As we further explore NCS Colour Trends for 2025 , they present the trend “Ethereal,”… an exploration of light, fluid colours that bridge the digital and physical worlds. Ethereal reflects our transition into a multiverse mindset, blending our real and virtual lives seamlessly. This trend is characterised by soft, airy hues that evoke a sense of otherworldliness and calm.
The Essence of Ethereal
“Ethereal” captures the zeitgeist of a world where technology and human experience merge, creating spaces that are both serene and futuristic. The colours are delicate, light, and almost transparent, representing a fluid state of mind. This palette is designed to foster a sense of calm and introspection, allowing us to float between realities.
KEY THEMES AND COLOURS
Dreamy Spectral Tech
This theme is about merging dreamy aesthetics with technology. The colours are light and airy, with a tech-inspired edge. Think of soft blues, gentle pinks, and ethereal whites that create a sense of calm while also feeling futuristic.
Fluid Realities
Inspired by the concept of liquid realities, this theme focuses on colours that are almost fluid in nature. The palette includes low-chromatic, airy hues that feel like they belong to another world. These colours help us transition between our physical and digital lives seamlessly.
Abstract and Playfully Absurd
This theme encourages the use of abstract shapes and playful designs. The colours are light and whimsical, evoking a sense of fun and creativity. It’s about creating spaces that feel like a dream, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.
The Colour Palette
The Ethereal palette is characterised by colours with low blackness (5-20%) and low chromaticness. They are closely related in hue, creating a harmonious and cohesive look. The palette is anchored by light tech tones and positive nuances, with the perfect dopamine colour of red marking the beginning or end of the ethereal experience. These colours include:
NCS S 1001-B: A quiet, neutral white in a true-blue hue, bringing cool clarity and a tech appeal.
NCS S 1010-R10B: An airy, dreamy pink that feels like floating in the clouds.
NCS S 0510-R50B: A light, purplish hue that adds a whimsical touch.
NCS S 0510-R80B: A low-chroma red-based blue, offering a wistful yet light feel.
NCS S 0560-Y70R: An exuberant coral red/orange, dynamic and perfect as an accent colour.
NCS S 2020-R30B: A low-chroma, light violet-pink with a comfortable tech appeal.
Application and Impact
The Ethereal trend goes beyond just colour; it’s about creating environments that reflect our new way of living. By incorporating these light, fluid colours into our spaces, we can create a sense of calm and serenity that helps us navigate our increasingly digital lives. The palette is versatile, suitable for various settings from residential homes to commercial spaces.
Interior designers can use the Ethereal palette to create spaces that feel both futuristic and comforting. Combining these colours with reflective materials like silver and chrome can enhance the ethereal feel, making spaces look and feel like they belong to another world. The use of abstract shapes and playful designs can further enhance the dreamlike quality of these spaces.
The NCS Colour Trends for 2025, embodied by the “Ethereal” theme, offer a vision of a future where the boundaries between our digital and physical lives blur. The light, fluid colours of the Ethereal palette help create spaces that are calming and introspective, reflecting our transition into a multiverse mindset. By embracing these colours, we can design environments that support our mental and emotional well-being, creating spaces that feel like personal sanctuaries in an ever-changing world. Ethereal is not just a trend, but a reflection of our evolving way of living, where technology and human experience merge seamlessly.
Universal Paints is proud to be licensed with the internationally acclaimed NCS Colour System, one of the most respected colour systems there is . For customers that means you can rely on Universal Paints to mix and match the perfect paint colour for you and guide you with the latest colour trends out there. (NCS colours)
