Designers Say These 12 Paint Colors Will Be Everywhere in 2026

Dunn-Edwards has unveiled its 2026 Color Trends collection, comprising 17 distinct paint colors. Unlike other brands that typically announce a single 'color of the year,' Dunn-Edwards provides a broader palette, divided into nine trending shades and eight notable neutrals. This approach aims to offer both inspiration and practicality, facilitating the creation of cohesive and livable interior spaces. The nine trending colors are designed to evoke a sense of quiet joy, drawing inspiration from botanical gardens with a range of blues, purples, greens, and warm sunset hues. This selection incorporates emerging and established viral color trends. For instance, 'Sonoma Chardonnay' represents the popular butter yellow trend, while 'Cedar Grove' aligns with the 'tomato girl' red aesthetic. The collection also features deeper, grounding shades such as 'Purple Prose,' a rich eggplant, and 'Viridian Odyssey,' a dark blue-green. Conversely, lighter, airy options like 'Gypsum Rose,' a soft pink, and 'Antique Coin,' a muted gray-green, are included to balance the palette. These trending colors can be used individually, in combination, or paired with the neutral shades for versatile design possibilities. The eight notable neutrals in the collection predominantly feature warm tones, ranging from delicate creams to deep coffee-inspired hues. This neutral selection provides foundational colors that are timeless and adaptable. Options like 'Milk Glass' and 'Antique White' offer classic white shades, while 'Fleur de Sel' provides a timeless gray. For those seeking to create cozy environments with earthy backdrops, the collection includes 'Leather Bound,' 'Outer Boundary,' and 'Apple Cinnamon.' These neutrals are designed to be easily mixed and matched, allowing for minimalistic yet sophisticated color palettes. The introduction of this comprehensive collection by Dunn-Edwards aims to simplify the process of selecting paint colors for home interiors, offering a curated range that caters to diverse aesthetic preferences and design needs for the upcoming year. #DunnEdwards #PaintColors #ColorTrends2026 #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TrendingColors #NeutralPalette #ColorMarketing #HomeImprovement

Every autumn, prominent paint companies unveil their selections for the upcoming year's most anticipated paint colors, influencing design trends. These choices are meticulously curated by analyzing macro and micro design trends, alongside social media analytics, to identify colors that resonate with contemporary aesthetics and consumer preferences. For 2026, Behr, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore have each introduced distinctive hues expected to shape interior design. This article provides an overview of these forecasted paint color trends, offering insights into their characteristics and potential applications within various living spaces. Benjamin Moore has declared "Silhouette" as its 2026 Color of the Year. This shade is described as a rich, chocolatey brown, modernized by an espresso undertone. It embodies a deep, dark, and dramatic aesthetic, reminiscent of Sherwin Williams' 2021 Color of the Year, Urbane Bronze. The article highlights that jewel tones have been a significant trend in recent years, and Silhouette contributes to this with a subtle purple undertone, imparting a warm richness when applied to walls. This color offers a sophisticated and enveloping feel, suitable for creating a striking presence in a room. Sherwin Williams has chosen "Universal Khaki" for 2026, a selection that responds to a growing desire among homeowners for warmer tones in their living environments, moving away from cooler blue-grays and stark whites. This mid-depth beige is characterized by a neutral green undertone, which allows it to seamlessly integrate with a diverse range of decor styles. With a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 40, Universal Khaki is considered somewhat dark for expansive open-concept areas. However, it is presented as an ideal choice for fostering cozy atmospheres in more contained spaces such as offices or bedrooms. For individuals who appreciate the warmth of Universal Khaki but prefer a lighter option for primary living areas, Sherwin Williams suggests "Wool Skein." Behr's Color of the Year for 2026 is "Hidden Gem," an emerald green hue that is both gorgeous and dramatic. This shade particularly appeals to those who favor greens with a subtle slate undertone, as Hidden Gem offers a beautiful blend of blue-green. Design experts anticipate that this jade tone will gain popularity for various applications, including kitchen cabinetry, bedrooms, studies, and home offices. Its rich and vibrant quality allows it to serve as a focal point or an accent in different rooms, contributing to a sense of luxury and nature-inspired elegance. In summary, the 2026 paint color predictions from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr reflect a shift towards deeper, warmer, and more dramatic tones. Silhouette offers a sophisticated dark brown, Universal Khaki provides a versatile warm beige, and Hidden Gem introduces an elegant emerald green. These colors are selected to inspire creativity and provide homeowners with new avenues for personalizing their living spaces, moving beyond previous trends to embrace a richer palette. #PaintColors #ColorOfTheYear #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecoration #BenjaminMoore #SherwinWilliams #Behr #ColorTrends #HomeInteriors

Each year, new home trends significantly influence interior design, extending even to paint colors. These emerging color trends often reflect broader societal shifts and are shaped by various influences, from glossy magazines and social media to the prevailing cultural zeitgeist. Understanding these trends is crucial for anyone planning home renovations in the upcoming year, whether considering painting walls or simply staying current with popular styles. This article outlines nine trending paint colors predicted to be prominent in 2025, offering insights into each hue and its potential applications in home interiors. Moody Teal, a color that balances blue and green, is expected to gain popularity. Interior designer Kate Figler suggests using rich, moody teal shades, such as Farrow & Ball's Inchyra Blue, for cabinetry or cozy dens. This versatile color pairs well with lighter hues like lavender, coral, or blush pink, adding depth and sophistication to a space. Creamy Taupe, ranging from pale latte to deep chocolate, represents a sophisticated and rich neutral. These brown tones are increasingly favored in interior spaces for their grounding effect and adaptability to various design styles, from classic to contemporary. Examples include Portola Paints' Rustica and Benjamin Moore's Rustic Taupe, which provide an earthy richness without overwhelming a room. Gray-Blue is anticipated to make a comeback, featuring smokier undertones that incorporate cool blue hues. Jeneffer Jones Punjani of El Nido Interiors recommends this option as an effective neutral due to its harmonious coordination with other colors. Boothbay Gray and Steep Cliff Gray by Benjamin Moore are cited as excellent choices for creating a calming, moody ambiance in darker rooms, suitable for walls and cabinetry, and complementing materials like marble and brass. Dusty Pink offers a touch of feminine energy through muted, faded versions of pink. Its pale nature allows it to function as a warm neutral. Interior designer Adam Hunter appreciates its warm and elegant feel, evoking the charm of antique garden roses. Kate Figler notes that the earthy quality of blushing pink shades prevents them from appearing overly saccharine. Benjamin Moore's Coastal Cottage and Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink are suggested for achieving this soft, romantic aesthetic. Verdant Green, while muted and moody tones are prominent, fresh green hues are also gaining traction. Sherwin-Williams' Dill is highlighted as a popular choice, reminiscent of freshly cut grass. Interior designer Shauna Jones describes its sweet and clean quality, mentioning its successful application on kitchen cabinets paired with creamy white Zellige tile. Honeyed Yellow tones, spanning from mustard to gold and bronze, will introduce warmth and understated energy to interiors in 2025. Courtney Hill Utt of Chu Interiors advises selecting yellows with a more neutral base to ensure a timeless feel, avoiding overly bright shades. She also suggests incorporating textures, chocolate browns, and brass finishes to accentuate the golden undertones. Muted Plum, a softer variation of purple, offers drama and warmth without being overwhelming. Adam Hunter finds this color sophisticated, fresh, and timeless, associating it with a subtle sense of royalty. It is recommended for kitchens, home libraries, powder rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Benjamin Moore's Cinnamon Slate is a notable example. Peacock Blue provides a vibrant blue option for those seeking a saturated burst of color. Sherwin-Williams' Connor's Lakefront is a trending peacock blue. Shauna Jones advocates for color-drenching with this hue, applying it to walls, trim, and ceilings to create a moody and luxurious space. Sparkling Emerald, a rich jewel tone, is another beneficiary of the color-drenching trend. Sherwin-Williams' Country Squire, a deep emerald with blue undertones, is singled out. Amber Guyton, an interior designer, praises its bold and sophisticated character, suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchen cabinets. She also suggests pairing it with neutrals and warm colors like marigold or rust to enhance its visual impact. #PaintColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #ColorTrends2025 #MoodyTeal #CreamyTaupe #GrayBlue #DustyPink #VerdantGreen #HoneyedYellow #MutedPlum #PeacockBlue #SparklingEmerald

The article discusses the emerging interior design trend of "color drenching," which is predicted to define home interiors in 2026, marking a shift away from the minimalist and neutral palettes that dominated the 2010s. This trend involves using a single, cohesive color across an entire room, including walls, trim, ceilings, baseboards, and even some furniture, to create a sense of warmth, depth, and personality. The 2026 Zillow Home Trend Report indicates a 149% year-over-year increase in mentions of color drenching, reflecting a growing homeowner desire for unique, expressive spaces. Interior designers Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design and Lesley Myrick of Lesley Myrick Interior Design explain that color drenching elevates color from a supporting role to the main star of a room, allowing homeowners to express their personal style rather than adhering to generic catalog aesthetics. They differentiate color drenching from accent walls, noting that while an accent wall aims to stand out, color drenching creates a seamless, enveloping mood. This approach, though bold, is considered unfussy because the consistent application of color makes it feel more like an overall atmosphere than a singular focal point. For those interested in adopting this trend, designers recommend starting with smaller, contained spaces such as guest bathrooms, reading nooks, offices, bedrooms, or powder rooms. These areas provide an ideal opportunity to experiment with color drenching without committing to larger, more visible rooms. Myrick shares an example of transforming a study with a soft green-gray, making the space feel richer and more layered by enhancing existing wood tones, art, and lighting. Color drenching in smaller rooms is also presented as an effective way to achieve a curated look without adding visual clutter. Before implementing color drenching, several steps are advised. First, homeowners should choose a color they genuinely love and that evokes positive feelings, whether it's a calming olive green or a warm terracotta. For color selection, deep, moody tones like olive, navy, and aubergine are suggested for impact, while dusty greens, warm taupes, or blush pinks can create a serene environment. Cathy Hobbs of Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes recommends using "fire colors" like mustard or orange to brighten rooms with limited natural light. Second, testing the chosen color is crucial. Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager for Sherwin-Williams, advises painting a test section or even an accent wall and observing how the color appears under different natural and artificial lighting conditions throughout the day, as lighting can significantly alter a color's perception. Third, to prevent a monochromatic room from appearing flat, combining different finishes within the same color is recommended. This could involve using a matte finish for walls and a subtle sheen (like eggshell or satin) for trim, which adds depth and dimension without breaking the monochromatic scheme. Finally, adding texture through decor and materials, such as upholstered furniture with patterns, metallic accents, rugs, or woven lighting fixtures, can further enrich the space and make it feel cozier and more inviting. #ColorDrenching #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #PaintTrends #MonochromaticSpaces #PersonalizedInteriors #ColorPsychology #HomeStyling #DesignTips

Designers are predicting a shift towards warmth and nature-inspired hues for home interiors in 2026, moving away from cooler shades that have previously dominated. The overarching theme for the upcoming year's color palette is warmth, with several specific shades highlighted by interior design professionals Arianna Castro and Sara Slade. Olive green is expected to be a prominent choice, reflecting a strong desire to bring nature indoors. Castro emphasizes its ability to create calm, balanced spaces with a sophisticated, timeless feel, appealing to those who prefer neutrals but seek a subtle touch of color. This shade is seen as ideal for promoting a relaxed mood after a tumultuous period. Bronze ochre, a deeper and bolder expression of yellow, is gaining traction after softer, sunnier hues were popular in 2025. Slade notes its versatility, performing well in both north and south-facing rooms due to its inherent strength, offering a dominant yet non-overwhelming presence that imbues a sense of individuality in a space. For those who prefer a neutral aesthetic, sandstone beige is anticipated to become the new go-to neutral. Castro explains that this color provides warmth without heaviness, making it increasingly popular. It serves as an excellent backdrop for vibrant accents, allowing other elements in the room to stand out without drawing excessive attention to itself. Mahogany is highlighted as a key dark shade for 2026. This rich, reddish-brown color offers significant warmth and a cocooning effect without the potential overpowering nature of some saturated reds. Slade suggests its use for color drenching, where its natural wood-like tones can envelop a room in comfort while maintaining a refined aesthetic. Terracotta, a warm and soothing shade, is re-emerging as people seek to introduce more warmth into their homes. It strikes a balance between pink and orange tones, ensuring it doesn't dominate a room but instead contributes to a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This color is perceived as perfectly balancing relaxation and invitation. In terms of blues, midnight teal is predicted to replace lighter shades. Slade describes this deep blue with green undertones as dramatic yet soothing, possessing enough depth to anchor a space without overwhelming it. Its classic nature makes it suitable for various decor styles, from contemporary to traditional. Finally, sage green, particularly its warmer variations, is expected to have a significant moment in 2026. Castro indicates that warm sage inspires balance and an organic sense of ease, aligning with the growing desire for homes to be restorative sanctuaries. This versatile and timeless color can integrate the outdoors into any room, including living areas, bedrooms, home offices, and kitchens. #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeTrends #ColorPalette #DesignPredictions #WarmTones #NatureInspired #HomeDecor