These 8 Colors Will Rule Interiors in 2026, According to Experts

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

As interior design trends evolve towards bolder palettes, richer textures, and increased use of pattern in 2026, a paint technique known as color capping is gaining prominence. This approach serves as a more subtle alternative to color drenching, offering a method to introduce fresh energy and color into a room without the commitment of painting every surface in a single hue. It is presented as a low-effort way to revitalize a space, especially during darker seasons, by adding brightness and warmth without undertaking extensive renovations. Color capping is defined by Stephanie Hunt, founder of The Flair Hunter, as the application of a single color in various tonal variations or saturations across a space. This typically involves using a range of similar shades on multiple surfaces, such as cornices, millwork, doorways, and ceilings. Hunt's preferred method is to combine lighter walls with mid-tone cornices and a darker ceiling. This creates a sense of height and a cozy, enveloping atmosphere. While this is a common application, the technique encourages flexibility, allowing for different arrangements of tones and materials. The essential principle is to maintain a smooth tonal gradient, avoiding abrupt shifts between very light and very dark shades to prevent a color-blocking effect. Beyond paint, the concept of tonal color capping can extend to upholstery, rugs, and other decorative elements to create a cohesive, layered look. Regarding optimal locations for color capping, experts suggest it is most effective in relatively enclosed spaces, as its impact can be diminished in grand, vaulted areas. Bedrooms and living rooms are particularly suitable due to the calming and layered feel that tonal shifts can create, which is conducive to relaxation. The presence of millwork, such as baseboards and crown molding, is crucial for a seamless transition between shades. For instance, one shade might be used on baseboards and walls, a different one on crown molding, and another on the ceiling, with crown molding helping to blend wall and ceiling colors. The process of color capping begins with selecting a color, starting with an anchor hue (often a mid-tone) and then choosing lighter and darker variations. Many paint brands provide tonal cards to simplify this selection, emphasizing that the chosen shades should appear to belong to the same color family. When matching colors to a room, simple, open-layout spaces can accommodate bolder and darker hues, while smaller spaces benefit from lighter colors with neutral undertones. Inspiration for a color palette can be drawn from existing elements in the room, such as a rug, textile, or artwork. However, it's advised to limit the dominant color to just over 50% of the space to prevent it from feeling overly thematic. Testing the chosen colors is a critical step, as natural light and time of day can significantly alter how shades appear. It involves sampling a range of tones and observing them side-by-side to ensure the desired subtle gradient is achieved. This can be done by painting swatches directly onto multiple areas of the room or by using large poster boards that can be moved around to assess color perception in various lighting conditions. Thorough preparation of the space is also essential, including cleaning walls, ceilings, and trim to remove dust and residue. Any imperfections will become more noticeable with fresh paint. For older paint jobs, a high-build primer is recommended to ensure an even finish, with the primer's undertone matching the chosen color palette (warm for warm colors, cool for cool colors) to prevent unexpected color shifts. Once these preparatory steps are completed, the actual painting process can begin, transforming the space with the chosen tonal vision. #ColorCapping #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintTechniques #HomeDecorating #TonalPalettes #InteriorStyling #DIYHomeImprovement

Designers are already anticipating the paint color trends for 2026, with a focus on rich reds, browns, and greens. Katie Lindquist, founder of Katie Lindquist Interiors, is drawn to Farrow & Ball Broccoli Brown (No. 198) for its old-world yet fresh quality. She envisions it in entryways, libraries, kitchens with unlacquered brass, or as a backdrop for layered textiles in dining rooms, suggesting its versatility for both traditional and modern spaces. Claire Thompson Design also plans to use Broccoli Brown extensively, having recently applied it to an exterior front door and seeing its potential for kitchen cabinets or creating a moody, color-drenched room. For those interested in color drenching, Farrow & Ball Preference Red (No. 297) is a strong contender. Nicole Roby of Nicole Roby Designs highlights its historical richness and warmth, noting its ability to create an emotionally welcoming atmosphere. Kelly Neely of Kelly Neely Interiors describes it as a beautiful red with brown and purple undertones, offering a moody yet interesting option for various applications, including cabinetry or entire rooms. Javier Burkle of Burkle Creative sees Benjamin Moore Wildwood Crest (1538) as a way to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. He believes this green shade will appeal to a growing desire for authenticity and nature in design, bringing the landscape into living environments and shaping soulful, connected, and enduring spaces. Burkle also favors Benjamin Moore Hasbrouck Brown (HC-71) for its depth and complexity, comparing it to the nuanced beauty of a turtle shell. He appreciates its red undertones, which add vitality and movement, preventing the color from feeling static. Jessica Duce of JDuce Design is enthusiastic about Sherwin-Williams Butterscotch (SW 6377). She notes its similarity to the timeless appeal of camel leather, which works in almost any setting. She discovered Butterscotch while experimenting with paint colors and sees it as a fresh option for earthy palettes. Emily Spanos of Emily June Designs prefers Behr Frolic 190C-1, a pale blush, over white when aiming for a soft, gentle ambiance, observing a trend toward warmer light tones in interiors. Rainey Richardson of Rainey Richardson Interiors is moving away from grays and instead focusing on Farrow & Ball Oxford Stone (No. 264). She describes it as a rich, warm neutral without any hint of greige, striking a balance between depth and softness for elevated interiors. Her ideal application for this color is a full gloss finish. Lisa Erdmann of Lisa Erdmann Interiors suggests Benjamin Moore Yarmouth Blue (HC-150) for walls or ceilings, highlighting its coastal charm and ability to balance timelessness with freshness. She notes its versatility with both warm neutrals and crisp whites. Lastly, Sherrell Neal of Sherrell Design Studio identifies chartreuse as a popular color. She expresses interest in using Benjamin Moore Citrus Burst (364) in a high-gloss lacquer or Farrow & Ball Green Ground (No. 206) paired with floral chintz fabric. #PaintColors #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #FarrowAndBall #BenjaminMoore #SherwinWilliams #BehrPaint #DesignPredictions #ColorDrenching

The upcoming year, 2025, is anticipated to bring a shift in kitchen color trends, with a strong emphasis on warmth and individuality. Interior designers Courtney Cole and Teri Simone highlight several hues expected to dominate kitchen aesthetics, moving away from cooler tones towards more inviting and personalized palettes. This focus on warmth and personality is reflected in the prevalence of earthy, muted, and sophisticated shades. Terracotta, a color that has seen continued popularity in previous years, is expected to remain a staple in 2025. Its warm, inviting character, especially in muted and soft-toned variations, appeals to a desire for grounded and timeless spaces. Courtney Cole notes that an earthy orange-brown terracotta can introduce vibrancy while maintaining an understated elegance. It harmonizes well with natural wood tones and textured tiles, creating a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere. Examples of suitable paint colors include Sherwin-Williams' Grounded, Benjamin Moore's Baked Terra Cotta, and Sherwin-Williams' Fired Brick. Deep greens are another significant trend, offering a calm and refreshing ambiance. Rich, muted greens, such as olive, are ideal for cabinetry or accent walls, according to designers. Courtney Cole suggests that these greens provide a natural and relaxing feel, and when paired with brushed brass hardware, they can elevate a room's luxurious appeal. Teri Simone further emphasizes the versatility of these moody, earthy greens, noting that their combination with natural countertops can evoke an old-world charm, fostering a welcoming environment that offers a respite from the outside world. Paint color recommendations include Benjamin Moore's Tate Olive, Sherwin-Williams' Isle of Pines, and Behr's Muted Sage. For those who prefer a less saturated approach, sandy beige is making a modern comeback. This warm and versatile neutral creates a soft and cohesive look, serving as an excellent backdrop for bolder countertops or colorful accents. Cole highlights its ability to contribute to a classic, spacious, and timeless aesthetic, appealing not only to minimalists but to anyone seeking enduring style. Examples for this trend are Benjamin Moore's Bayshore Beige, Clare's Neutral Territory, and Pittsburgh Paints' Siesta Sands. Continuing the neutral trend, warm greige is identified as another top kitchen color choice for 2025. This blend of beige and gray introduces warmth and is highly adaptable to various styles and accents, making it a personable option. Courtney Cole advises selecting warm greige shades to add depth without overwhelming the space. She also suggests pairing greige with metallic finishes like brass, gold, or copper to cultivate a sophisticated and timeless appearance. Recommended greige shades include Benjamin Moore's Balboa Mist, Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter, and Sherwin-Williams' Anew Grey. An unexpected yet versatile neutral for 2025 is dusty pink. Teri Simone describes this lighter pink as offering elegance with subtle energy and warmth, without dominating the room. Its adaptability allows it to complement Calcutta marble tones, mixed metals such as brushed nickel and brass, and wood flooring, resulting in a cozy, inviting, and fresh kitchen that retains a timeless quality. Specific paint colors for this trend include Sherwin-Williams' Dusty Pink, Benjamin Moore's Sulking Room Pink, and Valspar's Dusty Rose. These trends collectively indicate a move towards kitchens that feel more personal, warm, and grounded, utilizing colors that offer both aesthetic appeal and a sense of comfort and longevity. The emphasis is on creating spaces that are both stylish and conducive to relaxation and well-being within the home. The chosen palettes lean into earthiness, sophistication, and a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements. By incorporating these colors, homeowners can achieve a kitchen refresh that is both on-trend and enduring. The guidance from designers underscores the importance of paint color in setting the overall tone and character of a kitchen, suggesting that even a simple change can profoundly impact the space's feel and appearance. These selections reflect a broader preference for interior designs that prioritize comfort, natural elements, and a sense of calm. The suggested color schemes allow for various stylistic interpretations, ensuring that these trends can be adapted to suit individual tastes while remaining current. The focus on versatility and timelessness ensures that these choices will remain relevant beyond 2025, providing lasting value to home interiors. In summary, the 2025 kitchen color trends reflect a clear preference for warm, earthy, and inviting tones. These selections emphasize creating spaces that are both stylish and comforting, encouraging homeowners to embrace colors that contribute to a personalized and serene environment. The expert opinions of Courtney Cole and Teri Simone provide a comprehensive guide for those looking to refresh their kitchens with contemporary yet timeless color choices. Each suggested color—Terracotta, Deep Green, Sandy Beige, Warm Greige, and Dusty Pink—offers distinct qualities that contribute to the overarching theme of warmth, personality, and understated elegance. These trends suggest a departure from overly cool or stark palettes, favoring instead hues that promote a sense of groundedness and sophistication in the heart of the home. The versatility of these colors allows for their integration into various design styles, from traditional to modern, ensuring broad appeal and long-term relevance. Ultimately, the focus is on creating kitchens that are not only visually appealing but also deeply comfortable and reflective of individual taste. #KitchenColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #DesignTrends2025 #WarmColorPalettes #EarthyTones #NeutralKitchens #KitchenRefresh