{"id":7992,"date":"2026-01-04T18:21:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T18:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/?p=7992"},"modified":"2026-01-04T18:23:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T18:23:38","slug":"the-paint-colours-to-look-for-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/colours\/the-paint-colours-to-look-for-in-2026","title":{"rendered":"The Paint Colours to Look For in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Image: Benjamin Moore<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Colour in 2026 is no longer about making a statement for the sake of it – it\u2019s about how a space makes you\u00a0feel. This year\u2019s leading paint brands are moving toward palettes that bring calm, and emotional warmth into our homes, while still allowing for bold personality where it matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe the right colour can completely transform how a room works, not just how it looks. Here are the key colour directions for 2026 – and how to use them beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft, Intelligent Whites \u2013 Pantone\u2019s\u00a0Cloud Dancer<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Dulux<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pantone\u2019s 2026 Colour of the Year,\u00a0Cloud Dancer<\/em>, is a gentle, warm white that feels light without being cold. Unlike stark brilliant whites, it has a softness that works with natural light and doesn\u2019t flatten a space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use it:<\/strong>
This is the perfect whole-home base colour. We love it in open-plan living areas and hallways where it creates flow between rooms. Pair it with textured finishes \u2013 stone floors, timber panelling or woven fabrics – to keep it from feeling too clinical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blues with Soul \u2013 Dulux\u2019s\u00a0Rhythm of Blues<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Dulux<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dulux\u2019s 2026 Colour of the Year collection is a family of indigo-based blues – from the light, airy Mellow Flow<\/em> to the rich Slow Swing<\/em>. These blues are calm yet full of character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use them:<\/strong>
Use the lighter blues in bedrooms and bathrooms for a spa-like effect. The darker shades are beautiful on cabinetry, feature walls or in studies where you want to feel wrapped in the space. They pair especially well with brass, walnut and natural linen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Espresso Browns \u2013 Benjamin Moore\u2019s\u00a0Silhouette<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: BENJAMIN MOORE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Benjamin Moore\u2019s 2026 Colour of the Year, Silhouette<\/em>, is a deep espresso brown that works as a modern neutral. It replaces black and charcoal with something far warmer and more sophisticated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use it:<\/strong>
This is a stunning choice for kitchen cabinetry, library walls or dining rooms. Use it where you want to create intimacy and drama. Balance it with lighter walls, soft lighting and warm metals so the space still feels welcoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plum & Aubergine \u2013 Little Greene\u2019s\u00a0Adventurer<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Little Greene<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Little Greene\u2019s standout colour for 2026 is Adventurer<\/em>, a deep plum-aubergine shade that feels both luxurious and earthy. It brings a sense of heritage and elegance into modern interiors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use it:<\/strong>
Perfect for bedrooms or dressing rooms. Use it on walls or even ceilings for a jewel-box effect. Pair with pale stone, warm whites or brushed brass to keep it refined rather than heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earthy Reds & Blush Tones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Little Greene<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Little Greene\u2019s sunset-inspired colours such as Ashes of Roses<\/em> and Nether Red<\/em> reflect the shift toward warmer colours. These aren\u2019t bright pinks – they\u2019re muted, dusty and grown-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use them:<\/strong>
These are beautiful in living rooms, kitchens and dining spaces. They add warmth and glow, especially in north-facing rooms. Use on walls or as accent colours on joinery or shelving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Greens <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Farrow & Ball<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For brands like Little Greene, and Farrow & Ball, eucalyptus, olive and mossy greens are everywhere in 2026. These colours connect us back to nature and promote a sense of calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use them:<\/strong>
Perfect for kitchens, utility rooms and home offices. Greens pair beautifully with wood, stone and brass and are incredibly easy to live with long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deep Neutrals Instead of Grey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Lick<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Grey continues to fade, replaced by warmer neutrals: taupe, mushroom, soft brown and stone. These tones have depth and character without dominating a room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use them:<\/strong>
Ideal for main living spaces and bedrooms. Use them as your \u201cnew neutral\u201d instead of grey for walls, sofas and cabinetry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moody Feature Colours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: William Morris<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rather than bright accents, 2026 is about rich, enveloping feature colours – navy, aubergine, forest green and espresso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use them:<\/strong>
Feature walls, alcoves, headboards and built-ins are where these colours shine. They bring architectural interest and make spaces feel considered and layered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tonal Layering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Lick<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We are no longer choosing one colour per room. Instead, we\u2019re using 3\u20135 tones from the same family – light, mid, and dark – to create depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use it:<\/strong>
For example, pair Cloud Dancer on walls with a warm stone ceiling and a deeper taupe or blue on joinery. This creates harmony without feeling flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emotional Colours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Laura Ashley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More than ever, colour is being chosen for how it supports wellbeing. 2026 interiors feel calm, grounded and personal – not overly styled or trend-driven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use it:<\/strong>
Choose colours that make you feel relaxed and at ease. A beautifully painted home should feel like a sanctuary – not a showroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 is not about following one colour of the year – it\u2019s about building a palette that works for you<\/em>. With brands like Pantone, Dulux, Benjamin Moore and Little Greene all embracing warmth, depth and emotion, this is a wonderful time to create interiors that feel both stylish and deeply comforting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like help selecting the perfect palette for your home, we\u2019d love to guide you through it – beautifully, thoughtfully and with longevity in mind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Colour in 2026 is no longer about making a statement for the sake of it – it\u2019s about how a space makes you\u00a0feel. This year\u2019s leading paint brands are moving toward palettes that bring calm, and emotional warmth into our homes, while still allowing for bold personality where it matters.<\/p>\n

I believe the right colour can completely transform how a room works, not just how it looks. Here are the key colour directions for 2026 – and how to use them beautifully.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7994,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[476,89,179,87,345,31,56,581,580,88],"class_list":["post-7992","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-colours","tag-benjamin-moore","tag-colour","tag-colours","tag-dulux","tag-farrow-and-ball","tag-interior-design-trends","tag-interior-designer-advice","tag-lick","tag-little-greene","tag-paint"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7992","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7992"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7992\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8008,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7992\/revisions\/8008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}