Cabot’s 2025 Color of the Year Gives Your Home Exterior Rich Japandi Style

Staining season is here, and Cabot’s Color of the Year is primed (literally!) to add depth, character, and curb appeal to your home’s exterior. Burnt Hickory is a rich brown with a hint of charcoal—and it’s a clear nod to aged wood. 

It’s a visually-rich shade for your deck, siding, outdoor furniture, and whatever else you stain. Here’s how to use this adaptable shade to revamp your soon-to-be serene outdoor space.

How Burnt Hickory Was Developed

The half-traditional, half-modern shade was inspired by Shou Sugi Ban (or yakisugi), which is the Japanese art of charring wood surfaces to seal them. According to Cabot, the inherent deepness creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, which would be especially true in older homes with natural, rich woodwork. 

“Burnt Hickory is a statement of timeless design,” said color marketing director Sue Kim in a press release. “This deep, earthy hue enhances wood’s natural grain and texture, bringing an artisanal quality to any outdoor project. It also complements a variety of outdoor styles—from rustic to modern—and blends effortlessly with greenery and eclectic designs, creating a welcoming atmosphere.”

Seasonality 

Cabot developed Burnt Hickory to be a year-round shade that looks just as appealing during Fourth of July barbecues with bright floral lounges and cooler October evenings with deep orange fall decor. It’s relaxing and sanctuary-like, making it a perfect companion for spaces where more ambiance is needed. According to Cabot, the shade warms up beautifully under the glow of fire pits, string lights, and moonlight. 

“Homeowners are embracing the notion of ‘slow living’ and seeking outdoor experiences that allow them to savor life’s small moments,” Kim added. “Burnt Hickory’s rich, natural tone fosters serene, quality-focused spaces that invite a slower pace and deeper connection with nature.”

Revamping Your Outdoor Space with Burnt Hickory

The team at Cabot said Burnt Hickory works best in spaces that are transitional, and the applications go beyond typical decking: Add the stain to outdoor kitchen cabinetry, pergolas, shelving, and outdoor furniture. You could even use it on one level or section of your patio and not another to create distinct zones.

To expand on the zoning concept, try using the same color stain (Burnt Hickory) with different finishes. The stain is currently available in solid, semi-solid, and semi-transparent options. Here’s a quick rundown so you know which opacity fits your circumstances: 

• Solid: Ideal for areas that will see a lot of wear and tear, like on high-traffic walkways and cabinetry or wood that has imperfections
• Semi-solid: Will show off some wood grain while still having a durable finish, which is perfect for pergolas and shelving
• Semi-transparent: Useful for areas where you want the natural wood to shine, like on outdoor furniture or a fence

Learn more about Cabot’s 140-year history and their line featuring Burnt Hickory at cabotstain.com.