Interior Painting Trends Cheltenham Homeowners Love in 2025

Every new year brings fresh inspiration for interiors, and 2025 is no different. In Cheltenham, where Regency terraces sit alongside Victorian and Edwardian homes, the right paint choices can completely transform how a property feels. Whether you’re looking for calm neutrals, bold feature walls, or timeless woodwork finishes, there are trends this year that homeowners are embracing—and they’re all about personality, quality and longevity.

Here’s my guide to the interior painting trends Cheltenham homeowners love in 2025, with practical advice on how to make them work beautifully in your own home.

1. Warm Neutrals Over Cool Greys

After years of dominance, cool greys are stepping aside in favour of warm, earthy neutrals. Think mushroom, soft taupes and putty shades that complement Cotswold stone beautifully. These tones create a sense of comfort and work well in walls and ceilings painting, especially in north-facing rooms that need extra warmth.

Brands like Farrow & Ball have released warmer neutral palettes for 2025, designed to add depth without feeling heavy. They’re perfect for period properties where stark modern greys can feel out of place.

2. Bold Feature Walls and Alcoves

Feature walls are back—but in 2025, they’re smarter. Instead of random accent walls, Cheltenham homeowners are highlighting architectural features such as alcoves, chimney breasts and fireplaces. A deep navy or oxblood on an alcove can create a striking backdrop while keeping the rest of the space light and airy.

This approach works especially well when combined with fireplace and alcove painting. By highlighting detail rather than simply one wall, the design feels intentional and connected to the property’s history.

3. Painted Staircases as Statement Pieces

Staircases are getting the spotlight in 2025. More homeowners are choosing to paint spindles, banisters and risers in contrasting shades, turning these everyday features into design statements. A dark handrail paired with crisp white spindles, or even colour-blocked risers, instantly elevates a hallway.

Done well, this is more than just decoration—it’s craftsmanship. That’s why I offer stair and banister painting as a specialist service. The right finish not only looks fantastic but also withstands heavy use in high-traffic areas.

4. Heritage Colours with a Modern Twist

One of the joys of living in Cheltenham is its rich architectural heritage. In 2025, homeowners are leaning into traditional colours—deep greens, rich blues, warm creams—but applying them in fresher ways. For example, using heritage greens on doors and woodwork while keeping walls light creates a sophisticated yet contemporary effect.

Little Greene’s Period Paint Colours are a fantastic reference point, combining historic shades with modern durability.

5. Two-Tone Panelling and Woodwork

Two-tone colour schemes are everywhere this year, particularly in Edwardian homes with panelling. Homeowners are painting lower sections in darker, grounding shades while keeping upper walls light and bright. This approach gives rooms a crafted, architectural feel while making spaces look taller and more refined.

If you’d like to explore this trend, my woodwork and trim painting services can help you achieve crisp, durable lines and a finish that will last.

6. Painted Furniture and Kitchens

Painting isn’t limited to walls anymore. More Cheltenham clients are asking me to refresh furniture and kitchen cabinets with premium finishes. This is a sustainable way to update interiors without the cost of replacement, and it’s one of the strongest trends of 2025.

Shades like deep navy, sage green and warm off-whites are proving especially popular for furniture and cabinet painting. The result is a bespoke, handcrafted feel that makes older pieces look brand new.

7. Finishes that Balance Beauty and Practicality

Paint finish is as important as colour. In 2025, satin and eggshell are leading the way for woodwork, offering durability with a soft sheen. For walls, washable matt paints are gaining popularity—perfect for families who want premium style without compromising on practicality.

Premium brands such as Benjamin Moore and Farrow & Ball have invested heavily in washable, durable finishes that don’t sacrifice depth of colour.

8. Colour Zoning for Open-Plan Spaces

Open-plan living is common in Cheltenham renovations, and in 2025, colour zoning is the go-to way to define spaces. Instead of one flat colour throughout, homeowners are using paint to mark out dining, living and working zones within a single space. This can be subtle (different neutrals) or bold (contrasting feature colours).

When executed with care, zoning feels sophisticated and helps large rooms feel more inviting. It’s a technique I often recommend during wall and ceiling painting projects in open-plan homes.

9. Sustainable Choices and Low-VOC Paints

Sustainability continues to be a growing priority in 2025. More Cheltenham homeowners are choosing eco-friendly paints with low VOC (volatile organic compounds). These paints are better for indoor air quality while still delivering high performance. They’re especially valued in family homes where health and safety are top of mind.

If you’d like to explore greener options, Earthborn Paints is a UK brand known for breathable, eco-friendly finishes that suit period homes perfectly.

10. Personalised Colour Consultation

Finally, one of the biggest trends isn’t a colour at all—it’s the demand for tailored advice. Homeowners want schemes that feel personal and unique, not just copied from Instagram. In Cheltenham, where no two period homes are the same, personalised guidance makes all the difference.

That’s why I always include colour advice as part of my painting services. It ensures the final result not only looks beautiful but also works with your home’s light, proportions and original features.

Final Thoughts

The painting trends Cheltenham homeowners love in 2025 all have one thing in common: they value quality and character. From warm neutrals and bold staircases to sustainable paints and bespoke furniture finishes, this year’s palettes are about making homes feel timeless yet current.

If you’re ready to bring some of these trends into your own home, I’d love to help. As a detail-focused painter in Cheltenham, I specialise in premium interior painting that’s tailored to your property and lifestyle. Together, we can transform your interiors with colours that feel right for 2025—and for years to come.

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