When you love colour as a lot as I do, buckle up, as a result of at this time, we’re speaking colour developments 2026 in inside design. Spoiler: There aren’t many drastic strikes from the final time we talked about this, actually. Millennial grey isn’t again (but), cool whites haven’t taken over, and orange remains to be a bit fringe. However most of the shades we talked about final 12 months are nonetheless very a lot on development for this 12 months…with a couple of further surprises.
After consulting trend developments, development authorities akin to WGSN and Pantone—yeah, even after that Cloud Dancer debacle—and digging deep into my very own instinct primarily based on my observations of designers’ work and retail product choices, I’ve give you seven colours I really feel strongly are already impacting or about to affect how we adorn our houses.
Earlier than diving in, you recognize I all the time have an apart. Scrolling via the pictures I collected made me cease and admire in whole awe absolutely the treasure trove of magnificence we’ve at our fixed disposal. Stylish or not, it’s like…WOW. There may be a lot to soak up on a regular basis that it’s straightforward to take it as a right, however for only a second, let’s pause and be in marvel of simply what number of attractive and distinctive houses and rooms we get to look into on the every day.
::pauses:: ::wonders:: ::awes::
Alright! Time to admire some colours, we could?
Shade Development #1: Ice Blue
Let’s begin this checklist off with a colour household that’s as reliable as water boiling at 212 levels Fahrenheit: Blue. This cool hue manages to current itself over and over in numerous iterations with each new development wave; final 12 months, it confirmed up as an icy iteration, and that very same ice blue remains to be forward of the pack. I personally assume it’s a improbable palate (and palette) cleanser as an addition to all these deep, moody reds and browns we’ve been seeing, however extra on that afterward the checklist, so hold scrolling. Icy blue isn’t overly milky or saturated like different denim or Swedish blues which have been widespread for the final decade. It’s crisp, clear, frosty, and pale.
James Huniford used an icy blue velvet couch as the intense level within the in any other case earthy room he designed for the Children Bay Showhouse final 12 months, featured on Domino. When you leaned arduous into the nice and cozy impartial development and need to inject a bit additional oomph now, misty blue is a good way to do this with out issues feeling overly colourful.
Working example: This massive room-scaled cupboard unit in a pretty impartial room. It’s such an exquisite means to make use of a colour in a really massive means that doesn’t really feel overly burdensome or heavy.
Over a decade in the past, I painted my bed room an identical barely-there blue (with sufficient depth that it doesn’t really feel prefer it belongs in a toddler’s nursery) and proceeded to suggest it to everybody near me to the purpose that I made them really feel like there was no different alternative. Because it occurs, I moved on from the colour, but it surely’s again, child, as seen on this pretty and contemporary area by Kerv Interiors. (Be sure you scroll via to get to extra pictures of the bed room it was utilized in and all of the enjoyable colours paired with it!)
First, scroll to the second picture. Okay, now I can discuss. Utilizing ice blue in small however punchy moments like a pendant, sconce, and even piping on upholstery or delicate items is a enjoyable and sudden means to herald this colour. One other inspiring takeaway from this mission by Alice Grace is how completely pleasant this cool blue appears with cherry crimson (and khaki, which is a development additional down on our checklist!).
Icy blue has been more and more paired with burgundy; in reality, that combo is totally all over the place proper now, just like the earlier one I discussed, however with some extra gravitas. It actually does an amazing job of lifting up dense shades, to not point out it feels retro (just like the classic rest room above shared by Home of Moore Design) but timeless.
Shade Development #2: Teal
This isn’t the primary time I’ve referred to as out teal as a colour to observe (you may recall this text, and even right here the place I discussed it, as nicely), so you recognize I’m severe about it. I’m not the one one, both. WGNS, a global development forecasting firm, named “Transformative Teal” the colour of the 12 months for 2026. I personally assume, after years of milky and cottage-y variations of blue and inexperienced, we’re open once more to maneuver complicated shades of these colours. Like each blue and inexperienced? Then BOOM, Teal knocks them out in a single single dramatic punch.
The extra I see designers use a colour in additional everlasting functions, akin to tile, the extra I do know it’s going to have lasting energy. Working example, this candy little rest room above by Shiny Design Lab.
Designer Robert Stilin celebrated the colour on this stunning house that was featured in Architectural Digest. One thing on this first picture that I need to name out is how radiant teal appears in pure gentle. It’s a kind of hues that performs as properly in a lightweight and ethereal area because it does in one thing moody with restricted lighting. And it virtually begs to be on a cloth or floor that has some sheen.
Once I labored at a furnishings firm after my EHD days, I used to be shocked {that a} peacock blue much like the gorgeous velvet above (an area by designer Mimi Shin) was one among our most chosen materials. It held rank within the prime three, typically even proper on the apex of the checklist, together with grey and beige. Which makes me assume, maybe teal is simply a kind of colours that’s all the time with us, whether or not it’s a part of the zeitgeist or not. That stated, it’s undoubtedly a part of it now and might be for the foreseeable future, IMHO.
A rest room fixture akin to this sink above in a toilet by Sophie Rowell of Cote de Folks seems like a firmly cemented approval of teal. May you swap it out? Positive, however chances are high, you’re in it for the lengthy haul with this. It’s factor, it’s completely marvelous and would make anybody cease and stare for a second once they entered the area.
Shade Development #3: Amber (A.Ok.A. Burnt Caramel)
I could have amber down at quantity three, however TBH, it’s one of many prime colour developments I’m seeing, particularly in rest room design—which I’ll be overlaying extra in depth subsequent week, so keep tuned for that. However sure, amber, or burnt caramel as I’ve been seeing it referred to as in some locations, is totally all over the place. It’s a wealthy, unctuous throuple marriage between rust and mustard (which each had their heyday a couple of years in the past), in addition to brown. Some iterations of amber are a bit extra yellow, whereas others are a bit extra terracotta brown, however anyplace it lands, it’s earthy however trendy.
As talked about, amber rest room tiles are *the* materials alternative of the second in that area, particularly of the zellige selection. I really like how designer Alisa MacConnell paired it with buttery yellow partitions and vibrant brass to maintain the jewel tone feeling contemporary as an alternative of dour.
I believe the colour of this couch and the partitions (in a room by designer Hugo Toro) are kiiiind of up for debate, however I’m together with it within the burnt caramel camp anyway. The great thing about this colour is that it’s very a lot a heat impartial however nonetheless seems like a color-color. When you’re frightened of colour or don’t actually know the way to use it, amber or burnt caramel is a good gateway.
I simply want a second to soak up this attractive tile backdrop in an area by Studio Mountain (the tile is by BDDW, a favourite of mine and EHD as a complete). I’m a sucker for a scenic tile, which we usually see in Delft blue and white, however in mustardy amber, it’s so uncommon and particular.
Chocolate brown upholstery was all the fashion final 12 months, and whereas it’s nonetheless very a lot trending, a much less dense or heavy possibility is a deeper amber. Isn’t it simply scrumptious on this couch and principally on each floor of this room by Katie Harbison?
Shade Development #4: Chartreuse
Slap my knee and name me shocked as a result of chartreuse snuck up on me. Actually, it shouldn’t have, being that each yellow and warm-toned grassy greens have been climbing the recognition charts during the last 12 months. However chartreuse? That one snuck up on me. Like a brand new phrase you’re listening to for the primary time, you begin to hear it all over the place; this acid greenish yellow has been very a lot the identical for me.
What’s humorous, although, is the final time icy blue and chocolate brown have been on development for our houses, chartreuse was additionally popping off. Curious how that occurs, but additionally, the whole lot has a season and a cycle, and nothing is new beneath the solar.
Kendall Jenner’s house by Heidi Caillier was the house tour heard across the web. When you haven’t seen it, you in all probability have and simply haven’t realized. The picture above exhibits Jenner’s camper, which Caillier additionally designed. You’ll see this limey chartreuse right here as a name again to different areas contained in the precise house, akin to the lavatory under:
Caillier used a chartreuse Zia Tile zellige to get up all of the darkish, pure wooden tones within the cabin-like rest room above. A delicate impartial or perhaps a burgundy or blue would have been stunning, however the tart inexperienced takes on a complete new life and taste, much like squeezing a lime over your tacos. They’d be scrumptious with out it, however with it, they’re precisely as they need to be.
I contemplated not together with this picture as a result of the upholstery isn’t essentially as punchy as chartreuse, however the olive inexperienced and golden yellows come collectively in an identical means for my eye, so right here it’s to your enjoyment. Cortney Bishop masterfully brings the nice and cozy palette along with cognacs, bronze-like wooden tones, and pure supplies.
Electrical Bowery, shot by Laure Joliet, is rapidly turning into one among my latest sources for contemporary inspiration. They use colour in a means that feels pure, although, such as you’ll see within the subsequent mission, additionally they completely go for it. However right here, a just-barely chartreuse couch is totally great paired with ambers, caramels, browns, and successful of cobalt blue.
Talking of Electrical Bowery, this eating room showcases my favourite means to make use of colour: choose complementary hues however shift them a bit. As an alternative of conventional crimson and inexperienced, the chartreuse curtains and wall examine the inexperienced field, whereas the brick-toned leather-based chairs carry the load for crimson. It really works as a result of that’s merely the science of colour, but additionally appears fascinating and sudden as a result of there are some liberties being taken.
Shade Development #5: Burgundy/Oxblood
Chartreuse might have crept up on me, however oxblood (or burgundy or maroon) certain didn’t. It’s been one of many hottest colours in each house and trend for the higher a part of final 12 months, and for me personally, it’s a long-held favourite of mine. It’s such an announcement while you use it to color cabinetry, unapologetic on delicate items and partitions, and downright luxurious on stone surfaces for kitchens and bogs. If we’re fortunate, this one might be round for a while.
Electrical Bowery, I simply can’t stop you! Pairing a deep crimson with darkish wooden tones is such a beautiful means of bringing down the visible noise of a burgundy. Hold the distinction low with creamy highlights as an alternative of going for one thing overly white as a paint companion.
Daring to make use of a dramatic colour in a small rest room—such because the one above by Ainsley Brookins Design—is the design story as previous as time, and burgundy actually shines on this software. On the partitions, on fixtures, in tiles, with stone…it doesn’t matter the way you convey it in, the result’s all the time going to be lush, luxurious, and grandiose, regardless of the dimensions.
Dabito of Previous Model New is a grasp of #sorrynotsorry colour use. This quantity of non-neutrals just isn’t for everybody, and even most, but it surely’s so enjoyable to review and pull from to make use of in a means you are feeling most comfy. I’d by no means assume to pair maroon partitions with a rusty brown rug, but it surely completely works, with a delicate inexperienced because the bridge.
Utilizing oxblood along with impartial woods, and black and white—like Nuova Dwelling did above—renders one thing very high-end and straightforward to digest. An enormous thumbs up for the colour drench on the desk space (between the desk, chair, and lamp).
Give me a house library or den, and I’ll dive headfirst right into a colour like this on all surfaces, as Marie Flanigan Interiors did right here. Notice her use of sheens to essentially convey out the character of the wine-like shade.
Shade Development #6: Plum
A hop, skip, and (quick) soar on the colour wheel from burgundy offers you plum. This cooler-toned cousin of crimson (or warmer-toned cousin of purple, relying on the way you’re taking a look at it) is extra playful and youthful than oxblood, however simply as impactful. There’s one thing about aubergine that all the time seems like such a threat, however while you pull it off, it has large rewards. And now that I give it some thought, plum is sort of just like the teal of this aspect of the colour wheel—a hybrid of two colours with its personal very distinct character.
Jase Sullivan, I applaud you. The usage of plum on this dresser (and the wallpaper) is outstanding, significantly when utilized in tandem with the cobalt blue lamp and the earthy inexperienced door. And like another jewel tone, simply add neutrals and pure textures to maintain issues feeling grounded.
An oldie by a goodie from designer Zoe Feldman. I’ve admired this eating room for years, stopping each time it hits my feed. It strikes this very troublesome stability of being elegant and “fancy” however nonetheless informal, welcoming, and fascinating. I believe the plum colour on the partitions, trim, and wallpaper performs an enormous position in that profitable stability.
One other one from Zoe Feldman Design. As you’ll be able to see, plum is vastly profitable with quite a lot of inexperienced and different heat neutrals. Throw in some pink or fuchsia, and you’ve got a well-rounded palate that’s stuffed with intrigue, friendliness, and enjoyable.
Duelle Studio through Domino exhibits how plum can rework from grounded and severe to joyful and springy with the addition of lilac, blush, and peach.
I imply, what’s to not love about this rest room by AM Inside Design? A plum toile? Sure, please!
Natalie Myers is so good at trendy California cool, utilizing colour in a really deliberate means. Mixing that plum hex floor with a chalky mauve-meets-lilac cupboard feels up to date and sudden.
Shade Development #7: Khaki
For anybody studying right here ready for one thing much less in-your-face, I’m comfortable to let you know that we’re rounding out our checklist with khaki. Look, I wasn’t that enthusiastic about it after I first examine it, in all probability simply because the title “khaki” itself is so blah, however khaki is right here, and actually, it’s the completely excellent companion to nearly each different saturated shade in our lineup. It’s the colour that’s quietly been within the background for some time, usually being confused with mushroom, or taupe, or beige, or cream. However no, khaki has a depth to it that every one these others fall simply wanting. It’s all these colours mixed with simply sufficient yellow and inexperienced in it to make it fascinating.
Heidi Caillier Design has been on this khaki recreation for years. It’s her base for nearly the whole lot should you return and look via her work. And now I perceive why. It provides brown with out the heaviness, cream however with extra character, and whispers whereas taking on area. Truthfully, it might be the perfect impartial.
One other one by Heidi Cailier, styled by Mieke Ten Have. The khaki print of the wallpaper works so nicely with the putty gray-green trim and all of the wealthy wooden tones and limestone ground.
And eventually, I confirmed this area by Alice Grace for example of icy blue, but it surely’s coming again round for its khaki-colored cabinetry. Bonus factors for its shock blue inside (you’ll be able to see on the eighth slide!).
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Increase your hand should you’re feeling alive in any case that wonderful colour! Increase your hand should you’re considering, “You do you, however not for me!” Each opinions are welcome right here, as a result of I’m an equal alternative colour lover. And actually, my mantra, which I share usually, is that there are not any unhealthy colours, simply unhealthy makes use of of colour, so on-trend or not, it’s all good.
Take care, design buddies. Till subsequent time…
Opening Picture Credit: Design by Jess Bunge | Styled by Emily Bowser | Picture by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Makeover Takeover: Jess’ Colourful But Calm Bed room Reveal
