The Earthy Design Trend That's Making A Major Comeback In 2025
As trends change, old ideas become new again and get used in creative and innovative ways to enhance our living spaces. The earthy design trend that's making a major comeback in 2025 is verdigris. This is the natural patina found on certain metals when they are exposed to the elements. Verdigris has been used since antiquity for everything from mixing it into paint in the Middle Ages to eyeshadow in ancient Egypt.
Verdigris was among the 2023 paint color trends and continues to capture the interest of interior designers, stylists, and homeowners. The organic, natural finish creates an antique appearance that subtly draws attention and adds interest to any space. Whether your home is decorated in a rustic, contemporary, coastal, or bohemian style, the natural beauty of verdigris can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your home's design style. The muted color is the perfect addition to the living room, bedroom, or any other room in your home.
What is verdigris?
Verdigris is the natural blue-green patina that forms on brass, copper, and bronze. This color shift happens over time, due to chemical changes caused by exposure to air and moisture. The metal changes color as a result of the natural oxidation process caused by the metal reacting with the carbon dioxide and oxygen in the air. The color can range from pale to darker shades of blue-green, teal, or turquoise.
The most recognizable example of verdigris is the statue of liberty. The bluish green color is the natural patina of the copper statue. Verdigris finishes are trendy in rustic décor. Weathered lighting and lampshades with a verdigris finish add an antique look that works well in rustic and contemporary styles.
The gorgeous finish infuses interiors with elegance and history, and the weathered look of the natural patina gives any space an earthy vibe. Some people love the natural beauty of old antique objects that are imbued with history. Others love the idea of repurposing antique metal décor and bringing in natural materials to their living spaces. What makes verdigris unique is its ability to feel both historically significant and on trend.
Ways to incorporate the style
There are many ways to incorporate the style into your home, ranging from metal objects with a natural patina to faux finishes that mimic the look of natural verdigris. The first decision you will need to make is whether you want natural verdigris on older metal objects or a faux finish using techniques that create the look of verdigris. Authentic verdigris items can be found at thrift shops, estate sales, and online.
A faux painting technique that will make a big difference in your home mimics the look of verdigris. The technique creates a fake antique finish using paint on walls, countertops, or decorative objects, such as a pretty jar or vase. To achieve the patina look, start by painting the object with a liquid based metallic paint. Then, add a patina-hued paint wax or teal or light blue paint over the surface and dab with a paper towel or rag to get a faded look. Follow up with a little white paint on a worn-out brush to dab over spots where the metal tone shows.
Other ways to incorporate the style include verdigris wallpaper, adding furniture with a verdigris finish, or creating a verdigris finish on existing furniture. Although often associated with rustic styles, verdigris works well with a wide variety of design styles. The muted color of natural patina is a great addition to homes in contemporary, minimalist, and many other design styles.