The DCO Download: 2026’s Colours of the Year (So Far) And What They Say About How We’ll Be Decorating

Each year, the biggest paint brands across the globe reveal their Colour of the Year… a hue (or in some cases a palette) chosen to reflect the mood of the moment and where design is heading. But these shades are more than marketing; they capture what we’re craving in our homes and set the tone for the year ahead. 

For 2026? From what I can tell the story is one of calm confidence, warmth, and connection to nature. Colour as comfort! There are some really lush colours so let's dive in for a full overview!

What Is a ‘Colour of the Year’?

For anyone new around here lets start at the start…what even is a colour of the year (apart from a marketeers opportunity to sell some extra paint!) Every major paint manufacturer selects a Colour of the Year to express the emotional and aesthetic direction they see influencing design.

It’s part research, part intuition guided by global trends in culture, fashion, architecture, technology and lifestyle and these manufacturers have teams of interior designers and trend experts working on selecting that perfect colour to make the product a runaway success for their 2026 sales!

Where 2023/24 was all about optimism and energy, and 2025 leaned into colour drenching and cocooning spaces, 2026 brings depth, calm and groundedness. Brands are turning to blues, greens and warm neutrals colours that soothe, restore, and feel like home.

The 2026 Colours of the Year (So Far)

I’ve trawled the internet and pulled together the colours of the year that have been announced so far (most go live in October, some will be later!) So here is a whistle stop tour through the colours and how I would be using them! I’ve also added whether they’re a UK or international manufacturer. For the international ones I’ve found close colour matches so we’re able to achieve the same shades over here in the UK!

Dulux UK – “The Rhythm of Blues” (Free Groove™, Mellow Flow™, Slow Swing™)

A first for Dulux: a palette rather than a single shade (which I’ve been doing since my first colour of the year in 2021…wonder if they copied my style!). The Rhythm of Blues family explores how different tones of blue can calm, energise or reflect.

• Best for: North-facing rooms needing warmth and mood; bathrooms or living spaces for a serene feel.
  
• Pair with: Greige neutrals, chalk whites, soft golds and natural woods.
• Room feel: Reflective, artistic, atmospheric.

Graham & Brown – Divine Damson

A sumptuous plum-red with berry undertones, Divine Damson brings richness and character. Deep and rich reds were actually a key trend and choice for manufacturers last year and I agree with G&B that these shades aren’t going anywhere, this luscious, deep and rich shade is bold but rewarding in a space where you want comfort and relaxation.

• Best for: Dining rooms, bedrooms, or south-facing lounges where light can deepen its tone.
  
• Pair with: Brushed brass, taupe, ivory, dusky pink or navy.
  
• Room feel: Luxurious, cocooning, dramatic.

Try this colour in the Graham and Brown matt emulsion or in any Crown colour match finishes.

Behr – Hidden Gem

A smoky jade blue-green that acts as a “new neutral” according to Behr. It's rich, moody and sophisticated creating a quiet sense of confidence. What is a ‘new neutral’ I hear you ask? Basically it's a colour that behaves like traditional neutrals (calming, versatile, easy to pair with other tones) but aren’t the typical whites, greys, or beiges.

• Best for: Kitchens, studies, or east-facing rooms that get soft morning light.
  
• Pair with: Soft cream, linen, natural oak and rattan.
  
• Room feel: Grounded, sophisticated, quietly confident.

Behr is an American brand so we’ve found some close match alternatives in Evening Emerald and Juniper Berry. 

Valspar – Warm Eucalyptus 

A muted sage-green with a warm undertone. Think of it as nature indoors, but with polish. Capable of creating a calming, comfortable atmosphere. 

• Best for: Bedrooms or living rooms with west light for a soft golden glow.
  
• Pair with: Clay, mushroom, ochre, off-white.
• Room feel: Calm, restorative, timeless.

Try this colour in Johnstone's Aqua Guard Satin or in Leyland Trade's Hardwearing Matt. Or any of our Johnstone's Trade & Leyland Trade colour match products.

Sherwin-Williams – Universal Khaki

A versatile, warm beige-taupe that sits effortlessly between warm and cool. Sherwin Williams describe it as a foundational, versatile colour that they argue is timeless but also practical as it sits within the neutrals family. 

• Best for: Whole-home colour; open-plan spaces or north-facing rooms needing balance.
  
• Pair with: Soft white trim, olive, muted blue, or charcoal.
  
• Room feel: Relaxed, adaptable, quietly modern.

Sherwin Williams is an American brand so we’ve found some close match alternatives in Summer Suede and Stonington.

Try this colour in Johnstone's Aqua Guard Satin or in Leyland Trade's Hardwearing Matt. Or any of our Johnstone's Trade & Leyland Trade colour match products.

Benjamin Moore – Silhouette

A dark brown-purple with charcoal depth which is both elegant and enveloping. They describe it as a modern take on classical suiting; it's a great alternative to a stark black. 

• Best for: Snugs, hallways, or accent walls in moody spaces or accent woodwork/trim.
  
• Pair with: Champagne metallics, ivory, and walnut tones.
• Room feel: Sophisticated, intimate, refined.

Dutch Boy – Melodious Ivory 

A soft, buttery ivory. This inviting neutral is a creamy beige that is intended as a timeless and calming backdrop for any interior style. More and more buttery shades have been coming through in 2025 so it was only natural to see someone champion a shade like this for 2026. 

• Best for: Open living spaces or smaller rooms needing light.
  
• Pair with: Muted greens, terracotta, warm wood.
  
• Room feel: Bright, comfortable, welcoming.
  

Dutch Boy is an American brand so we’ve found close match alternatives in Almond Cream and Alpaca Wool. 

PPG USA – Warm Mahogany

Another company throwing a luscious red into the ring for 2026. Warm Mahogany is a deep, earthy red-brown that channels rich warmth that is both inviting and grounding. The brown undertones of the red help to tone down the shade bringing comfort and coziness to your space. 

• Best for: Feature walls, dining rooms, bedrooms or furniture.
  
• Pair with: Gold, olive, bone whites, beiges or navy.
  
• Room feel: Warm, nostalgic, inviting.

PPG USA is the company that owns our favourite colour match products Johnstone’s Trade and Leyland Trade so luckily this paint colour is also available here in the UK!

PPG UK - Secret Safari

PPG’s Secret Safari adds a fresh dimension to 2026’s colour landscape. A mid-tone yellow-green sitting between olive and moss, it’s designed to bring warmth, subtle vibrancy, and a touch of adventure into everyday spaces.

• Best for: north-facing rooms or spaces with cooler light, because the yellow-green brings warmth and a sunlight effect. Great for feature walls or furniture.
  
• Pair with: metallic accents, natural woods and off whites or warm greys.
• Room feel: connected to nature, inviting. 

What These Colours Tell Us About 2026

If there’s one thing the 2026 colours have in common, it’s that they feel liveable. After years of grey everything and trend-led tones that came and went, this year’s shades are all about making your home feel calm, welcoming and personal again. Think; colours that make you exhale when you walk through the door.

Greens and blues still lead the way. Not bright or bold, but soft, natural versions that bring a sense of peace to everyday spaces. The warmer tones, like PPG’s Secret Safari and Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki, remind us that neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. And for anyone who loves a little drama, rich shades like Divine Damson and Silhouette show that moody colour can still feel cosy when it’s used right.

Overall, it’s less about following trends and more about creating rooms that make you feel good…whatever that looks like for you.

How to Bring 2026’s Colours Into Your Home

The best thing about this year’s shades is that they’re so easy to use , no full room overhauls needed!

• Start small. A feature wall, upcycled sideboard or even a painted alcove can be enough to test a new shade.
  
• Use light to your advantage. Cooler north-facing rooms will love warmer greens and khakis like Secret Safari or Warm Eucalyptus. South-facing spaces can handle deeper, moodier tones like Divine Damson or Silhouette.
  
• Layer your neutrals. If you’re not ready to go bold, try the “new neutrals”. Hidden Gem or Universal Khaki make great backdrops for soft furnishings and artwork.
  
• Bring in texture. Natural woods, rattan, stoneware and linen all help these colours feel homely and balanced.

Whether you’re drawn to serene blues, grounded greens or cosy plums, the 2026 Colours of the Year make it easy to create a home that feels warm, welcoming and uniquely yours.

Your Turn

Which of these 2026 Colours of the Year would you bring into your home? Are you drawn to the tranquil blues, the grounded greens, or the cocooning deep tones? Tell us below! We’d love to know which hues you’re inspired to try. DM us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, or message us on WhatsApp. Visit our Contact Us page for more ways to connect. 

Helen x