Martha Stewart's nostalgic gray-green kitchen cabinet color is having a revival – and I predict it will be a huge trend in 2026

The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, significantly influences the overall ambiance and aesthetic. While all-white kitchens dominated the 2010s and sage green hues characterized the early 2020s, a shift towards diverse color trends for kitchen cabinets is anticipated for 2026. Experts in interior design have identified several key color palettes expected to gain prominence, moving away from previous trends and introducing fresh approaches to kitchen aesthetics. Warm neutrals are predicted to be a significant trend, offering a reassuring and sophisticated direction for kitchen cabinetry. These include warm taupes, moody mushrooms, and greige tones, which contribute to a soft kitchen aesthetic. Designers like Richard Davonport from Davonport and The Brownstone Boys emphasize the versatility of these shades, noting their ability to create a calm backdrop that allows architectural details to shine. They also pair naturally with various materials such as wood, aged brass, and subtly veined quartz, facilitating a gentle, lived-in elegance. One recommended warm neutral is Farrow & Ball's 'Drop Cloth', praised for its soft, grounded quality. Shades of red, particularly dark, moody burgundy, are also expected to continue their strong presence in 2026. This trend is broadening to encompass a wider spectrum of reds, offering opportunities to infuse personality into the home. Lizzie Spinks, head of design at Makers, highlights red cabinetry's capacity to bring warmth, joy, and sophistication to a space, advocating for bold application. Fiona Ginnett from HØLTE suggests pairing deeper burgundy tones with sapele detailing and stainless-steel worktops for a rich, contemporary feel. Benjamin Moore's 'Caliente' is cited as a vibrant red option. Calming blues are seeing a resurgence, with a remarkable increase in sales, suggesting a move towards cooler, brighter shades. This aligns with Pantone's 'Cloud Dancer' color of the year for 2026, indicating a broader acceptance of blue tones. The trend accommodates various shades, from deep navy for drama and sophistication to softer, chalky blues that evoke calm and freshness. Kitchen designer Tom Howley notes blue's versatility, as it complements natural materials like oak and marble in both classic and contemporary settings. Farrow & Ball's 'De Nimes' is an example of a versatile blue hue. Olive green is re-emerging as a chic and grown-up alternative to the popular sage green. This shade pairs exceptionally well with warm, natural materials, providing a sophisticated feel. Fiona Ginnett recommends styling olive green cabinets with oak accents for warmth and natural softness, and also suggests combining them with terrazzo countertops and terracotta tiles for a grounded, tactile aesthetic. Little Greene's 'Olive Colour™' is presented as a suitable choice. Cream offers a softer, warmer alternative to the all-white kitchen, providing a clean yet welcoming aesthetic. Helen Parker from deVOL describes the trend as rich but pale creams, akin to clotted cream, which can subtly integrate with muted butter yellow tones. To add depth, she suggests pairing cream with authentic, darker shades like mossy green or greeny brown, which harmonize with wooden or honed Carrara marble worktops, creating a warm, light, and airy environment. Graham Brown's 'Natural Cotton' is an example of a cream paint option. Charcoal grey is positioned as a deep, intense, and powerful option, moving away from lighter 'millennial grey' tones. Allison Lynch, senior designer at Roundhouse, foresees a shift towards graphite-inspired charcoal, which brings depth without heaviness. This color creates a perfect canvas for organic, crafted looks, complementing warm timber details, expressive natural stone, and mixed materials with real texture. Farrow & Ball's 'Railings' exemplifies a deep charcoal. Finally, earthy tones remain a timeless choice for kitchen cabinets, ensuring lasting appeal. Mira Eng-Goetz, lead designer at Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, emphasizes their soft, complex nature, which pairs well with food preparation and the practicalities of a working kitchen. A classic, soft, earthy palette offers extensive design flexibility, integrating seamlessly with various materials and finishes. Farrow & Ball's 'French Gray' is highlighted as a foundational earthy tone for kitchens. #KitchenCabinetColors #InteriorDesignTrends #KitchenRenovation #WarmNeutrals #RedKitchens #BlueKitchens #OliveGreen #CreamKitchens #CharcoalGrey

The terracotta kitchen trend is emerging as a significant design direction for 2024, promising to infuse kitchens with warmth, character, and a timeless appeal. This trend is presented as a fresh alternative to previously popular choices like navy kitchens, which, while classic, are now making way for new neutrals. Terracotta offers a versatile palette that bridges the gap between trendy and traditional, capable of complementing both modern and classic kitchen styles. Its inherent cosiness pairs well with various materials, including natural wood and crisp white surfaces, offering a rich personality that can transform a kitchen into an inviting space. New neutrals, a category that includes terracotta, greige, and various pinker shades, are gaining prominence in interior design. These updated tonal shades are lauded for their adaptability across different kitchen aesthetics, from traditional to contemporary. The key to successfully integrating terracotta lies in thoughtful selection of worktops, flooring, and accessories to enhance its natural appeal. Magnet, a prominent kitchen retailer, has introduced its 'Nutmeg' shade, a warm neutral that exemplifies this trend. Jen Nash, Head of Design at Magnet, highlights Nutmeg's ability to bring warmth and colour, describing it as a versatile backdrop for diverse design preferences, ensuring a refreshing and balanced atmosphere year-round. There are several ways to incorporate terracotta into kitchen design. One approach involves fully embracing a traditional aesthetic, particularly within Shaker kitchens, where terracotta can provide a homely and warm look. It serves as a modern update to classic cream kitchens often found in country homes, allowing for either subtle pops of colour or an all-encompassing terracotta scheme. Incorporating wall panelling painted in muted terracotta tones can also elevate the space, making open shelving stand out or offering a measured commitment to the colour for those hesitant about a full-cabinet transformation. For those cautious about adopting a new colour trend, integrating terracotta into a kitchen island offers a manageable solution. The island, often a central gathering point, benefits from an enveloping shade that enhances its welcoming spirit. William Durrant, owner of Herringbone, notes the timeless and earthy quality of terracotta, attributing its current popularity to a post-pandemic desire for cosiness and comfort. He advises balancing terracotta with cooler shades, such as white worktops and lighter cabinets, and considering textured flooring to complement the cabinetry's tone. This creates a harmonious blend that prevents the space from feeling overwhelmed by warmth. Terracotta's versatility extends to modern kitchen designs, where its orange hue can be beautifully paired with copper accents and dark wood elements, enhancing the richness of the shade. Modern, slab-style kitchens can feature terracotta on a run of cabinetry, a single wall, or as a vibrant backsplash. Jen Nash suggests styling Nutmeg with creams and browns for a 70s-inspired look or with darker greens and charcoal shades, along with black accents, for a more striking, modern, and minimal design. This demonstrates terracotta's broad appeal and its potential to adapt to various design visions, solidifying its position as a key kitchen colour trend for 2024. #KitchenDesign #TerracottaTrend #KitchenColour #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenRemodel #ShakerKitchens #ModernKitchens #NewNeutrals

Design experts and color curators are predicting a significant shift towards earthy neutral tones for kitchen cabinets in 2024, moving away from the playful and bold trends of the previous year. This embrace of muted, natural hues is driven by a desire for calming, nature-inspired looks that offer both warmth and timeless appeal, contrasting with the starkness often associated with traditional minimalist interiors. Jennifer Davis, an interior designer, notes a noticeable shift towards earthy tones and nuanced variations of traditional colors in interior design, extending into kitchen aesthetics. Homeowners and designers are exploring earth-inspired renditions of classic hues to offer a fresh perspective on timeless choices. Olivia Wahler, co-founder of Hearth Homes Interiors, anticipates a strong presence of brown in kitchens, including light beige and warm mushroomy shades, alongside a resurgence of darker wood stains, all contributing to a cozy and design-led feel. Joa Studholme, Color Curator at Farrow & Ball, suggests opting for clay tones for cabinets to achieve warmth and a contemporary feel, citing Farrow & Ball's Jitney as an example. These experts emphasize that while earthy neutrals are trending, they also represent a classic choice with longevity, making them a wise investment for kitchen remodels, which can be costly. The timeless nature of these colors ensures they remain stylish over time, unlike highly trend-driven colorful shades that may quickly become dated. Ellen Holt, lead designer at MDI Luxury Design, advises keeping kitchen cabinet colors simple and neutral in 2024, recommending creamy, dreamy shades to evoke a sense of home, such as Benjamin Moore’s Grandma’s China or Nimbus for grayish undertones. When channeling earthy neutrals, designers suggest focusing on beige, brown, and clay tones while avoiding stark white and harsh black. These popular neutrals are versatile, complementing various design styles from farmhouse to modern kitchens. Jennifer Davis points out that colors like Sherwin-Williams' Urbane Bronze offer a warmer, earthier alternative to harsh black, infusing sophistication and warmth. Similarly, the move from stark whites to greige paints like Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter creates a more lived-in and welcoming atmosphere, blending modern chic with timeless comfort and pairing elegantly with natural materials like wood or stone. To ensure a contemporary finish with earth-toned kitchen cabinets, interior designer Soledad Alzaga recommends incorporating metal accents, such as brass and silver, to achieve an organic modern aesthetic that balances a grounded, organic feel with a touch of luxury. Overall, earthy neutrals are positioned as a stylish, practical, and enduring choice for kitchen cabinets in the coming year. #KitchenCabinetColors #EarthyNeutrals #InteriorDesignTrends #KitchenDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPsychology #TimelessDesign #WarmMinimalism

The popularity of green in kitchen design continues to surge, with this color dominating kitchen renovations in 2026, encompassing a wide array of shades from sage and pea to forest and lime. Despite the enduring appeal of traditional white and wood cabinet colors, green has established itself as a significant trend, attracting both homeowners and celebrity designers. However, the application of green in kitchens is undergoing a notable evolution, moving away from simple paint applications towards stained finishes that highlight the natural wood grain. Designers are increasingly favoring stains over opaque paints to achieve a more nuanced and organic aesthetic. This shift allows the inherent beauty and movement of the wood to remain visible, offering a sophisticated alternative to solid color treatments. This evolving trend is exemplified by several innovative design approaches. One method involves splurging on pre-stained veneers, which offer a consistent finish and controlled color tone, such as the Italian Tabu line. Karin Bohn of House of Bohn, for instance, utilized a semi-transparent green finish on white oak cabinets, creating a visually striking result. To complement these stained cabinets, designers are also incorporating bold green marble countertops, like Verde Guatemala or Breccia D’Eggito, for a cohesive, monochromatic look. Another technique involves the use of oil wax, particularly for achieving a natural, earthy finish. U.K.-based designer Jetsam Made employed OSMO oil wax on birch plywood fronts, pairing them with powder-coated steel frames in a matching Reseda Green (RAL 6011). This method requires patience, as oil-based stains have longer drying times and necessitate multiple thin layers to build up the desired effect, allowing the grain to subtly show through. The careful application process ensures a rich, deep finish that celebrates the wood's texture. For a more modern and minimalist interpretation of the trend, flat slab doors are being chosen. Designer Tabitha Organ created a futuristic green kitchen in a London renovation, inspired by Emma Chamberlain's green L.A. kitchen, by applying a satiny green stain from Mundy Veneers to tulipwood cabinets. This contemporary look is further enhanced by chunky polished nickel handles, which contrast with the sleek, unadorned surfaces of the flat slab doors. Simplicity in hardware is key with bold stained finishes; humble wood knobs or minimalist plug-in lighting allow the green color to be the focal point, as seen in a project by Jose Andrade Rocha, which features a steel backsplash with patina that harmonizes with the semi-transparent cabinet stain. The versatility of stained plywood is also being leveraged beyond just cabinets. Plywood provides an excellent surface for colorful stains, as its prominent grain remains visible even after several coats. SMS Arquitectos, in a home in Palma de Mallorca, used stained poplar boards not only for kitchen cabinets but also for doors and wall panels, creating a unified and immersive green environment. This comprehensive application demonstrates the potential of stained wood to integrate color and texture throughout a space, making a compelling case for choosing stains over paint to embrace the evolving green kitchen trend in 2026. #KitchenDesign #GreenKitchens #CabinetTrends #StainedWood #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenCabinets #DesignTrends #WoodGrain

Colour capping, a paint technique involving the use of varying tones from the same colour family across a room's walls and ceiling, is predicted to be a significant interior design trend for 2026. This method aims to refresh homes and achieve a sophisticated designer look, influencing the atmosphere and perceived proportions of a space. Unlike colour drenching, which coats every surface in a single shade, or double drenching, which uses two or more contrasting colours from the same palette across all surfaces, colour capping creates a soft gradient effect that intensifies towards the ceiling, fostering tonal harmony and balance. Design experts, including Helen Shaw from Benjamin Moore and Charlotte Broadribb of Yinteriors, highlight colour capping's ability to create the perception of increased height in a room and to balance and proportion colour effectively. The technique extends beyond just paint, encouraging the integration of complementary tones in furniture and accessories to ensure every element works together harmoniously. For added visual interest, varying paint finishes between walls and ceilings is recommended. A higher sheen level on the ceiling can reflect light and draw the eye upwards, transforming the 'fifth wall' into a dynamic and considered design element. This interplay of light, depth, and tone lends a sophisticated finish to rooms. When decorating with colour capping, the chosen wall and ceiling tones should be extended to upholstery and soft furnishings. Magdalena Gierasinska from Barker and Stonehouse suggests echoing the ceiling's deeper tone in items like velvet sofas or armchairs. Subtle reinforcement of the scheme can be achieved through cushions, ceramics, and artwork, while metallic fixtures and wooden furniture can introduce contrast and texture without overwhelming the space. The overarching goal is to achieve a calm, layered aesthetic where all components complement each other. Colour capping is versatile, suitable for both period homes and modern interiors. In older properties, it can highlight architectural features such as cornices and picture rails, while in newer or minimalist spaces, it adds depth and warmth. It is particularly effective in larger, more dominant rooms like living rooms and bedrooms, especially when aiming for a peaceful atmosphere. Natural greens, blues, and creams are suggested for enhancing a sense of calm. However, the technique is best avoided in already dark rooms, spaces with low ceilings, small windows, or generally small areas, as it can make these rooms feel even smaller. In such cases, a softer approach using accessories in coordinating shades is recommended to achieve a similar cohesive, colour-capped feel without visually diminishing the space. #ColourCapping #PaintTrends2026 #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TonalPaintTechnique #ColourPsychology #DecoratingTips #BenjaminMoore #Yinteriors

Designers rarely duplicate design elements, yet they remain keenly aware of emerging trends, especially for frequently renovated spaces like kitchens. An annual survey of interior designers aims to identify the next prominent kitchen cabinet color. For 2026, many designers anticipate a surge in earthy tones, particularly gray-green shades. Experts like Galey Alix foresee deep neutrals such as mushroom palettes and warm walnut stains, offering homeowners a bold yet manageable aesthetic. Alexandra Azat of Plaster and Patina and Chloe Legras of Boxwood Avenue both point to subtle greens, with Legras specifically mentioning Farrow & Ball’s Cromarty for its timeless sage hue. Claire O’Connor predicts a shift from bright white to soulful, grounded tones like sage, clay, and warm wood, reflecting a move towards authenticity over sterile perfection. Anu Jain from Atelier Oleana highlights mossy charcoal, mineral greens, and warm bone shades, emphasizing their natural, aged feel. Following gray-green, dark red is predicted as a strong contender for kitchen cabinets in 2026. Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox suggests deep red or maroon, noting that while red has been popular in general, its significant presence in kitchens is expected next year. Amanda Leigh of House of Rolison foresees deep taupes, putty, and earthy shades, alongside deeper tonal palettes featuring warm wood, deep burgundy, and rich brown to create atmosphere. Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors also points to deep reds, burgundies, and dark woods like walnut and smoked oak, driven by a desire for soulful and dramatic kitchens after years of white and pale oak. Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke describes wine-toned plum as a warm, modern, and expressive new neutral. Ghislaine Viñas even shared a current project featuring a full merlot kitchen in an older historic home, emphasizing the explorative potential of bold cabinetry choices in such settings. Several other colors received honorable mentions from the designers. Dark green and blue shades, including rich forest greens and deep navies, were highlighted by Mimi Meacham as sophisticated and grounding alternatives to all-white kitchens, pairing well with natural wood. Sarah Randolph mentioned earth-inspired tones like soft tans, earthy greens, black-currant reds, and deep slate blues. Annie Obermann noted a rise in feel-good palettes with 1970s nostalgia, favoring deep, moody shades like Sherwin-Williams’ Dard Hunter Green. Subtle stains were also favored, with Kimberly Oxford anticipating a move away from flat painted finishes towards warm, tonal stains that reveal wood’s natural character, such as white oak with a driftwood wash or rift-cut walnut with bronze undertones. Evan Krenzien agreed, predicting a comeback for mid-tone stains with warm honey notes, often mixed with warmer buttery whites for contrast. Powder blue, specifically Benjamin Moore’s Gentle Gray, was suggested by Liz Hoekzema as a timeless color that complements rich wood tones and both cool chrome and raw brass finishes. Brown, particularly dark chocolate, was seen by Leanne Kilroy as a versatile neutral that evokes classic timber kitchens, while Gabriela Eisenhart predicted a 'quiet richness' with rich taupes, browns, and muted colors. Finally, creams and off-whites, including greige tones and warm whites like Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White, are expected to replace traditional bright white kitchens, with some designers like Ariel Okin even suggesting a return of buttery yellow. Karin Bohn also mentioned that bold shades like deep blue and dusty rose would be popular, often mixed with wood grain. #KitchenCabinetColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeRenovation #DesignPsychic #EarthyTones #KitchenDesign #ColorPalettes #DesignersForecast

The annual announcements of the 'Color of the Year' (COTY) by various paint and stain brands serve as a significant indicator of upcoming trends in home design. These selections are not merely marketing tactics but rather reflect the collective mood and prevailing aesthetic sensibilities of the time. The 2026 COTY picks predominantly feature warm, comforting, and subdued earthy tones, signaling a desire for serenity and classic elegance in living spaces. Pantone's 'Cloud Dancer' is an airy white chosen to evoke serenity and spaciousness, promoting well-being and lightness. Pittsburgh Paints Company selected 'Warm Mahogany,' a rich red neutral designed to foster deep conversation, making it suitable for dining rooms and cafes. Krylon's 'Matte Coffee Bean,' a dark brown, signifies a rise in dark neutrals, offering a timeless yet sophisticated warmth without overpowering a space. C2 Paint's 'Epernay,' named after a French village known for its limestone architecture, reflects a return to classic, enduring colors that blend old-world elegance with modern aesthetics. Sherwin-Williams introduced 'Universal Khaki,' a subtle, earthy tan that serves as a versatile background for stronger neutrals and vibrant colors. Valspar's 'Warm Eucalyptus,' a restorative green, emphasizes mindful living and the appreciation of small moments through serene design. Behr's 'Hidden Gem,' a soothing jade, provides a sense of balance and depth, being both timeless and fresh. Dutch Boy's 'Melodious Ivory' is a creamy warm neutral that evokes nostalgia and brings harmony to any living space, reminiscent of indulgent treats. Minwax chose 'Special Walnut,' inspired by the honest beauty of wood and the renewed desire for real, enduring materials like reclaimed beams and heirloom furniture, highlighting the aged patina of well-loved spaces. Lastly, Clark+Kensington's 'Hazelnut Crunch,' a rusty red, draws inspiration from biophilic design, cozy minimalism, and nature-rooted tones, balancing familiarity with boldness. Several overarching trends emerge from these 2026 COTY selections. Firstly, earthiness is a dominant theme, with all colors being naturally occurring and often rooted in shades of brown. This reflects a desire for grounding and inspiration from organic elements, manifested in soothing and understated hues. Secondly, the selections are notably classic, comparable to smart wardrobe investments that remain stylish over time. These colors offer longevity and versatility, minimizing the need for frequent repainting or restaining as trends evolve. Thirdly, there is a distinct retro influence, specifically a nod to the warm and natural palettes popular in the 1970s. While modernized and more subdued, the essence of that era's color schemes is clearly present. Finally, a strong emphasis on neutrality is evident, as all chosen colors are designed to serve as supportive elements, complementing vibrant companions while maintaining a serene and gentle presence. This collective shift towards earthy, classic, retro, and neutral palettes indicates a broader cultural longing for comfort, stability, and timeless beauty in home environments. #ColorOfTheYear2026 #PaintTrends #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #EarthyTones #ClassicColors #NeutralPalettes #RetroRevival #MindfulLiving

The article explores the enduring relevance of Martha Stewart's 1990s Manhattan home office, highlighting its pioneering adoption of the 'wood-drenching' interior design trend. This Scandinavian-inspired workspace, characterized by an all-wood aesthetic, features walnut shelves seamlessly transitioning into a compact desk, complemented by a woven chair. This design choice created a cozy, warm, and chic environment that is easily replicable in contemporary settings. The concept of "wood-drenching" is presented as a potential successor to color-drenching in interior design for 2026. The article points out that while wood is a common material in home offices, the monochromatic approach seen in Stewart's design was ahead of its time. The integration of various wooden elements, from furniture to shelving, creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. To help readers recreate this aesthetic, the article suggests specific products, including a midcentury-inspired Latwon Wooden Desk, an Alistaire Rattan Dining Chair with cane paneled armrests, and a large Handmade Wood Decorative Bowl. These items are chosen to reflect the natural, warm, and sophisticated feel of Stewart's office. Anthony Scott, global production and innovation director at Havwoods, emphasizes the versatility and comfort of wood as a material. He notes its organic beauty, rustic tones, and detailed patterns evoke feelings of comfort and connection to nature, making it ideal for creating calming and relaxing interiors. Scott suggests that wood can be used for walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and flooring to contribute to a comfortable and nostalgic ambiance. While Stewart's office showcases a uniform wood aesthetic, Scott encourages mixing different wood finishes and species to create a more dynamic and visually interesting space. He explains that wood-drenching doesn't necessarily mean adhering to a single colorway or style. Instead, designers can combine contrasting materials and patterns, such as rustic flooring with darker wood kitchen cabinets or a classic herringbone floor with fluted wall panels, to achieve an eye-catching home that is both minimalist and creative. The article concludes by reinforcing the timeless appeal and adaptability of wood in interior design. #MarthaStewart #WoodDrenching #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #ScandinavianDesign #MidcenturyModern #HomeDecorTrends #NaturalMaterials

As 2026 approaches, leading paint brands like Dulux, Little Greene, Benjamin Moore, Lick, Graham & Brown, and Mylands predict a shift towards deeper, richer, and more impactful paint colours, moving away from the dominance of grey. Experts indicate a strong preference for timeless and classic hues that offer enduring elegance. This trend is a response to consumer demand for colours that evoke a sense of comfort and sophistication. Olive green is highlighted as a prominent trend, with Lick's 2026 Colour Edit featuring 'Green 05' for its deep, olive richness. This shade is lauded for its ability to create a cocooned and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a nurturing retreat within the home. The earthiness of olive green contributes to a connection with nature and a feeling of groundedness. Espresso brown, specifically Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Colour of the Year, 'Silhouette,' is another key colour. This rich, roasted coffee shade with charcoal undertones reflects a growing interest in deep wood tones, inspired by the enduring popularity of antiques. Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore's director of colour marketing, notes that browns offer a softer warmth compared to black or charcoal, making them a versatile alternative for creating sophisticated spaces. Little Greene's Colour of the Year 2026, 'Adventurer,' is a regal aubergine, signaling a move towards confident jewel tones. This shade offers a heritage feel similar to green or navy but provides a distinctive, rich alternative for those seeking a bolder statement. Its depth and luxurious quality are expected to resonate with homeowners looking to infuse personality into their interiors. Blues are also set to make a significant impact, with Dulux crowning a trio of blues—Mellow Flow™, Slow Swing™, and Free Groove™—as their 'Rhythm of Blues' collection for 2026. Marianne Shillingford, Dulux’s creative director, explains that this family of colours offers versatility, capable of soothing, steadying, or exciting a space, providing endless possibilities for mood creation. Pink-toned neutrals, exemplified by Lick's 'Taupe 03,' are gaining traction. These neutrals, reminiscent of muddy clay, are particularly forgiving in cool light conditions, making them ideal for British winters. Tash Bradley, Lick's director of interior design, describes 'Taupe 03' as a warm, soft, and versatile neutral that brings comfort and elegance without appearing flat. Burgundy, a more sophisticated and liveable evolution of red, is also anticipated to be a major trend. Graham & Brown’s Colour of the Year 2026, 'Divine Damson,' is a prime example, bringing dramatic flair with its subtle violet undertones. Stylist Paula Taylor notes its refined elegance, suggesting a move away from brazen red accents towards deeper, more luxurious tones. Finally, green-blue, specifically Mylands' 'Burlington Arcade™ No. 216,' is predicted to be popular. This robust shade, influenced by the historic Mayfair shopping arcade, blends green and blue to create a striking yet fresh appearance. CEO Dominic Myland highlights its reassuringly historic and modern qualities, offering a sense of comfort and escapism. Overall, the prevailing sentiment for 2026 paint trends points towards a desire for colours that are rich, timeless, and capable of creating distinctive moods and atmospheres within the home, reflecting a broader shift towards enduring style and personal sanctuary. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #2026Predictions #ColorMarketing #Dulux #BenjaminMoore #LittleGreene #LickHome #Mylands #GrahamAndBrown

The all-white kitchen trend is gradually fading, with interior designers and homeowners alike seeking more vibrant and nature-connected color palettes for kitchen cabinetry in 2026. This shift emphasizes personal expression and timeless appeal over stark neutrality. Designers are advocating for deeper, more daring hues, moving away from white to embrace depth, mood, and distinct colors. Several specific shades are highlighted as emerging trends. Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon, a gray-green, is recommended for its blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. It complements rich stained woods like espresso and pairs well with materials such as tumbled limestone countertops and antique bronze hardware. This color offers a natural feel without being overly bold. Space Theory's Azzurre, a saturated blue, is identified as a universally appealing yet confident choice. This sky-bright shade brings a fresh, elegant energy to kitchens, appealing to homeowners looking to inject personality while maintaining a timeless look. It is suggested to be paired with walnut or white oak, matte black hardware, and subtle tile backsplashes. Behr’s Hidden Gem, a smoky-jade hue and Behr’s Color of the Year for 2026, is presented as a versatile option suitable for both small and large kitchens. This color works well with light oak tones and lighter stones, creating a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. Its adaptability makes it ideal for transforming various kitchen sizes. Benjamin Moore's Peale Green continues the trend of green-covered cabinets, offering a middle ground between traditional and modern styles. This natural hue integrates seamlessly with classic Shaker cabinetry but can also be styled to appear fresh and current. It is particularly recommended for kitchens with outdoor views and can be enhanced with brass knobs and patterned backsplashes. Sherwin-Williams’s Expressive Plum signifies a move towards darker stains for wood and a bolder embrace of purple. This muted plum shade is anticipated to appear not only on kitchen cabinets but also on islands and bar cabinetry. When combined with dark woods, a minimal backsplash is advised to avoid competing with the rich color scheme. Finally, Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow, a deep golden ochre, is gaining popularity for its warmth and versatility. This sunny shade, with its brown undertone, can adapt to both traditional and contemporary designs. It works well with minimalist elements, providing a grounded and welcoming feel to the kitchen. These color trends reflect a broader desire for kitchens that are both personal and enduring. #KitchenCabinetry #ColorTrends2026 #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenDesign #PaintColors #HomeRenovation

The popularity of all-white kitchens, a timeless choice known for its ability to create a light and bright cooking space, has been a dominant trend in interior design. However, a significant shift in kitchen color trends is emerging, with green rapidly gaining traction. The National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA) 2024 Kitchen Trends Report highlights green as a surging popular color for kitchen aesthetics. Green kitchens are recognized for their versatility, offering a spectrum of hues from deep forest and bold emerald to elegant sage tones. This diverse palette allows green to complement various design aesthetics, appealing to a broad range of homeowners. The color's growing appeal is evident in its substantial online presence, with "green kitchens" garnering over 162 million views on TikTok. Design experts, such as Paul Kropp of Bakes & Kropp, emphasize green's chameleon-like quality, noting its ability to project either a relaxed or an elevated vibe, depending on the specific shade and application. A key factor contributing to green's allure is its connection to nature. Designers like Marie Cloud and Julee Ireland highlight how green brings the essence of the outdoors into the home, fostering a fresh and natural feel. Ireland particularly appreciates green's capacity to evoke natural environments, from lush rainforests to tranquil seasides. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, green also offers psychological benefits. Color psychology studies indicate that green has a calming effect, providing a sense of security and promoting relaxation. This makes it an ideal color for a kitchen, a space often associated with nourishment and gathering. The adoption of green in kitchen design extends beyond just paint. While green kitchen cabinets are a popular choice, with options like Graham & Brown's 2024 Color of the Year, Viridis, designers are also incorporating green through tiles and other decorative elements. International design and tile shows in Spain, Portugal, and Italy have showcased green prominently in their collections, indicating its sustained presence in design trends. Designers like Kristen Fiore have explored new glazes and paint colors, such as Pratt + Larson's Surf and Benjamin Moore's Antique Pewter, to create unique green accents and features in kitchens. Lina Galvão observes that the renewed appreciation for green tones is fueled by paint and fabric companies launching more sophisticated and approachable shades, aligning with a global trend toward biophilia, which emphasizes the human connection to nature. When it comes to pairing green, neutrals are a go-to choice. Designer Vicky Serany suggests blending green cabinetry with natural wood and creamy whites for a harmonious look. For those hesitant to commit to green cabinetry, a rich green backsplash combined with neutral painted cabinets can achieve beautiful results. Despite the rise of green, white kitchens are not expected to disappear, maintaining their status as a classic and versatile option, akin to a staple wardrobe item. #KitchenDesign #ColorTrends #GreenKitchens #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends2024 #NatureInspired #Cabinetry #TileDesign

The popularity of all-white kitchens, while still maintaining a timeless appeal, is being challenged by an emerging trend: green kitchens. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA) 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, green is increasingly becoming a favored color in kitchen design. This trend encompasses a wide range of green shades, from deep forest and bold emerald to elegant sage tones, all of which can infuse personality into a cooking space and complement various design aesthetics. The term "green kitchens" has gained significant traction on social media, accumulating 162 million views on TikTok. Design experts emphasize the versatility of green. Paul Kropp, co-founder of Bakes & Kropp, a kitchen design and cabinetry business, highlights its chameleon-like quality, noting its ability to create both relaxed and elevated atmospheres. Interior designer Marie Cloud points out that green provides a fresh, natural feel, connecting indoor spaces with the outdoors. Julee Ireland, an interior design architect and product designer, echoes this sentiment, expressing her appreciation for green's capacity to link inhabitants with nature through its diverse shades, from rainforest-inspired deep tones to muted coastal hues. Beyond aesthetics, green is also recognized for its calming psychological effects. Color Psychology suggests that green symbolizes harmony, tranquility, and peace, offering a sense of security by being associated with places where basic needs are met. The Hunter Lab further reports that green fosters relaxation, creating peaceful and nurturing environments. This inherent calming quality makes green an ideal choice for a cooking space, where a sense of ease and well-being is often desired. Integrating green into kitchen design offers multiple avenues. While painting kitchen cabinets green is a prominent option, with choices like Graham & Brown's 2024 Color of the Year, Viridis, designers also advocate for its use in tiles and other decor elements. Julee Ireland's observations from international design and tile shows confirm green's widespread adoption in color palettes, indicating its staying power as a trend. Kristen Fiore, another designer, has incorporated kiln glazes like Pratt + Larson's "Surf" for backsplashes and used Benjamin Moore's "Antique Pewter" for large island and cabinet frames, aiming to create a warm, rich, and cozy feel in new constructions. Lina Galvão, a designer, links the renewed appreciation for green to the introduction of more sophisticated and approachable green tonalities by paint and fabric companies, alongside a broader global interest in biophilia—the human tendency to connect with nature. When it comes to pairing colors with green, neutrals are considered a reliable choice. Designer Vicky Serany notes successful combinations of green cabinetry with natural wood and creamy whites. For clients hesitant about fully committing to green cabinets, Serany suggests a rich green backsplash complemented by neutral painted cabinets, yielding beautiful results. Despite the rise of green, Marie Cloud assures that white kitchens will continue to be a classic, much like a versatile white t-shirt. #GreenKitchens #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #ColorPsychology #HomeDecor #Cabinetry #Tiles #Biophilia #DesignAesthetics

Martha Stewart, a prominent figure in home design and lifestyle, has inadvertently highlighted a resurging trend in kitchen cabinet colors: butter yellow. Known for her significant influence on home aesthetics, Stewart's past kitchen designs continue to inspire and predict future trends. A throwback photo from her archives revealed a kitchen featuring mood-boosting butter-yellow cabinets, which are now being championed as a 'new neutral' set to dominate in 2026. Traditionally, kitchen cabinet trends have leaned towards duck egg blues and sage greens. However, butter yellow offers a unique blend of calming and joyful aesthetics, described as a little bit retro. This soft, mellow hue brings year-round sunshine into the kitchen, providing comfort during winter months and optimism in spring and summer, making it an ideal palette for this central space in the home. The appeal of yellow, in general, lies in its association with optimism and joy. Following a period of global turbulence, the color's renaissance in decorating is not surprising. It is presented not as a fleeting fad but as a color with surprising longevity, capable of adding richness to more traditional design schemes. The specific shade of butter yellow brings an energizing and youthful feel, contributing significant depth to kitchen cabinets and serving as an excellent background color. Architect Richard Parr supports the use of butter yellow, suggesting it be paired with a natural palette to enhance its qualities rather than diminish them. He recommends combining it with earthy and deep tones, such as terracotta and rust, and incorporating natural materials like rich timbers and warm metals. These elements are believed to pick up and enrich the yellow hue, creating a cohesive and appealing aesthetic. Stewart's own kitchen, featuring butter yellow, utilizes copper, off-white, and charcoal tones to allow the yellow to stand out. This strategic color combination demonstrates how butter yellow can be effectively integrated into a design without overwhelming it. Color is recognized as a powerful decorating medium that can significantly elevate the perceived value of a kitchen, making the choice of cabinet color a crucial early decision in kitchen design. For those not ready to repaint cabinets, the article suggests incorporating butter-yellow decor items, such as placemats, nut bowls, or ceramic vases, to introduce the color with ease. #MarthaStewart #KitchenDesign #ColorTrends #ButterYellow #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #CelebrityStyle #KitchenCabinets #DecorBuys

In 2026, kitchen design is moving beyond mere functionality to embrace personalization, craftsmanship, and thoughtful color choices, blending tradition with modern living to create spaces that are both timeless and unique. The era of stark white and gray kitchens is fading, giving way to cozier palettes that pair seamlessly with warm woods and rich materials. Natural, nurturing, and refined color schemes, ranging from hushed neutrals to lush, saturated shades, are gaining prominence. Designers are particularly excited about 11 key color trends. Green kitchens are making a significant comeback, with warm, earthy olive tones providing a reassuringly heritage feel that suits both contemporary and traditional settings. These greens, often with yellow undertones, pair beautifully with natural wood finishes for a balanced and restful scheme. Benjamin Moore's Rosepine 461 or Narragansett Green HC-157 are recommended for adding depth and personality. Warm mushroom shades are emerging as a new neutral, offering more depth than traditional beige or greige. These soft, deep hues, described as warm putties and gentle mushroom tones, are being embraced for their ability to bring a grounded calm while feeling elevated. They layer effortlessly with modern and traditional design elements, creating inviting, tactile spaces. Plum, burgundy, and deep purple hues are enjoying a revival, particularly aubergine, which brings understated opulence and atmosphere. These bold colors are often paired with dark wood tones, mixed metals, and natural materials like walnut and antique brass, creating dramatic and elevated aesthetics, especially when combined with veined marbles. Earth tones are evolving into muddier, more complex shades, moving beyond the rich browns of 2025. Drab greens, deep reddish browns, and muted purples are gaining traction, providing grounded yet sophisticated looks. These shades work well with brass, which enhances their warmth, and tactile materials such as natural stone, characterful woods, and aged metals. Muted pastels are returning, but in a more tailored and architectural manner. Soft, pale pinks, gentle lilacs, and buttery yellows are being used to create serene, contemporary backdrops, pairing effortlessly with crisp white marble for a clean and structured aesthetic. These gentle colors bring a lightness without being overly sweet. Softer shades of pink are becoming popular, moving away from bold Barbie pinks towards dappled tones that evoke calm and serenity. Farrow & Ball's Scallop is cited as an example, offering a gentle alternative to white when applied in smooth, matte finishes. Blue-toned greens, such as blue-greens, teals, and emerald-adjacent hues, are anticipated to be new favorites. Shades like moss, eucalyptus, and lichen capture the essence of nature, bringing a grounding effect into interiors. Deeper palettes of these colors create a rich, profound impact, especially when contrasted with soft neutrals like warm off-whites or beige-taupes. Unexpected color pairings are a significant trend, focusing on how shades are combined rather than individual colors. Bold combinations like deep purples with blues, or deep and vibrant yellows with teals, are creating characterful designs. Even traditional pairings, like yellow and burgundy, are being reimagined for contemporary appeal. Accents in contrasting colors offer a less committal way to embrace this trend. Richer jewel tones are becoming a focal point, replacing brighter hues with deeper, more sophisticated shades like peacock-inspired navy or intense sage green. This approach moves away from grey and white, drenching spaces in color, warmth, texture, and personality to create a sense of grandeur. Natural wood kitchens continue to be popular, but the trend is shifting towards creating tonal contrast within wood, rather than using a single wood tone throughout. This involves pairing different woods or combining wood with painted elements, or light uppers with darker lowers, to add visual interest and tactile richness. Wood accents, such as cutting boards or pedestals, are also key. Finally, stark white schemes are out, replaced by warmer cream hues with a focus on textured finishes. These rich, pale creams, often described as clotted cream, work subtly with muted butter yellow tones and are complemented by authentic, darker shades like mossy green or greeny brown. The success of this trend lies in textural applications, such as limewash, which bring depth and interest to neutral palettes, reminiscent of Victorian and Georgian kitchens. #KitchenColorTrends #InteriorDesign2026 #GreenKitchens #MushroomShades #PlumAndBurgundy #EarthyTones #MutedPastels #SoftPinks #BlueGreenHues #UnexpectedColorPairings #JewelTones #NaturalWoodKitchens #CreamKitchens #TexturedFinishes

The year 2026 is poised to revolutionize kitchen aesthetics, shifting away from conventional neutrals towards a more expressive and design-driven color palette. This evolution is marked by the introduction of richer, bolder, and moodier tones, transforming kitchens from mere functional spaces into decorated living areas where color plays a pivotal role in defining luxury and sophistication. Even traditional whites are being reinterpreted, moving towards soft, chalky variants like Pantone's Cloud Dancer, which are designed to complement expressive materials rather than blend into the background. Major industry trend reports from entities such as WGSN, Valspar, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams unanimously support this move towards more vibrant and nuanced color schemes. Key trends for 2026 include smoked teals, which offer a strong, yet adaptable, focal point. These deeper teal tones provide mood without the heaviness associated with navy or black, making them suitable for various kitchen styles, from crisp slab cabinetry to modernized Shaker doors. Interior designers are pairing teal with warm white walls, pale terrazzo, or off-white quartz countertops, and abundant oak for a balanced look. Hardware in brass, brushed nickel, or matte black further enhances teal's versatility, ensuring its longevity as trends evolve. Designers highlight teal's calming properties and its ability to pair beautifully with classic stones like Carrara marble or iroko wood, creating a tranquil yet impactful environment. Herbal greens, encompassing shades like sage, olive, eucalyptus, and moss, represent another significant trend. These softer, grounded tones convey a quietly upscale feel, a departure from the darker, moodier greens of previous years. Valspar's 2026 Color of the Year, a warm eucalyptus, exemplifies this shift, chosen for its restorative and settled qualities. These greens are particularly effective on full-height cabinets, appliance walls, and kitchen islands, especially when rendered in matte finishes or lightly grained wood, allowing the color to absorb light softly. Paired with stones featuring soft green and gold veining, these hues create a refined and relaxed depth that simple white cannot achieve. Neutral palettes are also undergoing a sophisticated transformation. Flat, lifeless stone tones are being replaced by character neutrals such as light putty, complex pale beiges, and greiges with subtle green, taupe, or red undertones. These shades exhibit dynamic shifts throughout the day and avoid a cold appearance, forming the backbone of modern kitchen design with their softness, architectural clarity, and long-term flexibility. Kitchen manufacturers are applying these neutrals across varied textures—rough-sawn woods, matte lacquers, sculptural worktops, and metal accents—to introduce quiet richness and cohesive calm. Burgundy and other 'boozy' tones, including wine shades and violet-tinged browns, are making a confident return. These deep reds introduce a familiar yet distinctly modern warmth to kitchens. Rob Abrahams of COAT Paints notes that these burgundies offer a richness that is both inviting and contemporary, acting almost as dark neutrals that ground a space while adding atmosphere. Fig-rooted browns with subtle violet undertones offer a softer alternative, maintaining clarity and stability. These colors naturally complement contemporary stones, ceramic textures, and brushed or matte metals, aligning with forward-thinking kitchen design. The rise of 'quiet color' sees pale blues, butter yellows, and soft lilacs emerging as supporting tones. These chalky pastels, powdery blues, and diluted lilacs offer just enough color to be intentional without overwhelming the space. Benjamin Moore's 2026 palette includes muted blue-greens and dusty mauves, while Sherwin-Williams' Colormix Forecast features 'Frosted Tints' of soft blues, gentle greens, and lavenders. These pastels integrate subtly into the architecture, appearing on painted walls, plaster-wash ceilings, tiled backsplashes, or pantry interiors. They pair effectively with soft greens, mocha tones, and natural stone, injecting a cool freshness into earthy or saturated palettes. Finally, mocha tones, inspired by luxury fashion palettes, are cementing their place in kitchen design. Shades of chocolate, tobacco, and caramel are replacing the heavy mahoganies of the past. Pantone’s Mocha Mousse and Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate illustrate this trend, emphasizing cozy, creamy coffee colors with pink undertones that exude a rich modernity and provide comfort. When combined with other earthy shades like peachy terracotta and soft white, mocha creates a sophisticated and elegant palette. Warm, layered lighting and matte or honed finishes are crucial to prevent these tones from feeling heavy, ensuring balance with lighter elements like off-white cabinets or pale micro-cement floors. Conversely, the article advises avoiding chilly grays that dominated the previous decade, as they now appear sterile and outdated. Designers suggest opting for richer, earth-driven color stories or complex blue-greens like Behr’s Hidden Gem, which offer moody sophistication and versatility, especially when paired with warm brass hardware and creamy stone. The overarching message for 2026 is that kitchens are embracing a bolder, more intentional use of color, moving towards curated and characterful palettes that reflect personal style and contemporary luxury. #KitchenColorTrends #InteriorDesign2026 #TealKitchens #HerbalGreenKitchens #NeutralKitchenIdeas #BurgundyHues #PastelKitchens #MochaKitchens #WhiteKitchenComeback

The annual tradition of announcing a "Color of the Year" marks a significant moment in the design world, signaling emerging trends that are anticipated to shape future decorating choices. These selections, made by leading paint brands, are more than just marketing ploys; they represent a deep dive into cultural shifts, societal moods, and consumer behavior to predict the next big chromatic trend. While materials, textures, and forms evolve, color preferences often move at an accelerated pace, making these yearly forecasts particularly impactful. Color forecasting is a continuous process for design experts, but it intensifies around September as brands pinpoint a shade they believe will define the upcoming year. This designated "Color of the Year" wields considerable influence over decorating styles. Although there are multiple selections from various brands each year, they collectively contribute to shaping design decisions and subsequent color trends. Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore, describes this annual celebration as a culmination of a year-long journey involving creativity and global exploration in color and design. Each chosen color is intended to encapsulate extensive research and a specific design vision through the medium of paint, serving as a creative inspiration for the year ahead. While certain recurring themes, such as neutrals, warm tones, or specific color families (like the prevalence of blue in 2024's predictions), are common, outliers also emerge. Even colors that don't immediately dominate interiors still contribute to influencing broader design choices and subsequent trends. Yeo emphasizes that these selections highlight emerging trends, ensuring that the chosen colors are timely and harmonize with current interior design styles. They act as conversation starters and sources of inspiration, guiding homeowners to choose colors that are both relevant now and can be enjoyed for years. This relationship is reciprocal: the Color of the Year is derived from detailed analysis of existing trends, and in turn, it profoundly impacts the colors that follow. The concept of a "Color of the Year" effectively creates a trend landscape, significantly influencing how individuals decorate with color in the real world. Erika Woelfel, VP of Color and Creative Services at Behr, notes that this designation instills confidence in consumers during the color selection process and invites inspiration. She explains that it allows paint brands like Behr to highlight a color poised to play a leading role in both interior and exterior paint projects for the coming year. A Color of the Year can transform an unexpected shade into a staple by showcasing the unique experience it can provide. For instance, Behr’s 2025 Color of the Year, "Rumors," was chosen to encourage consumers to make bold statements and introduce vibrant pops of color into their homes. The selection process for a Color of the Year is multifaceted, drawing on a variety of lifestyle trends, from iconic pop culture moments to significant interior design breakthroughs. Valspar's Sue Kim highlights a holistic, consumer-centric approach, noting that their team identified a desire among homeowners for enduring colors that inject excitement and playfulness into their living spaces. Behr's research similarly revealed a shift towards incorporating more personality and depth into homes, leading to the selection of a deep red shade as a "confident anchor" that complements neutrals while making a statement. This blending of evidence-based research, trend analysis, and strategic marketing curates a chromatic palette that consistently inspires decorating habits. Despite being a relatively recent phenomenon, established mostly within the last 15 years, the "Color of the Year" has become an indispensable and influential moment on the design calendar. #ColorForecasting #ColorOfTheYear #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintBrands #HomeDecor #DesignTrends2025 #DesignTrends2026 #CulturalShifts #ConsumerBehavior