Homeowners in Tunbridge Wells are embracing fresh, bold, and comforting ideas in painting and decorating. These trends are perfect for period properties, modern townhouses, and everything in between. Here are the top five styles to watch — and how you can use them to make your home feel stylish, warm, and uniquely yours.
1. Earthy, Nature-Inspired Palettes
Warm natural tones are dominating in 2025. Think clay, terracotta, muted greens, soft browns, ochre, and olive. These shades bring a grounded, calming feel to a space. Rather than stark greys and sterile whites, people are gravitating toward colours that echo the landscape — trees, soil, and stone.
In Tunbridge Wells, where verdant Kent countryside and classic architecture meet, these tones work beautifully. Use them on walls or woodwork to bring warmth to older homes. Pair with natural wood furniture, stone or slate floors, and textured fabrics.
2. Colour Drenching: Drama Without Overwhelm
Colour drenching is one of 2025’s biggest painting trends. This means using a single shade (or hues of the same tone) across walls, ceilings, doors, skirting boards — sometimes even radiators — to create a unified, immersive look. It adds depth and drama, especially in smaller rooms or hallways.
For example, a deep olive or rich terracotta drenching in your study or cloakroom can feel surprisingly cosy. In Tunbridge Wells homes, where many rooms have decorative features like coving, panelling, or architraves, drenching highlights architectural detail while giving a modern twist.
3. Textured Finishes & Feature Surfaces
Flat, smooth walls are being joined (or sometimes replaced) by texture: limewash, Venetian plaster, clay-like surfaces, and textured wallpapers (e.g. grasscloth, linen, embossed). These add tactile interest and a sense of craft.
In older Tunbridge Wells homes with high ceilings or period detail, textured finishes help balance sleek modern inserts. Consider a textured feature wall in a living room or dining room, or apply plaster finishes in entrance halls to impress from the moment someone enters.
4. Warm Neutrals & Soft Accents
While bold colours are making waves, there’s also a counter-trend of calming, warm neutrals: creams, taupes, soft beiges, plaster pinks. These act as serene backdrops, allowing accent colours or feature pieces to shine.
To use this in a Tunbridge Wells home: paint most of the room in a neutral shade, then bring in feature accents (like a fireplace surround, window seat, or shelving) with a richer tone or coloured wood. It allows flexibility if you redecorate or change furniture.
5. Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Paints & Local Flair
Conscious decorating is more than a trend — it’s becoming essential. In 2025, more homeowners want paints with low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds), sustainable production, and finishes that are durable.
Another piece of the puzzle is local character. Tunbridge Wells is rich in architectural styles: Georgian, Victorian, Arts & Crafts. Combining sustainable materials with traditional details (e.g. choosing eco-friendly paints that match heritage colour palettes, restoring original woodwork rather than replacing it) gives homes a sense of authenticity and timeless style.
How to Use These Trends in Your Home (Tunbridge Wells Tips)
- Start small: maybe a feature wall, or drenching a cloakroom or hallway to test a hue you love.
- Highlight period features: panelling, sash windows, mouldings: paint contrast or same-colour finishes to make them stand out.
- Sample colours in different light: Kent’s light changes across seasons; what looks warm in summer may feel darker in winter.
- Work with your walls: plaster vs. plasterboard vs. brick will affect finish and texture choice.
- Choose long-lasting paints: especially for exterior and high traffic areas (hallways, kitchens). Proper preparation makes a big difference.
Why These Trends Matter for Tunbridge Wells Homes
Tunbridge Wells has a special mix: beautiful older homes, strong local character, gardens, and proximity to nature. The trends lean into warmth, natural textures, and sustainability — all of which resonate with our local environment. By using these styles, you not only update your home but also connect to the look and feel of the area.
If you’re thinking of refreshing your home this year, get in touch with us at Colour House Decor. We’d love to chat about which of these trends might suit your space, budget, and style — helping you create a home that’s both of the moment and timeless.