C2 Paint’s 2025 Color of the Year, Raku, Is a Sophisticated Brown

As we wind down the summer and ease into a new season, nothing gets us quite so excited for the year ahead like the 2025 colors of the year.

That’s why we were thrilled to learn that C2 Paint is the latest beloved brand to make their official pick for 2025: Raku.

Described as an earthy, burnt, brownish red with oxidized undertones and dynamic hints of rich mahogany, Raku is a bold and beautiful choice for what C2 Paint calls “the year of seeking balance.”

It’s a Hue Steeped in Tradition and History

After the brand made its official announcement, we were thrilled to connect with Philippa Radon, the color director for C2 Paint, who shared her thoughts on the selection.

Most notably, Radon says that Raku is perfectly adaptable to a wide array of aesthetics.

“Raku could work from minimalist to Japandi, rustic and contemporary—as a solid color block or with a variety of prints and textures layered in,” Radon says. “It has that broad a scope of versatility.” 

Inspired by the ancient Japanese tea ceremony, Raku draws from a centuries-old pottery technique known for its unique patterns. Its history is all a part of what makes it as versatile as it is sophisticated. 

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Raku is Made for Unwinding, Pausing, and Reflecting

The shade’s versatility doesn’t just make it easy to pair with other aesthetics. It also works well in conjunction with other colors, making it easy to layer into existing spaces.

This is especially true if you’re looking to elevator your room to a place for unwinding, pausing, and reflecting. With this in mind, Radon says she loves this hue paired with gold and a smoky gray-blue, like C2 Argyle.

But as a naturally grounding color, Raku is stunning alongside various palettes. 

“In working with this color, I found it incredibly versatile and chameleon-like,” Radon says. 

Radon notes that this is an intense and moody pick for a powder room, especially with brass or black fixtures. It can also work as an accent color on any millwork—especially because Raku pairs so well with light and dark wall colors.

It’s Beautiful for Interiors and Exteriors

But while Raku is beautiful for a calming interior, Radon notes that it can be just as stunning in your outdoor spaces. 

“A glossy front door in Raku is a game changer to an entryway threshold,” she says. “It works perfectly well on traditional or modern style homes.” 

This is exactly why Raku is such a perfect pick for 2025. As the brand notes in its release, the shade is rooted in the concept of yin and yang, and harmonizes tradition with contemporary style.

“This rich hue, with its deep cordovan earthy brown hue and sanguine undertones, embodies the art of revitalizing the old with the succession of its renewal,” says Radon. “[It’s] an echo of a timeless classic flourishing in a modern world.”

Warm Tones and Hues Are Here to Stay in 2025

No matter how you use Raku, one thing’s clear: warmer colors are staying on-trend for design in 2025.

“Warmer tones and hues instill a sense of comfort and security, and a sense of balance which I think we all strive for,” says Radon. 

Like all of C2 Paint’s colors, Raku is handcrafted and made from rare, finely ground artisan pigments. This results in a rich, luminous color that reflects the beauty of nature, and C2 Paint products can be found at local retailers or online via their website.