Every year Benjamin Moore selects a Color of the Year that reflects current design trends and suggests fresh directions for home decor. For 2025, the company chose Cinnamon Slate (2113-40), a warm, earthy hue with subtle red and gray undertones that brings grounding sophistication to interiors.
What is Cinnamon Slate?
Cinnamon Slate is a layered blend of brown and gray warmed by restrained red undertones. That balance gives it a versatile character: it reads cozy and welcoming in traditional settings, yet its muted, modern depth makes it at home in contemporary or minimalist interiors. The color’s earthy base helps anchor spaces, while the warm tint ensures it never feels cold or clinical.
Why Cinnamon Slate is the Color of the Year
Following several seasons of bright, saturated palettes, many designers and homeowners are shifting toward richer, calmer colors that create a sense of retreat at home. Cinnamon Slate fits this movement: it makes a statement without shouting, offering both warmth and sophistication. Its ability to harmonize with natural materials—wood, stone, metal—means it can bring character to a room while remaining flexible enough to adapt to evolving decor choices.
How to Use Cinnamon Slate in Your Home
Accent Walls
Use Cinnamon Slate on a single wall to introduce depth and drama without overwhelming the room. It works particularly well as a backdrop for artwork, a fireplace, or a media wall. Pair it with soft whites or warm neutrals on surrounding walls and trim to maintain contrast while keeping the overall palette calm.
Kitchen Cabinets
For a modern, unexpected take on cabinetry, Cinnamon Slate is a compelling option. Darker cabinets in this tone pair beautifully with brass or matte black hardware and natural stone countertops. The color helps cabinet surfaces read as intentional and refined rather than merely dark.
Living Room Warmth
Paint all four walls in Cinnamon Slate to craft a cozy, enveloping living room. Furnish with leather seating, layered textiles like wool and velvet, and warm wood accents to enhance the color’s comforting qualities. Textural contrasts—soft rugs, woven baskets, and reclaimed wood pieces—prevent the space from feeling heavy.
Bathroom Luxury
In bathrooms, Cinnamon Slate can create a spa-like feel when combined with marble or stone surfaces and matte black or brushed brass fixtures. Use it on vanities, cabinetry, or an accent wall to elevate the room’s warmth while keeping finishes refined and contemporary.
Additional Tips for Best Results
- Test samples in the room at different times of day—lighting dramatically affects how the color reads.
- Consider sheens carefully: eggshell and satin finishes add warmth and hide surface imperfections, while matte finishes feel more modern and subtle.
- Introduce lighter textiles and reflective surfaces to keep the space from feeling too dark; mirrors, glass lamps, and metallic accents brighten without clashing.
- Balance bold areas with neutrals and natural textures to maintain visual harmony across the space.
Colors That Pair Well with Cinnamon Slate
Pair Cinnamon Slate with complementary tones to build thoughtful, layered palettes:
- Soft Whites: Clean, warm whites balance Cinnamon Slate’s depth and keep interiors feeling open and fresh.
- Sage Green: Muted greens echo the color’s natural undertones and create a calming, nature-inspired scheme.
- Burnt Orange or Terracotta: These tones intensify the warmth for a rich, cozy atmosphere—ideal for lounges or dining areas.
- Deep Charcoal or Black: For a dramatic, contemporary look, combine Cinnamon Slate with darker neutrals and strong metallic accents.
Related Articles
- 9 Best Interior Paint Colors to Make Your Home Pop
- What Color Season is Your Home?
- 8 Matching Colors That Go With White Flawlessly
Cinnamon Slate is a versatile, confident choice for today’s interiors. Whether used sparingly as an accent or across an entire room, its rich, earthy subtleties add warmth, depth, and a touch of sophistication to both traditional and modern settings. Test the shade in your space, experiment with different pairings and finishes, and let the color guide a thoughtful, intentional design direction.
Ready to bring new life to your home? Subscribe to a design newsletter for curated tips, trend updates, and practical advice to transform your space.