From Soft Earth to Cloud Dancer, these are the Colours Shaping Interiors in 2026

A new year brings exciting, fresh interior inspiration, including the standout shades set to shape 2026. With expert insight from The Painted Furniture Company, we explore the colours offering designers and homeowners a perfect palette for creating spaces that balance style with a sense of calm.

Soft Earth Tones 

As we look ahead to 2026, there seems to be a palpable shift in the colours people are gravitating towards for their homes. Kate Palmer, Creative Director at The Painted Furniture Company comments, "This shift beautifully mirrors the collective mood as we see a return to colours that make us feel grounded, safe and quietly optimistic. Soft earth tones are rising in popularity because they bring a sense of calm and connection to nature which is something many of us are craving in an ever-changing world."

Muted Greens

A natural extension to the soft earthy tones, muted greens tap into our longing for nature and the outdoors. “Warm Eucalyptus from Valspar is a good example of this," says Kate. "Its described as 'naturally restorative and serene' and is a lovely shade which doesn’t feel overtly leafy. Instead, it becomes a host for calm, everyday living."

Expressive Shades 

There’s also a growing love for richer, more expressive shades like deep blues and warm terracotta. For example, Little Greene’s 'Adventurer', a deep, plummy aubergine, is emerging as a standout shade for 2026, reflecting a shift toward bolder, moodier colours that add personality to a room, rather than relying solely on neutral tones. Kate comments, "These colours feel like a gentle embrace, offering comfort but also a hint of creativity and confidence. It’s as if we’re ready to welcome a little more personality back into our lives, but in a way that still feels considered."

Warm Off-Whites

As we move into 2026, warm off-whites are becoming a go-to choice for interiors, with Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, exemplifying this trend. Kate explains, "These soft, inviting neutrals create a sense of comfort and approachability, making rooms feel lived-in and welcoming. Their versatility allows them to pair seamlessly with natural textures, wood tones and accent colours, providing a timeless canvas that adapts to changing styles. In an era where calm, grounded and emotionally restorative spaces are increasingly valued, off-whites offer quiet sophistication while enhancing light and space."

Vibrant Blue for the Kitchen

Electric blue is shaping up to be a standout kitchen shade for 2026, bringing a fresh burst of energy into the heart of the home. "It’s bold without feeling brash, adding a modern lift to kitchen furniture and accessories," comments Kate. She continues, "Paired with warm woods, soft off-whites, and brushed metal accents, it creates a confident, contemporary look that feels exciting but still very liveable, and is perfect for homeowners ready to introduce a little personality into their everyday spaces."