COAT Paints' newest palette is an antithesis to the Colour of the Year – embracing 'timeless' over 'trendy'

The article highlights the early announcements of the 2026 Colors of the Year from various paint brands, offering insights into upcoming home decor trends. These early revelations provide inspiration for homeowners looking to refresh their living spaces, whether through comprehensive room makeovers or subtle seasonal adjustments. The selection of a new paint color is presented as one of the most impactful and accessible ways to update a home's aesthetic. Dunn-Edwards introduces "Midnight Garden," an earthy green reflecting a desire for wellness and grounding in home environments. This versatile shade is suitable for various applications, including cabinetry, walls, accents, and exteriors, and pairs well with natural textures, warm neutrals, and minimalist designs. Clark + Kensington's "Hazelnut Crunch" signals a trend towards brown-maroon tones, offering a rich, deep hue that promotes restoration, comfort, and calm. This color integrates seamlessly with both natural textures and modern design elements, appealing to homeowners seeking a relaxed atmosphere. Graham & Brown presents "Divine Damson," a bold burgundy that emphasizes personality-driven design. This luxurious color, a British institution's pick, adds sophistication and a contemporary edge to whimsical designs. The brand also unveiled a Design of the Year, Eternal Weave, and a Mural of the Year, Eternal City. Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams collaborate on "Universal Khaki," a versatile neutral that blends familiarity with freshness. This color is inspired by enduring elegance and rejuvenating resilience, forming a sophisticated yet simple backdrop. It is also featured in Sherwin-Williams' Colormix Forecast 2026, Anthology: Volume Two, which includes four distinct color palettes. Krylon's "Matte Coffee Bean," an almost-black brown, is intended as an accent color for spray paint applications. This shade adds dimension and a grounded allure, aligning with the appeal of organic minimalism. It draws inspiration from natural elements like clay, wood, and stone, providing a timeless and sophisticated choice for elevating everyday spaces and fostering harmony. It is suitable for updating furniture pieces, planters, and vases. C2 Paints' "Epernay" is a sophisticated ochre yellow, offering a richer and more timeless alternative to the butter yellow trend. This color is associated with European influences and contemporary design, evoking connections to art, history, and nature. It encourages appreciating the individuality of homes and the stories they hold. "Epernay" is part of C2's 2026 En Terre palette, which includes complementary shades like Parador, Spearmint, Potato Leek, Snowsky, and Blueberry. Glidden's "Warm Mahogany," a rich, burnt red with an almost-brown undertone, marks a departure from recent neutral palettes. This color has a nostalgic, retro, and mid-century modern feel, yet remains current. It functions effectively as both an accent and a primary color, and is also suitable for trim. Ashley McCollum, Glidden paint color expert, describes it as a classic and timeless color. Minwax, a wood stain brand, selects "Special Walnut" for 2026, reflecting a renewed appreciation for wood's natural character in interior design. This classic, dimensional tone is versatile across styles and applications, ideal for restoring vintage pieces or finishing new projects. Behr introduces "Hidden Gem," a green-blue that encourages the integration of more color into homes after a period dominated by neutrals. This bold yet approachable shade is connected to nature, promoting confidence in its enduring appeal. It can be used for color-drenching a room or as an accent. Valspar's "Warm Eucalyptus" is a cooler, earthier green, offering a comforting and serene option that adds color without being overly bold. It has a spa-like quality and is suitable for various rooms, including bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and exteriors. Sue Kim, Valspar's Director of Color Marketing, notes its adaptability as both a statement and a subtle anchor. Dutch Boy Paints' "Melodious Ivory" is a creamy-beige neutral that aims to transcend trends. It provides a classic backdrop that supports various textures, elements, and personal touches, emphasizing comfort, quality, and connection in the home. These selections reflect a collective movement towards more personalized, comforting, and nature-inspired palettes, indicating a shift from purely neutral aesthetics to richer, more expressive tones in home interiors. #ColorOfTheYear #PaintTrends #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #DesignInspiration #HomeTrends #ColorPalettes

As 2026 approaches, interior designers are anticipating a shift in paint color trends towards warm, bold, and nature-inspired tones, moving beyond the standard creamy whites and sandy beiges that have long dominated interiors. These emerging trends reflect a desire for calming, lived-in environments, while also embracing more vibrant and dramatic hues. Deep purple, particularly eggplant-inspired shades, is identified as a significant trend. These rich, warm colors, with their red undertones, are suitable for both cabinetry and walls, adding a sense of luxury and drama while maintaining a cozy and calming atmosphere. This signals a departure from strictly neutral palettes, encouraging bolder statements in home decor. Similarly, inky blues are gaining prominence. While blue is a perennial favorite, the current focus is on deeper, muted tones like indigo, navy, and dark teal. Designers note a movement away from soft blues towards these more intense shades, which can be incorporated into walls, cabinetry, and furniture, reflecting a broader embrace of vibrant colors. For those seeking a neutral with more character, khaki is presented as a versatile alternative to off-white or light beige. This shade offers a slightly darker, yet still bright and light, option that can be used across various rooms and elements, including walls, cabinetry, furniture, doors, and trim. Yellow ochre is set to replace the butter yellow trend of 2025, offering a deeper and more timeless appeal. C2 Paints has even named an ochre shade, Epernay, as its 2026 Color of the Year. This moodier yellow pairs well with dark wood tones, making it ideal for spaces like libraries or guest bedrooms, and contributes to an elevated aesthetic. Terracotta continues its reign as a favored neutral-adjacent tone. Its earthy, warm, and nostalgic qualities make it an upbeat choice for brightening spaces and adding charm. Terracotta works effectively on flooring and complements both light and dark-toned furniture, demonstrating its adaptability across different design styles. Earthy greens, a dominant interior color in recent years, are expected to remain popular, particularly deep shades such as olive green and muted forest greens. These nature-inspired tones create a grounded and cozy feel, with Dunn-Edwards’ 2026 Color of the Year, Midnight Garden, exemplifying this trend with its sophisticated and dramatic green hue. Finally, dramatic jewel tones, including emeralds, sapphires, deep teals, and rich burgundies, are expected to continue their influence. These rich hues bring depth and drama, replacing lighter, more subdued palettes. The prominence of jewel tones in various 2026 Color of the Year announcements from brands like Behr, Graham & Brown, and Clark + Kensington further solidifies their status as a key trend for those looking to make a bold color statement. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorOfTheYear #EarthyNeutrals #BoldColors #JewelTones #DeepPurples #InkyBlues

The design world anticipates the annual release of Colors of the Year by various paint companies and aesthetic authorities, offering insights into influential and impactful hues for the coming year. While previous years featured bright and vibrant colors, the 2025 selections thus far point towards richer, earthier tones. This article compiles the announced colors, providing details on their characteristics, suggested applications in home design, and complementary accessories. James Hardie, an exterior siding company, introduces "Evening Blue" as its 2025 Color of the Year. This neutral slate blue is reminiscent of a clear night sky, offering a serene quality that integrates seamlessly with natural backdrops, particularly when paired with rich wood tones and greenery. While not a paint, it is recommended for trim pieces in contrast to softer blues or as a main siding color with crisp white accents. Accessories like a Velvet Round Pouf in Pacific are suggested to complement this shade. Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year is "Mocha Mousse," a warm, comforting brown. This mellow hue is described as subtly luxurious and effortlessly elegant, evoking chocolate, cacao, and coffee without being overly heavy. It serves as an ideal color for softening bolder shades or as a base for other neutrals and metallic finishes. Applications include matte finishes on cabinetry with warm stone countertops or a velvety lime wash in bathrooms for a spa-like ambiance. "Dainty Fantasy Floral Light Wallpaper in Mocha Mousse" by Gargi Panwar is presented as an accessory. Benjamin Moore's selection for 2025 is "Cinnamon Slate," a sophisticated mauve that blends plum and brown. This color is noted for its subtle yet powerful presence, chic depth, and enduring appeal. It is suggested for use on wood fireplace surrounds, interior doors, and molding, particularly in a flat or eggshell finish to enhance its velvety appearance. An Heirloom TENCEL™ Linen Duvet Cover is an accessorizing option. Dunn-Edwards introduces "Caramelized," a warm terracotta that offers a sunbaked, peachy appearance. This color is a versatile yet pigmented brown, suitable for those who prefer a less intense earth tone. It is ideal for home exteriors finished in stucco or plaster, where its natural variation can be appreciated, and for interior spaces with warm neutrals and light wood furniture. The Solenn Light Sand Ceramic Sculpture Table Lamp Base is offered as an accessory. Glidden's "Purple Basil" is part of a 2025 color family that includes richer, saturated purples. Described as unapologetic, maximalist, and daring, it is suggested for exterior window trim or other trim accents on specific architectural styles like Craftsman or Victorian homes. For interiors, it can be used in a powder bath with a complementary wallpaper. The Kieron Dark Purple Pillow Cover is a recommended accessory. Krylon's Color of the Year is "Hammered Black," which functions as both a color and a texture. This finish adds a modern, yet storied and stately, edge to various items. It is highly versatile, recommended for updating vases, plant pots, small side tables, vintage brass chandeliers, or mirrors. The 6th Anniversary Iron Deep Bowl is an accessory that reflects this aesthetic. Behr presents "Rumors," a deep ruby red with blue undertones. This color offers a moodier take on recent bright red trends, providing saturation without being overtly shocking. Its appearance can transform based on the chosen sheen. It is ideal for cozy TV rooms, elegant bathrooms, or offices with ample natural light. The Shallow Dinner Set by East Fork is suggested for accessorizing. Stainmaster's "Truffle" is a modern neutral, positioned between gray and brown. It is designed to complement warm jewel tones like olive green or citrine velvet, as well as creams, beiges, and oatmeals in natural textures like linen. It is suggested for color drenching in bedrooms, media rooms, or mudrooms to create an enveloping and warm atmosphere. A Deep Brown Washed Organic Cotton Velvet Throw Pillow is an accessory choice. Minwax's "Violet" stands out as a whimsical and spirited wood stain. Given its application on wood rather than walls, it offers more creative freedom. This Victorian-inspired purple is suitable for wood bathroom vanities, window trim, or children's furniture. The Osmos Studio Iris Vase is recommended for accessorizing. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams opts for "Quietude," a classic sea glass hue with gray undertones. This milky and pleasing color is suitable for large-scale furniture or any wall within a home. It can be used on home exteriors, particularly Colonial or Craftsman bungalows with deep red accents, or on kitchen walls with deep green cabinets. A Cotton Weave Blanket Throw in Thyme is an accessory suggestion. Valspar's "Encore" is a fully saturated cobalt blue, indicating a trend for bold blues to transition from small decor items to walls and casegoods. This bright, clear blue thrives in environments with abundant sunlight, making it ideal for alcoves or rooms with floor-to-ceiling built-ins. The Honey & Ivy Mooshie Table Lamp in Midnight Blue is a suggested accessory. Dutch Boy Paints introduces "Mapped Blue," an easy-going hue similar to Quietude but with a more pronounced blue tone. It is a calming, soft color suitable for various settings and applications, particularly for those venturing beyond neutrals. It works well for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or on the walls, ceilings, and moldings of living rooms or sleep spaces. The "Teal And Sage II" painting print by Victoria Barnes is an accessorizing option. Finally, C2 Color of the Year 2025 is "Raku #549," a brown with a burnt brick red quality reminiscent of earthenware. Applied in a matte finish, it is designed to evoke a tactile sensation. It pairs well with deep burgundies to highlight its red tones or with sumptuous chocolate browns and blacks for a contemporary monochrome look. This color is ideal for woodwork, picture frame molding, and other intricate trimwork. The Barcelona Brown and Black Diamond Geo Tufted Wool Area Rug is an accessory recommendation. The article emphasizes that these colors provide diverse options for enhancing interior and exterior spaces, reflecting a current shift towards more subdued yet impactful palettes. #ColorOfTheYear #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintTrends #ExteriorDesign #DesignTrends #ColorPalettes

The early 2000s saw a rise in the popularity of sponge painting for interior walls, a technique favored for its perceived ease and dramatic effect. This method involved applying a base color, followed by dabbing a second color with a textured sponge, and was seen as a straightforward way to add visual interest to a room. However, according to Cathleen Gruver, Lead Interior Designer at Gruver Cooley in Northern Virginia, this trend, particularly when executed with the jewel tones popular at the time like deep forest green and burgundy blended with metallic gold accents, is now considered outdated and problematic. Gruver asserts that sponge painting, despite its initial appeal, fails to add genuine depth or texture to a room. Instead, she finds that the technique often results in walls that appear chaotic and unpolished, demanding too much visual attention. This busyness makes it challenging to select complementary decor, as other elements tend to compete with the loud walls rather than harmonize with them. In spaces intended for relaxation, such as living rooms or bedrooms, the effect can be counterproductive, leading to an unsettling rather than a calming atmosphere. Furthermore, Gruver highlights that sponge-painted walls often restrict a room's color scheme, making it difficult to evolve the decor over time. The assertive nature of these walls limits subsequent design choices, often forcing homeowners to rely on thoughtfully chosen neutrals, and making the incorporation of patterns even more difficult, though subtle patterns like thin stripes might still work. Instead of sponge painting, Gruver advocates for using real materials to add dimension to walls. She suggests alternatives such as plaster finishes, beadboard, and various wallcoverings, each offering a distinct personality and level of permanence. Among these, picture frame molding is noted as a timeless, traditional accent experiencing a comeback. This option is particularly versatile, catering to various budgets and skill levels. For novice DIY enthusiasts, easy-to-install kits are available, simplifying the cutting and measuring processes, with some even suitable for renters. For those with a larger budget, custom molding and professional installation are viable options. Gruver also recommends considering color-blocking or subtle contrast trim for individuals who desire a mix of colors on their walls. She emphasizes that paint should convey a sense of freshness and cleanliness, rather than resembling a craft project gone awry. Approaching walls as a backdrop for the entire living space, rather than a standalone focal point, helps to create a more cohesive and intentional home environment. #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintTrends #HomeDecor #WallTreatments #DesignTips #OutdatedTrends #HomeRenovation #ModernDesign #ArchitecturalDetails