Interior designers predict 2026 will embrace richer warmth, deeper tones, and bolder contrasts in home design. While paint brands spotlight colours like Behr's "Hidden Gem" and Benjamin Moore's "Silhouette", designers report clients seeking "warm, friendlier finishes" over the cool minimalism of recent years.
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Richer neutrals are leading the shift, with browns, rusts, and greens replacing grey. Designers note a growing preference for earthy, organic mid-tones,"chalky rose", "smoky blue", and "sunbaked terracotta", evoking a naturally aged feel.
Jewel tones are also evolving, now "dustier" and more muted. Designers cite "deep sapphire", "muted emerald", and "subdued cranberry" as favourites, creating interiors that feel timeless yet expressive.
Unexpected pairings are defining the year's boldest looks. Dynamic duos such as "periwinkle and chocolate", "chartreuse and baby blue", and "tangerine and metallic moss" blend high energy with grounded calm. Designers describe this movement as one of mood and memory, where layered tones and "colour capping", using variations of one hue throughout a space, add sophistication and unity.
The 2026 palette, ultimately, celebrates comfort, history, and creativity through colours that feel both lived-in and daringly modern.
Source: www.elledecor.com
