Paint and coatings giant PPG has revealed its 2025 Colour of the Year – a bold yet soothing shade of violet named Purple Basil. Known in some European markets as Amethyst Shadow or Acai Berry, this dusty violet hue is described as both adaptable and elegant, reflecting the global trends of movement and change. It forms part of PPG’s broader 2025 global colour theme, called “Kinetic,” which features four distinct palettes designed to resonate across various industries.
Vanessa Peterson, PPG’s global colour styling lead, explained that the colour selection reflects broader cultural dynamics shaping design trends. “We’re seeing a global shift towards movement, and this is influencing design choices in numerous sectors,” Peterson said. “The Kinetic theme captures the balance between nature and science, highlighting innovation in a fast-paced world, with new tools like artificial intelligence enabling boundless creativity.”
Purple Basil has been praised for its versatility, appealing to architects and designers alike. Its subtle mix of warm and cool tones gives it an air of mystery while maintaining a welcoming presence. “It’s warm enough to feel inviting, but cool enough to create a sense of intrigue,” said Peterson. The colour’s composition, balancing red and blue hues, gives it what Peterson described as “kinetic energy,” making it a strong complement to the other 40 colours within PPG’s 2025 palettes, which include Extra Celestial, Bio-Fuse, Artificial, and Earth and Archive.
In her remarks, Peterson pointed to the broader trend towards richer, more dynamic colour choices. “Consumers are moving beyond the softer, more conventional palettes. We’re seeing a shift towards deep jewel tones, earthy pastels, and midtones inspired by ancestral designs. This reflects the current era of change and the desire for more vibrant, bold choices in our environments,” she said.
Purple Basil’s versatility makes it ideal for both traditional and modern design contexts. PPG envisions its use in a variety of sectors, from architectural features such as windows and doors to office furniture and even automotive design. Its neutral undertone, combined with a slightly desaturated finish, makes it suitable as a nuanced neutral, providing depth and comfort in a range of applications.
The 2025 Colour of the Year was selected through an extensive process involving dozens of PPG’s global colour stylists. Their forecasting considers social, cultural, and political dynamics from around the world to create colour trends that resonate with diverse audiences. “Our team evaluates what’s happening in every region to ensure we deliver a collection that speaks to the global mood,” Peterson said.
The Kinetic theme, along with Purple Basil, aims to meet consumers’ growing demand for innovation and adaptability. As the world embraces new possibilities, PPG’s colour experts hope these palettes will inspire creativity and transformation in everything from consumer products to industrial design.
For more details on PPG’s Colour of the Year and the Kinetic global theme, the company has made further information available on its website.
PPG, headquartered in Pittsburgh, operates in over 70 countries and serves a wide range of markets, including construction, consumer products, and transportation. With net sales of $18.2 billion in 2023, the company continues to be a leader in the paint and coatings industry.