California Paints Selects Ocean Melody as 2025 Color of the Year

When one thinks of California, peacefully sitting beside the ocean can come to mind. That sense of tranquility is just one of the reasons why Ocean Melody 0499 is an ideal choice for California Paints’ 2025 Color of the Year. Ocean Melody 0499 is a warm blue that offers a feeling of comfort and connection with nature.

“Ocean Melody 0499 is more than just a color; it’s a reflection of the spaces we want to create in 2025—comfortable, inviting, and inspired by the natural world,” said Daniele Doerge, brand manager for California Paints, a subsidiary of ICP. “As part of ICP, we take pride in setting the tone for design trends that resonate with our customers’ lifestyles. Ocean Melody embodies the tranquility and timelessness that today’s homeowners and professionals are seeking.”

Doerge noted that the California Paints team involved in the project looked at color trends across different sectors, from home décor to textile, as well as consumer behavior, compiling a group of contenders for the final selection. From there, the final step was to narrow down the color of the year selection and supporting trend palette.

Doerge said the selection of California Paints’ Color of the Year, Ocean Melody 0499, was guided by several key factors.

“Our team looked to align with current design trends that emphasize comfort, balance, and a connection to nature, as we see a growing desire among homeowners for soothing, restorative colors that evoke a sense of calm due to the demands of modern life,” she observed. “The versatility of Ocean Melody played a crucial role in the final decision, as this color works well across a variety of spaces, from interiors like bedrooms and bathrooms to exteriors like doors and shutters. The inspiration from nature played a significant role, with the color’s oceanic essence symbolizing timeless beauty, serenity, and the harmony between indoor and outdoor living.”

“Ocean Melody is a warm, tranquil blue that brings a sense of serenity and elegance to any space,” Doerge pointed out. “It works beautifully indoors in bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas, where it creates a calming atmosphere. Outside the home, it can add a refreshing yet sophisticated touch to shutters and doors, blending seamlessly with natural surroundings. Ocean Melody follows the movement toward soft, natural hues that evoke calmness and simplicity while offering a fresh yet timeless look.”

California Paints has curated a supporting trend palette to enhance the impact of Ocean Melody.
Doerge noted that the supporting trend palette includes warm terracotta tones, muted greens, and soft creams, and added that Ocean Melody pairs beautifully with these hues, offering contrast and balance.

“For instance, it complements terracotta and earthy browns by bringing a cooling element, while the muted greens and soft creams amplify its natural and calming qualities, creating harmonious and layered designs,” Doerge observed.

Doerge added that Ocean Melody is the perfect color for the times.

“Ocean Melody is more than a color—it’s a reflection of the way we want to live in 2025,” Doerge concluded. “It’s about creating spaces that feel like a retreat, grounded in the soothing rhythms of nature. With its versatility and connection to the supporting trend palette, Ocean Melody allows for endless creative possibilities, making it a true standout in California Paints’ lineup.”