In an increasingly noisy world, an ongoing need for calm and clarity is spurring an inclination towards soft, serene colour. Brands are championing gentle, light-filled tones that offer room to think and breathe.

Rich, rousing reds remain significant for interiors, in part due to the colour group’s dynamism and versatility. Here, paint brands are striving to inject more emotion and comfort into our spaces, via hero shades that feel brave yet grounding.

A desire for more everyday mystique and sensory stimulation away from our devices is fuelling a fascination with darkness. And this interest is set to have a strong influence on colour in 2026. Brands are responding with seductive jewel tones and atmospheric neutrals.

Reconnection with nature and real-life outdoors experiences will be a driving force in 2026 and beyond, and so colour drawn from the natural world remains timely. This year’s greens are deep and verdant to symbolise resilience, nourishment and renewal.

A palette of bold blues continues the focus on nature-inspired colour, with many brands pedestalling tones that are evocative of expansive oceans and skies. The versatility and balanced qualities of blue are also key attributes.

As interest in conscious consumption and slower living mounts, timeless neutrals are being reappreciated. As such, one of 2026’s key colour directions is defined by hushed earthy browns and mineral tones, like ochre.