James Hardie announces its 2025 Color of the Year: Evening Blue

In an unpredictable world, home is a constant we can always return to. Our homes may be messy and chaotic at times, especially on laundry day, but we can always go home when we want to reconnect with family or find refuge from the stressors of daily life.

The collective trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in global conflicts and domestic political tension, and the urgency of climate threats all weigh heavily on us. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports increases in chronic illnesses and mental health diagnoses since 2019 due to the effects of long-term stress, and more Americans are getting insufficient sleep.

Though many stressors are outside our control, we can be intentional about cultivating a serene environment at home. There’s evidence that exposing ourselves to certain colors may impact not only our mental well-being, but also our physiology. As the North American leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions, James Hardie understands that color can have a positive impact and is proud to announce a calming hue for its 2025 Color of the Year. Utilizing data and insights from the brand’s subject matter experts, partners, and customers, James Hardie is championing Evening Blue as its Color of the Year for home exteriors.

Part of the Statement Collection® line by James Hardie and featuring ColorPlus® Technology finishes for lasting beauty, Evening Blue is a peaceful and contemplative shade that lends itself to a versatile array of exterior design options. The subdued gray-blue hue evokes a clear evening sky, fitting in seamlessly in a variety of natural environments. We asked Leslie Harrington Ph.D, color strategy consultant and Executive Director of The Color Association, for tips on how to incorporate the hue in your home siding project.

A soothing shade amid uncertainty

Color trends often come about in response to cultural and psychological forces. “Over the last few years, there’s been so much uncertainty,” says Harrington. “When that happens, people sort of gravitate towards colors that tend to be safe and secure and dependable, and I think Evening Blue is one of those colors.”

Blue shades are associated with serenity and creativity. They evoke a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. Blue hues can also have profound physiological effects, such as a decrease in heart rate. That makes Evening Blue a fitting choice for homeowners who want their home to be a haven from life’s stressors.

And while the shade reflects a sense of personal taste, Evening Blue is an elevated neutral that’s inviting rather than off-putting to most people. Choosing the shade for your home’s exterior allows you to express yourself while positively impacting your home’s curb appeal.

“Any color on the exterior is not going to be for everyone, but I think the thing about Evening Blue is that it will appeal to a lot of people,” says Harrington. That’s because blue hues are widely loved — around the world, people primarily choose blue when asked to name their favorite color. Evening Blue is also a shade that’s unlikely to go out of style. “It can stand the test of time, which I think a lot of people are looking for, especially on exterior surfaces,” says Harrington.

Versatile options for an Evening Blue exterior

Evening Blue is well-suited to a variety of popular architectural styles, from the colonial farmhouse to the mid-century modern home. “It’s pretty versatile. I think you can put it on almost any style,” says Harrington. Additionally, homeowners can choose from several popular house siding colors as accents, depending on the intended aesthetic.

“You have to decide what type of look you’re going for,” explains Harrington. “Because Evening Blue is a color on the darker side, if you put white with it, that means you’re creating the most amount of contrast.” If white is too stark, Harrington says you can opt for a shade in the cream family, such as Navajo Beige or Cobble Stone.

“I also think you could do black, especially black windows,” suggests Harrington. “If you do a color darker than your body color, it will actually make the body color look a little bit lighter.”

You could also choose Evening Blue for your trim as well as your body color, as Harrington notes that monochromatic exteriors have become more popular. “Once upon a time, we saw a lot of accent colors, and that’s changed,” she says. “It wouldn’t be unusual to see an entire home in Evening Blue rather than as an accent color.” If you choose to stick with just one shade, “you’re relying on the architectural detail and styling of the home to bring interest,” explains Harrington.

One way to achieve a unique look with just one color is to play with texture. A variety of Hardie® products come in Evening Blue, including Hardie® Plank Lap Siding, Haride® Shingle Siding, Hardie® Panel Vertical Siding, and Hardie® Trim Boards. When combining these products, the exterior design possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these house siding design ideas.

A baked-on finish that lasts

You can expect an Evening Blue exterior to maintain its beauty for years to come, and not just because the color is timeless. Hardie® siding in Evening Blue siding products feature ColorPlus® Technology, a proprietary finish that’s baked on in a controlled factory environment to maximize adhesion. The result is low-maintenance, long-lasting color that resists fading, chipping, and cracking.

“ColorPlus® finishes, to me, are one of the great additions to exterior materials,” says Harrington. “There are just so many advantages — the fidelity of the color, the resistance to fading, the resistance to cracking and peeling, the warranty on it.” All products with ColorPlus® Technology finishes include a 15-year limited warranty that covers paint and labor.

Hardie® siding, trim boards, and soffit products also come with a transferable 30-year, non-prorated substrate limited warranty, because James Hardie is confident in the performance and durability of its products. Hardie® products helps to resist damage from wildfire, moisture, pests, and extreme weather, serving as your home’s bodyguard against the elements.

“Even when you sell your home, there’s added value there,” says Harrington. In fact, installing fiber cement siding is one of the best investments you can make in your home, offering more than an 88% return on investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value report.

Living in an Evening Blue sanctuary

“Evening Blue is just a really good, tried and true, deep tone blue,” says Harrington. Whether your local backdrop is the green landscape of the Pacific Northwest or the desert tones of the Southwest, Harrington says the shade “really can blend into nature quite well but yet not disappear.” And because Hardie® products require minimal care and maintenance, homeowners can enjoy the calming effect of an Evening Blue exterior without the stress of frequent retouching.

James Hardie encourages homeowners and building professionals to embrace Evening Blue in 2025. With a bit of creativity, this novel yet timeless shade can add modern elegance to any number of exterior design aesthetics. Request our re-side guide to see the possibilities or request a siding quote if you’re ready to bring your Evening Blue dream exterior to life.