Colour Trends 2026
I hope you all had a lovely May! Mine was very busy, I had 2 new clients and, of course, half-term so I had a week with my children. My husband and I took them away in our caravan and we had a lovely time with amazing weather! None of us wanted to come home.
Also in May, I met with some of the wonderful ladies I studied with and we went to Clerkenwell Design Week. One of the places we visited was Archi Tile, a beautiful tile shop where I grabbed some samples for a future project and they also gave me a glass of wine!
Colour Trends & Project Inspiration
This month I’ve been working on a lovely client’s living room project, where colour has played such an important role in shaping the overall feel of the space. From creating warmth and balance to influencing mood and atmosphere, choosing the right palette is always one of the most important parts of the design process.
That got me thinking about colour more broadly and, in particular, the Colour Trends for 2026. Every year we start to see certain shades appearing repeatedly across interiors, fashion, product design and even hospitality spaces, but have you ever wondered who decides what becomes “on trend” and why?
Colour trends are far more strategic than many people realise. They don’t simply appear overnight because one designer chooses a particular paint shade. Instead, they are the result of years of forecasting carried out by specialists who analyse everything from global events and lifestyle shifts to technology, travel, sustainability and consumer behaviour.
Trend forecasting agencies, paint brands, textile manufacturers and interior designers all contribute to the conversation. Companies such as Pantone spend huge amounts of time researching how people are living, what they are aspiring to, and even what emotional needs they may have in the future. Colours often reflect the mood of society at a particular moment in time.
For example, during uncertain periods we often see a move towards warmer, comforting neutrals and earthy tones that help spaces feel calm and grounded. In contrast, times of optimism and innovation tend to bring bolder colours, playful contrasts and more expressive palettes. Sustainability is also having a significant influence, with nature-inspired greens, clay tones and mineral shades continuing to grow in popularity as people seek stronger connections with the natural world.
Colour Trends 2026
Looking at 2026, we are beginning to see palettes that balance comfort with individuality. Soft earthy neutrals remain important, but they are being paired with richer accent colours such as deep olive greens, muted terracottas, smoky blues and warm burgundy tones. There is also a noticeable shift towards colours with depth and complexity — shades that feel layered and sophisticated rather than flat or overly bright.
Another interesting direction is the continued blending of residential and commercial influences. Commercial spaces are increasingly designed to feel welcoming and restorative, while homes are becoming more confident and expressive. That’s something I found myself considering in both of my recent projects. Even in a practical commercial environment, colour has the power to influence mood, comfort and experience just as much as it does in a home.
Ultimately, while trends can provide inspiration, the best colour schemes are always personal to the space and the people using it. A successful palette should not only feel current but also timeless enough to live with comfortably for years to come.
So whether you follow trends or have your own ideas and would like help selecting colours and receiving guidance on your next room transformation, I’d love to help you transform your space!
Drop me a note with some details below for an initial consultation to discuss your needs and budget.