Color for 2026

2026 is going to be gorgeous. Color still dominates, even though Pantone threw the Internet for a loop with their soft white "Cloud Dancer." That being said, here are some of the beautiful colors trends to embrace for the new year: smokey plums, earthy terracottas, grayish-browns, jade greens, icy blues, and mushroom neutrals. Enjoy:

Smoky Plum:

Think cigar lounge, bougie sitting area, or a chic hotel bar - this is the color to embrace. Most people do not like the shade purple but when you smoke it up with black, it becomes everything. Farrow & Ball's "Brinjal" makes the case. It works well in enclosed spaces for the most drama and pairs beautifully with aged brass. Mudroom design by Whittney Parkinson:

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Terracotta:

The old is new and the warming trend is getting more feisty. What started with handmade tiles has moved to paint. A rich hue that should not be watered down, simply to preserve its beauty. Works great in an enclosed space where you want to feel a vibe and pairs well with aged brass. Benjamin Moore's "Baked Terra Cotta" does the trick encompassing all three colors of orange, pink and brown. Powder room from Jenna Barton Interior Design:

Grayish-browns:

We know gray us out, but it's when mixed with brown, a new epic color emerges. Rich and cool, this can truly go anywhere as it's a deep neutral. Benjamin Moore's color of the year "Silhouette" says it all. This shade leans slightly violet and would be stunning for a built-in bookcase to anchor a wall. Pairs well with nickel for contrast or dark bronze for a more analogues look. Entryway painted Silhouette from Benjamin Moore:

Jade Greens:

While there's been talk of "ugly greens" as a trend, that's a hard no for me. What I do like is Behr's color of the year, "Hidden Jem" which is a mysterious, jade-like green. It almost reads like a dark teal without being tacky. With so much saturation, it would be gorgeous in a powder room but also on kitchen or bathroom cabinets, or even your entire dining room (all five walls). So many possibilities. A featured dining room from Behr:

Icy Blues:

Every season they try to make a comeback, if not to just lighten up our mood. Welcome ice blues. They can be refreshing for a totally new spin on things. Best done in the light-filled spaces, so the airy vibe can be pronounced. You can ask Pinterest or check out "Breath of Fresh Air" by Benjamin Moore. Pairs beautifully with chrome or polished nickel for a clean, modern look. Here is a stunning bathroom tile from Edward Martin:

Mushroom:

The warming trend continues for neutrals, and it's not going anywhere. Sherwin Williams color of the year "Universal" Khaki" is the new "it" neutral and says so with authority. Just like a wide leg chino that all the cool girls wear, this is the shade for your space. It's a bit earthy, so more of a saturated hue. Dining room featured from Sherwin Williams:

Soft White

"Cloud Dancer" from Pantone is a neutral white that almost leans violet or pink. The closest match would be Behr's "Bit of Sugar." You just need to check out the undertones and direction of light when you paint swatches. But timeless, all around great whites are: Benjamin Moore's White Dove and Sherwin Williams Alabaster and can be successfully used all over (walls, ceiling, trim, doors) every time. Here is a gorgeous color-drenched room in a soft white by SitBackLounge: