Colour Trends 2026

The Broad Trend: Warm Depth, Nature & Personality

In 2026, colour in interiors is moving away from the ultra-cool greys and stark minimalist whites that dominated much of the 2010s/early 2020s. Instead we’re seeing:

Richer neutrals: deeper browns, charcoals, tans — neutrals with depth.
Nature-inspired tones: woody greens, teal undertones, smoky blues, jade-greens.
Mood and atmosphere over “safe” white: People want rooms that feel grounded, lived-in, layered. Materials and finishes matter, and the colour supports the atmosphere rather than being purely a backdrop.
Colour as a layering tool: Many palettes suggest layering mid-tones, accents, and deep hues rather than sticking to one dominant wall colour.

So, from a design perspective: 2026 is about texture, tone, richness and an authentic connection to material and nature, more so than ultra-bright accent walls or flat greys. There is a strong throw back to collecting what you love and makes you feel good. Eclectic, talkative spaces coupled with rich, moody paint colours create a more timeless design and are full of character. No more decorating your house as if you are staging to sell it!

Brand Highlights: What the Major Paint Houses Picked

Benjamin Moore

Colour of the Year for 2026: Silhouette AF-655 — described as “a rich espresso hue with subtle charcoal undertones.”

Their broader “Colour Trends 2026” palette features eight hues: Silhouette, Raindance 1572, Swiss Coffee OC-45, First Crush CSP-310, Batik AF-610, Narragansett Green HC-157, Southwest Pottery 048, Sherwood Tan 1054.
The brand explains the pick as inspired by suiting and classic tailoring: “like a perfectly tailored suit”.
What this means: If you want a warm neutral that still has structure and sophistication, this is it. Silhouette reads as a “brown-with-depth” rather than a flat brown. It can work as a major wall colour, an accent, door colour, etc.

Sherwin-Williams

Colour of the Year 2026: Universal Khaki (SW 6150) — described as “an earthy neutral mid-tone tan with slight yellow undertones,” inspired by canvas fabrics and outdoor gear.

The Palette of choices for 2026 consists of a range of Frosted Tints, Sunbaked Hues, Restorative Darks and Foundational Neutrals which can be viewed on their website.
Why this pick: It reflects a move toward “go-anywhere,” durable, classic tones that are foundational rather than flashy.
Interpretations: This is a neutral that leans warm and has character. It’s not a cold greige; it has subtle warmth and grounding.
Practical use: Great for large spaces, open-plan homes, as a base for stronger accent colours. Pair with natural materials like sisal, rattan, warm wood tones.

Behr

Colour of the Year 2026: Hidden Gem (N430-6A) — a “smoky jade” blend of blue/green, positioned as a “new neutral”.

Highlight: “This artful blend of blue and green creates environments that feel both grounded and energising.”
Use cases: Hidden Gem is strong, yet versatile. It can act as an accent (cabinets, built-ins, trim) or a full room drench. The brand suggests using different sheens for effect (matte vs gloss) to show off depth.
Why it matters: It shows the trend that “neutrals” are evolving into deeper, more expressive mid-tones — colours with personality who still act as a backdrop.

Dulux

For Canada, Dulux has selected Pine Forest (DLX1134-7) as its 2026 Colour of the Year — described as a “dark, neutral, verdant green with a teal undertone… rooted in the resilient spirit of the woods.”

Style note: This pick emphasizes the “nature” trend – forests, resilience, and renewal.
How to use: Ideal for accent walls, built-ins, or whole rooms where you want deeper tone and a sense of calm but also character. Works well paired with natural materials (wood, stone, rattan) and warm neutrals.

Putting It All Together: What This Means for Your Home

Here are some take-aways, with practical tips:

Make it yours: Even though these are big brand picks, the best use is customised to your space. Sample and test. Lighting will affect how colour appears.

Choose your tone based on light and size: Deep tones like Silhouette, Hidden Gem, Pine Forest work well in rooms with ample light — they bring richness. In smaller or darker rooms, use them as accent walls, cabinetry, or trim instead of full rooms.

Mix warm neutrals + deeper accents: For example, pair Universal Khaki or Swiss Coffee on main walls with Hidden Gem or Narragansett Green as accents. This layering creates depth and personality.

Don’t fear colour-drenching: Using one colour on walls, trim, ceiling creates a dramatic, immersive space. Especially when it is rich dark tomes! I drenched my office in Cascades SW 7623 by Sherwin Williams.

Materials and finish matter: Rich colours shine when paired with tactile materials — matte or eggshell finishes, warm woods, leather, woven textures. The trends emphasise “texture + tone.”

Time-proof your choices: Picking these brand-backed colours gives you some reassurance that the tones will look current for years — not just a one-season fad.

Make it yours: Even though these are big brand picks, the best use is customised to your space. Sample and test. Lighting will affect how colour appears.

Colour Trend Spotlight: 3 Big Vibes for 2026

Comfort with Character – Homes are being designed for emotional comfort, expression, and longevity, not just trendy refreshes. The colour choices reflect this.

Earthy Vibrancy – Deep greens, muddy blues, rich ochres. These feel grounded, intentional or not it will feel expressive yet refreshing.

Rich Neutrals – Not your flat, cool grey, but warm tans, espresso browns, charcoals. They anchor a space but aren’t boring. The extra tone to the colour is the show stopper here!

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a paint refresh in 2026 or just thinking ahead: pick one of these brand-leading hues (or a similar tone) as your anchor, then build your palette around it with supporting neutrals and textures. You’ll get a space that feels polished, timeless and in tune with what’s ahead—rather than chasing trends that fade.

Want help narrowing down which brand colour fits your room lighting, or pairing one of these with complementary accent colours? I’d be happy to dig in further and pull swatches + examples for your space!

👉 Ready to transform your home with a new expressive colour palette? Book your consultation with me today and I will help you find the perfect colour solutions for your colour conundrums!