2026 Paint Color Trends: The Shades Shaping Homes This Year

As we settle into 2026, interior design is evolving, and paint colors are leading the way. This year’s palette moves beyond safe neutrals and minimalist basics, embracing warmth, nature-inspired richness, and expressive tones that invite personality into every room. Whether you’re planning a full refresh or just a feature wall, here are the standout paint color trends for 2026 that designers and homeowners are loving.

Back to Earth: Nature-Driven Hues

One of the most significant 2026 trends is a return to nature-inspired colors, soulful, grounded hues that make your rooms feel calm and lived-in. Rich earthy greens and muted olives evoke a sense of tranquility while still feeling vibrant and modern. Perfect for spaces designed for relaxation and well-being, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, libraries, or living areas.

Dunn-Edwards' 2026 Color of the Year: Midnight Garden (DE5657), a deep, muted green with earthy undertones that capture the quiet elegance of nature.

BEHR® 2026 Color of the Year: Hidden Gem (N430-6A), a smoky jade that whispers elegance and speaks volumes in sophistication.

Warm Neutrals & Grounded Basics

Neutrals aren’t disappearing, but they’re evolving. Gone are the cool grays and stark whites of past years. Instead, warm, grounded neutrals are taking center stage. These shades provide a versatile base that feels welcoming without sacrificing style. Ideal for open plan spaces, hallways, or as a backdrop for art and décor.

Sherwin-Williams' 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki (SW 6150), a mid-tone tan that has a subtle yellow undertone, lending it a warm, desert-like feel.

Dutch Boy's 2026 Color of the Year: Melodious Ivory (313-2DB), a soft, creamy neutral with warm undertones, brings timeless elegance and cozy charm to any space.

Rich Reds & Plums — Statement but Sophisticated

Bold color confidence continues with mellow reds, burgundy, and plum tones. These hues bring depth and personality that create cozy, intimate spaces without feeling too saturated. Use them as accent walls, cabinetry colors, or cozy spaces like lounges and dining rooms.

Glidden's 2026 Color of the Year: Warm Mahogany (PPG1060-7), a rich, grounded, reddish-brown hue, designed as a timeless, cozy, and versatile shade for creating intimate gathering spaces.

Graham & Brown's 2026 Color of the Year: Divine Damson, an opulent, deep plum/burgundy hue inspired by ripe damson fruit, offering a luxurious yet comforting feel that shifts with light to reveal hints of mulberry and garnet.

Joyful Yellows & Warm Accents

Optimism is in, and that’s reflected in the rise of warm yellow shades for 2026. From soft buttery tones to richer ochres, these colors are being used to inject cheerful energy into kitchens, entryways, and utility spaces.

C2 Paint's 2026 Color of the Year: Epernay, a soft ochre with sun-washed warmth that makes halls and kitchens feel inviting.

Bonus: Pantone’s 2026 Pick – Calm Meets Contrast

While major paint brands explore earthy and emotional shades, Pantone took a different approach, naming Cloud Dancer, a soft, airy off-white, as its Color of the Year. This serene white reflects calm and fresh beginnings, offering a neutral backdrop that highlights other colors in a space.

Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer, a lofty, billowy white with cool and warm undertones, representing a blank slate for renewal and focus.

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How to Use 2026’s Trending Colors in Your Home

• Pair thoughtfully: Combine deep greens with warm neutrals for a grounded, sophisticated palette.

• Balance bold with calm: Use rich reds or plums on an accent wall while keeping surrounding walls in soft neutrals.

• Test samples: Always try large sample patches in different lights — many of these trending shades shift with sunlight and artificial light.

2026 in Color: A Year of Warmth, Depth, and Personal Expression

In 2026, interior paint trends celebrate personality, nature, and comfort. From expressive greens to grounded neutrals, the palette reflects a desire for spaces that feel both stylish and deeply personal. Whether you’re refreshing a room or rethinking your whole home, this year’s colors invite you to lean into warmth, texture, and thoughtful design.