The 6 Best Coasters of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter

The article presents a comprehensive overview of the Colors of the Year for 2026, as announced by various paint and design companies, with one exception for 2027. The selection process for these colors often begins well in advance, with some companies releasing their picks over a year ahead due to the extensive planning required for product development, design, and marketing across numerous industries. These annual color selections are influential in shaping interior design, product trends, and consumer preferences for the upcoming year. Pantone, known for its significant impact on color trends, has made a surprising choice for 2026 with "Cloud Dancer." This marks the first time since 1999 that Pantone has selected white as its Color of the Year. Cloud Dancer is described as a balanced, wispy neutral, symbolizing calm, peace, and a desire for a fresh start. It encourages simplification and offers a canvas for new approaches in a fast-paced world, being suitable for various applications such as walls, cabinetry, furniture, and window trim. James Hardie, a company specializing in exterior siding, chose "Iron Gray" for 2026. This saturated, chalky matte gray is designed to complement warm wood tones and can be paired with white trim for a traditional look or black for a modern aesthetic. While not a paint, Iron Gray is intended for exterior siding to create a contemporary yet grounded home appearance. WGSN and Coloro, trend forecasting and color expert partners, have revealed "Luminous Blue" as their 2027 Color of the Year. This decision to announce a color so far in advance reflects the long lead times required in product and design industries. Luminous Blue is a vibrant, lapis-like hue, characterized by its mysterious, eccentric, and versatile nature, appealing across genders and seasons. It is suggested for use as an accent color in interiors, transforming simple items into statement pieces. Benjamin Moore's 2026 Color of the Year is "Silhouette AF-655," a deep charcoal-espresso with burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. This color draws inspiration from tailored suiting and the growing interest in the brown color family, exuding elegance and drama. It is recommended for creating a sophisticated atmosphere, particularly when used in a color-drenched application or for painting built-ins and woodwork. Sherwin-Williams and HGTV by Sherwin-Williams jointly selected "Universal Khaki" for 2026. This mid-tone tan is described as a warm neutral, offering an earthy, luxurious feel. It is ideal for grounding large living spaces, coordinating beautifully with wood-toned moldings, and suitable for cabinetry or furniture. Krylon’s 2026 Color of the Year is "Coffee Bean," a rich hue balancing between black and brown. It pairs well with various neutrals, metallics, and deeply saturated jewel tones. Available as a matte spray paint, Coffee Bean is suitable for transforming freestanding furniture pieces, such as dining chairs or vases. Little Greene introduced "Adventurer," a deep, plummy aubergine for 2026. This sophisticated color has enough black to prevent it from appearing overtly purple, evoking the ambiance of a 100-year-old English cottage. It is recommended for creating intimate and cozy spaces like listening lounges, home offices, or library nooks. Behr's first-to-market 2026 Color of the Year, "Hidden Gem," is a smoky jade. This saturated blue-green hue is described as mysterious, sophisticated, and versatile. Its deep pigmentation makes it suitable for walls, trimwork, ceilings, bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinetry, or front doors. Glidden selected "Warm Mahogany" for 2026, a reddish-brown that is both punchy and grounded. It nods to contemporary red trends while maintaining a timeless appeal. This color is suggested for modern interiors, especially in color-drenched bedrooms or home offices, or to add depth to dining rooms and kitchens. Minwax’s 2026 pick is "Special Walnut," a wood stain rather than a paint color. This choice reflects a shift away from lighter woods towards deeper browns, providing a warm, authentic, and historic feel. It is ideal for natural wood furniture projects, fireplace surrounds, mantels, shelving, and bookcases. Valspar's 2026 Color of the Year, "Warm Eucalyptus," is a serene sage green with warm undertones, aiming to reflect comfort. This familiar and retro shade offers style resilience, working well on mudroom built-ins, butler's pantries, wainscoting, or the exterior of craftsman, bungalow, or Victorian homes. Finally, Dutch Boy announced "Melodious Ivory" for 2026, a warm, buttery cream. This shade provides a soft glow, offering an alternative to stark whites. It is described as timeless and calming, with sufficient pigment to feel intentional rather than merely a neutral fill-in, suitable for kitchen millwork, sunny master bathrooms, or cozy living rooms. #ColorOfTheYear #Pantone #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintColors #Behr #SherwinWilliams #BenjaminMoore #Valspar #Krylon

The choice of paint color can significantly impact a room's atmosphere and perceived trendiness. As design trends evolve, certain colors, while popular in previous years, are projected to become less fashionable. This article identifies six specific paint colors that interior designers anticipate will fall out of style by 2026, offering insights into why these shades are losing their appeal and suggesting alternative approaches for homeowners. Deep reds and wine-colored hues, although recently popular, are expected to have limited longevity. While these rich colors can add character to small spaces like powder rooms, their intensity can overwhelm larger areas such as living rooms or open-concept layouts. The consensus among designers is that these shades can make a space feel less like a sanctuary and more demanding of attention, suggesting they will quickly appear on lists of outdated colors in the near future. Homeowners are advised to use these bold colors only if they genuinely love them, rather than solely following a trend. Shades of gray, particularly cool and icy tones, which experienced immense popularity approximately a decade ago and saw a brief resurgence, are now considered officially out. These grays are criticized for their flat and sterile vibe, failing to provide the warmth and dimension that contemporary home aesthetics demand. The shift is towards colors that offer more inviting and dynamic qualities, moving away from the coldness associated with these gray variations. Blacks, including deep charcoal and pure black, are also predicted to fade in popularity. Despite their dramatic potential, these colors are often challenging to work with in typical home settings. Their intensity can lead to an overwhelming or overly dramatic effect, making them less suitable for the average homeowner seeking a comfortable and balanced living environment. The overuse of these dark shades has also contributed to their diminishing appeal. Sugary pastels, such as powder blue and bubblegum pink, are losing favor because they lack the richness and depth characteristic of current trending palettes. While these colors can be playful, they often fail to convey sophistication. For those who still appreciate pastels, designers suggest confining their use to specific, smaller spaces like powder rooms, playrooms, or children's bedrooms, where their whimsical nature can be more appropriate. Sage green, despite its recent widespread presence in home decor across walls, cabinets, and textiles, is another color that designers believe has reached its peak. The oversaturation of sage green has led to a growing weariness among homeowners and designers alike. The overarching theme for colors losing favor is that they either feel harsh or have become overplayed, paving the way for palettes that offer greater complexity, warmth, and a fresh perspective. Finally, stark whites are increasingly being avoided due to their clinical and unforgiving nature, especially in busy family homes with children. These whites are perceived as too cold and impractical for everyday living. The move away from stark whites reflects a broader shift towards a more practical and personalized approach to home design, where color choices are made to reflect the unique personalities and stories of the inhabitants, creating spaces that are both current and comfortable. #PaintColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #ColorTrends #HomeImprovement #ShayHolland #AmySwitzerDesign #Decorating