20th October

Colour of the Year: A Reflection of Our Times

Given our oft-professed love of colour you will predict that we are pleased to learn that the cool tones of grey and whites have had their day - for now. Albeit necessary for many industrial buildings, a landscape of grey does nothing to enrich a landscape or lift a mood.

A wave of Colour of the Year (COTY) announcements from leading paint and design brands reveals a shared shift toward warmth, humanity, and craftsmanship. Across the palettes, we see a renewed appreciation for handmade finishes and natural textures - timber, clay and stone - that reconnect design with the tangible world.

Predictions of collective mood 

Released in the final months of the preceding year across the areas of interior design, external decoration and fashion, each brand’s  'Colour of the Year' (COTY) is regarded not only as a design statement but also a visual reflection of collective emotion across the globe. Far from an impulsive decision, these colours result from months of research and dialogue across design, psychology, and cultural disciplines. Specialists study social changes, creative movements, purchasing habits, and global events to anticipate how people will want to feel in their spaces for the year ahead

If the research and predictions have been well-based then it is very likely that key brands will have very similar colour, tones and shades in mind. 

Key Colours of the Year for 2026

The selections for 2026 lean firmly toward earthy comfort and understated elegance — a desire for calm, grounded interiors balanced with nostalgic warmth

  • Muted, subtle shades of green and beige
  • Warm and even dark wood making a come back
  • Deep rich browns
  • Earthy, grounded shades remaining popular
  • Neutrals, with added colour becoming warmer.       

Muted greens and beiges

Sherwin Williams’ 'Universal Khaki' merges beige and khaki and speaks to our growing appreciation for authenticity and tactile, artisan design in a digital world.

Valspar has gone for ‘Warm Eucalyptus’ and describes it as ‘a colour that gives you a warm feeling inside and out”. It is a wonderfully soothing, serene shade of green, natural and pleasantly nostalgic.

Warm Wood

It seems ‘feeling warm’ is a universal theme. Wood has apparently been firmly re-instated as a design anchor. It brings with it the ever-popular connection with nature and a comforting ageless charm. Moving away from pale shades, and lime-washed wood the trend is for warmer and more unusually coloured woods such as elm, walnut and even as dark as mahogany. All that dark wood furniture that you threw out may soon be back on trend!

The paint company Glidden has selected ‘Warm Mahogany’, a deep red brown bringing depth and elegance, equally effective as an accent or a bold background.

Deep browns

With sustainability and restoration high on the agenda, dark browns are reclaiming their place. Krylon’s Matte Coffee Bean delivers a luxurious espresso tone — grounded, reassuring, and evocative of craftsmanship and heritage. These tones reflect a cultural push toward repairing, repurposing, and valuing what lasts.

Earthy and grounded terracotta shades

The enduring appeal of terracotta continues in 2026 and is present in many 2026 palettes. Behr’s Terra Cotta Urn is a rich, clay-red hue inspired by natural pigments and traditional pottery. It’s a tone that brings a feeling of permanence and quiet optimism — a reminder of our connection to the earth beneath our feet

New neutrals

There is always a need for neutrals, as a backdrop for accent colours and to harmonise different tones. The “new” neutrals are evolving: soft sages, dusty pinks, and caramel tans are replacing cooler greys, adding comfort and colour to even minimalist spaces.

Looking Ahead

The predominant theme of 2026 colour trends is unmistakable — a move toward authenticity, tactility, and comfort. These hues are not about perfection or polish; they’re about connection. Whether it’s through wood, clay, or a gentle green, the colours of 2026 invite us to feel at home again.

Sources and Acknowledgements

This article draws inspiration from several industry perspectives, including:

  • Elle Decor, “Every 2026 Color of the Year So Far, Decoded,” published October 2024.
  • Better Homes & Gardens, “Every 2026 Color of the Year So Far,” 2024 edition.