierre Frey’s ‘Transat’ adds a vibrant
patchwork of colours. Together, they create sensorially rich, unapologetically
expressive spaces.
Pierre Frey Les Dessins 7 Transat Wallpaper in use

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TACTILE SURFACES This texture palette creates spaces that are visually

WITH SOUL layered, deeply expressive, and rich with emotional


resonance. Celebrating contrasts, ‘Stucco Mirror’
and ‘Granite Marble Mix’ blend rugged natural
aesthetics with polished refinement. While ‘Onyx
Treasure’ brings a luminous interplay of colours,
‘Soft Alps’ adds a pearlescent touch of warmth.

NILAYA PLAY
WALL W.R.A.P.
Granite Marble Mix
STUCCO MIRROR PW01FO44O75
Multicolour Olive Quarry

NILAYA PLAY
WALL W.R.A.P. NILAYA ARC
Onyx Treasure NATURAL PEARL FINISH
PW01FO01O75 NP065
Apricot Sorbet Flemish Plum (8200)

Nilaya Play Wall W.R.A.P. Granite Marble Mix in use

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT FEEL MORE // Material Forecast

Material
Forecast Explore soft and hard materials
that complement the palette

" You have to let it all


hang out——feel everything,
love everything, and let
yourself feel alive."
– Jim Morrison

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT FEEL MORE // Material Forecast

SOFT MATERIALS
This ensemble celebrates emotional richness, creating
designs that are as evocative as they are luxurious, striking 1. Impeccably crafted with intricate knots, this fabric exudes an
a balance between whimsy and sophistication. Embracing artisanal charm, celebrating texture, precision, and the beauty of
texture, movement, and tactility, bouclé fabrics and fuzzy irregularity in a sensory-driven design.

knits exude warmth and comfort, while laser-cut jacquards


2. Luxuriously textured with loops and piles, tufted fabric offers a plush
and fringes introduce a dynamic interplay of shadow and dynamic tactile experience, embodying warmth and comfort in its
and form. Alongside, faux fur and textured ruffles add an most expressive form.
indulgent layer of softness, channeling sensory delight.
3. Translucent and vibrant, coloured wax tiles blend art with utility,
evoking a sense of playful tactility while adding dynamic hues to soft
material compositions.

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3
HARD MATERIALS
An ode to a multi sensorial experience, these materials feature
surfaces that invite touch and intrigue. From the organic
roughness of gravel and textured plaster to the iridescent allure
of opalescent surfaces, each material is a tactile exploration.
White sand and textured tiles ground the collection with an
earthy depth, while shimmering metallic and felt surfaces
evoke wonder and a sense of playfulness. Together, these
materials redefine spaces as immersive experiences, blurring
the line between the physical and the emotional.

1
1. Repurposed with vibrant specks of colour, recycled plastic
showcases sustainable innovation, transforming discarded
materials into contemporary, eye-catching designs .

2. Delicately crafted with fluid forms, blown glass pieces exude


elegance and transparency, offering a graceful interplay of light
and shadow.

2 3. Intricately textured ceramic tiles invite touch and exploration,


blending artistic expression with functional design for a deeply
sensorial experience.

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Feel More 1

Beyond
the Frame
Mini 2

Feel to
Stories Heal
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Mini Story 1 -
Beyond the
Frame
In London, teamLab’s immersive digital and sound evoke deeply personal, even
art installations are transforming how visceral responses. They celebrate a
we experience art. Their “Resonating broader cultural hunger for experiences
Microcosms of Life” features floating orbs that awaken dormant emotions, proving
that light up and emit sound when touched. that art today isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
The art responds to the viewer, creating an (RIGHT) Forest of Resonating Lamps
emotional connection and a multi-sensory
journey of discovery. In Tokyo, the MORI
Building Digital Art Museum’s “Forest of
Resonating Lamps” invites visitors to step
into a glowing forest of lanterns that change
hues with proximity. These installations
aren’t just visually stunning; they immerse
audiences in a world where light, touch,

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Mini Story 2-
Feel
to Heal
In Bali, the Aura Dome Experience at it’s an emotional release, reigniting feelings
Fivelements Retreat offers something often suppressed in daily life. These spaces
far beyond traditional spa treatments. redefine wellness by combining tactile,
Guests are enveloped in a geodesic dome auditory, and emotional stimulation, proving
lined with crystals, bathed in soothing that self-care today is about feeling more—
soundscapes of gongs and chimes. This emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a journey of (RIGHT) Remedy Soul
heightened sensations—stimulating the
senses while connecting with the emotional
self. Similarly, in New York, the world’s
first social wellness club, Remedy Place,
introduces ice baths for an emotional detox,
where clients are guided through mindful
breathing as they submerge into frigid
water. This experience isn’t just physical;

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT FEEL MORE // Design Directions

Design
Directions
Conceptualized by Asian Paints to embody the immersive and sensorial essence
of Feel More, this space plays with scale, texture, and whimsy. A billowing fabric
chandelier, stretching wide over the table beneath it, evokes the lightness of a
floating balloon. Striped walls seamlessly blend hues, creating a layered, dreamlike
effect. The wallpaper 'Argali' from the collection Nilaya Ladakh Diary introduces
a surreal narrative, while the bench in Royale Play’s 'Ironic' texture adds an
unexpected tactile dimension. A celebration of heightened perception, this space
invites you to experience design beyond the visual—to touch, to feel, to immerse.
Image for FEEL MORE by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT FEEL MORE // Design Directions

In Berlin, the Balloon Museum’s exhibition EmotionAir


features Hyperfeeling, a multisensory installation set
within a luminous pool of yellow balls and a ceiling
of balloons in the same colour. It invites spectators to
reflect on their emotions in relation to themselves and
the world. By exploring six emotions through sound
and visuals, it uses real-life audio and AI-generated
graphics to create a personal yet dynamic, reflective
experience that soon becomes collective—suggesting
Retail spaces are becoming immersive sanctuaries for emotional engagement. that to feel, one simply needs to observe their
In China, SKP Chengdu’s vibrantly captivating wall panels inspire awe within surroundings carefully.
its urban park with a sunken luxury retail and hospitality space; while Beijing’s Photo Credits: Sila Sveta
shopping mall, The Place, envelops visitors in a marine wonderland through
hyper dynamic digital installations.
(TOP) The Place, Beijing
(BOTTOM) SKP Chengdu, China

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT FEEL MORE // Design Directions

Travel trends in 2024 emphasize emotional depth over traditional vacations.


While “Alter Ego Enthusiasts” recreated themselves through immersive trips,
the “gig tripping” trend centered travel around live music experiences—such
as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where fans sought out euphoric escapes. These
journeys redefined travel as personal, transformative adventures bursting
with emotion.
Photo Credits: Unsplash
For NYC-based architect Suchi Reddy, the human mind remains at
the center of her designs. Her installation at the National Building
Museum in Washington, DC, featuring reflective metallic sculptures
in its interior courtyard to commemorate 60 years of the Civil Rights
Movement and its March on Washington, encouraging the audience
to reflect on themselves.
Photo Credits: Reddymade & the National Building Museum

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2025

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2025

Like a symphony of feelings, Cardinal infuses spaces


with richness and authenticity, reminding us that
every emotion—however fleeting or monumental—
adds depth to our human experience.

COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2025

Its rich, immersive tones evoke courage, imagination,


and a connection to our truest selves, urging us to
embrace life’s vast emotional landscape.

Rich in emotion, immersive, mystical, pensive, imaginative and thought-


provoking.

Cardinal urges us to embrace the spectrum of our feelings—from joy


and vitality to stillness and contemplation. It is a dusky, soulful shade
that honours the complexity of being human—a reminder to feel
everything without judgement, to sit with our emotions, and to find
beauty in raw, unfiltered authenticity.
Like a deep breath in a chaotic world, Cardinal grounds
Whether it’s the warmth of nostalgia, the serenity of meditation, or the us in the beauty of our complex, unfiltered humanity.
bittersweet beauty of growth, Cardinal embodies a profound sense of
inner harmony.

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2025

Colour of
the Year 2025

8206
CARDINAL

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Image for CARDINAL by ASIAN PAINTS

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT WALLPAPER OF THE YEAR 2025

WALLPAPER OF THE
YEAR 2025

Slow down, breathe and stay a while. From a corner of an ancient Indian
courtyard, every blossom of 'Spring Tune' has a story to tell. Rest your
eyes on the unhurried stillness of every curve of a stem, every patient
petal. They rise from attar bottles! Towards a wide open sky that belongs
everywhere and to nowhere, to rooms that feel as if they have been lived
in forever. Beneath their branches, the air humming with possibilities,
watch the day go by. In their calm company, just be.

Nilaya, Spring Tune Wallpaper in use

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT WALLPAPER OF THE YEAR 2025

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ColourNext 2025 | FORECAST REPORT IMAGE CREDITS

Image
Credits 1. Naga chair- Atelier Ashiesh Shah
2. Italy multi rug from One Love
1. Colonial Queen Anne Legs Birdcage-
Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974
1. The Hand of Adam side table- Atelier
Ashiesh Shah
Collection- Hands Carpet 2. Floor lamp- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 2. Drumstick table- Hatsu

Spaces styled by Pooja Bhandary Asian Paints Finishes in use: Yellow 3. Reproduced Jeanerret Kangaroo chair- 3. Kenna Ivory Gold rug- Hands Carpet
Moss (9864) Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974
Photographed by Kunal Daswani with ASIAN PAINTS Asian Paints Finishes in use: Royale Play Fuso
4. Teakwood country console- Mahendra Doshi Bronze, Nilaya Play Wall W.R.A.P. Granite Marble
Est. 1974 Mix, Royale Play Ironic on bench

1. Rosewood pop up Jewellery chest from 1. Gobekli multi rug from One Love Collection- 1. Carved Ventialtor- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 1. English child’s rocking horse- 1. River Riverie Green rug from Empirex Asian Paints Finishes in use: Madder Rose (SA21)
Bhatkal- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Hands carpet 2. Naga bench- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 collection- Hands Carpet
2. Tobacco glazed Chinese jar lamp over the 2. Kenna Ivory Gold rug- Hands Carpet 3. Reproduced Jeanerret Kangaroo chair- 2. Teakwood Country Console- 2. 2+1 rectangular coffee table- Red, Blue
chest- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 3. Elan sofa by Camerich- Defurn Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 & Yellow
3. Blue & white vintage ginger jar table lamp- 4. 2+1 coffee table- Red Blue & Yellow 4. Objects on shelves- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 3. Clay vase on side table- 3. Objects on shelves- Mahendra Doshi
Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Est. 1974
5. Art- Red Blue & Yellow 5. Box Jute rug- Hatsu
4. Asian Rattan box- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 4. Ceramic vase on console- 4. Fabric upholstered on Sofa- Hata Bay from Adore
6. Floor lamp- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Asian Paints Finishes in use: Lumber Jack (8742) Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Banaya Collection (HATA BAY0045)
5. Colonial Queen Anne Legs Birdcage-
Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 7. Long English Country console- Mahendra 5. Side Table- Mahendra Doshi
Doshi Est. 1974 Asian Paints Finishes in use: Royale Play Calcecruda
Est. 1974 Rustic in Cardinal (8206)
Asian Paints Finishes in use: Pale Orchid 8. Wooden head on console- Mahendra
(7231), Royale Play Archi Argilla Earth in Mud 6. Meld Green rug from Urbane
Doshi Est. 1974 II Collection- Hands carpet
House (8656)
9. Reproduced Jeanerret Kangaroo chair in
second room- Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Asian Paints Finishes in use: Mauve Fog
(K076), Meditation (K141), Apricot Cream
10. Blue & White Vintage Jar Table Lamp- (SA16), Royale Play Ironic on bench,
Mahendra Doshi Est. 1974 Wallpaper: Argali (W218L371N75) in
Asian Paints Finishes in use: Royale Play Archi Willow Green from Nilaya Ladakh Diary
Argilla Earth in Wrought Iron (8439)

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Acknowledgements
ASIAN PAINTS COLOUR INDUSTRY CONTENT
MARKETING TEAM EXPERTS COLLABORATORS
Amit Syngle Ria Chopra Ela Das
Gagandeep Kalsi Kunal Purohit Pooja Bhandary
Ahwar Zoheb Ashraf Engineer Kunal Daswani
Preeti Angela Jesudoss Nikhil Taneja Manoj Sudhakaran
Kiran Dalal Rashmi Dhanwani Andrew Fernandes
Kriti Marwah Naman Ahuja
Mariesha Rego Dsouza Shruti Sonal
Sreeparna Sengupta
PARTNERS
Shaina Jagtiani
ADVISORS Ranjana Dave Quipper Research
Saba Mundlay Wari Watai
Pavitra Rajaram Srishti Gupta Roy
Manju Sara Rajan Vidushi Vijeyavergea
Ashwini Deshpande Balram Vishwakarma
Madhav Raman Devika Rao
Ram Sinam Chaitanya Chinchlikar
Dipti Das Swarup Dutta
Navdeep Kaur Prashanth Challapalli
Aditi Kedia Aditya Kuber
Tanish Malji Srabanti Dutta
Sarwar Jahan Chowdhry
Natasha Khurana
Ankita Chandra
Jasmine Nilani
Krishnapriya Tharmakrishnar

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