Get excited about colour in 2026

It’s been refreshing to watch interiors move beyond beige-on-beige, and I am absolutely here for this new era of authentic colour. We're moving beyond loud colours to create personality through depth, character, and meaningful materials. 

For seasoned designers with plenty of experience and a solid knowledge of colour theory, this is a is a truly fun and exciting phase in design.

Happy New Year to all my lovely clients and subscribers! This month, Id like to make you aware of the various paint companies colour forecasts. A helpful tool for designers and home owners alike.

You all know by now that I am a Dulux advocate and only use, select from and recommend the best quality paint so lets take a closer look at the Dulux Forecast. Since its inception in 1999, the Forecast has become a trusted guide for designers, architects and homeowners alike.

Check out the forecast here.

Let me guide you through these exciting Palettes.....

Ethereal For Light, Calm, and Airy Spaces

Soft, gentle pastels (greens, mauves, blush) paired with soft woods and sheer fabrics for serenity.

For interiors that feel restorative and dream-like, Ethereal offers soft, uplifting pastels that evoke calm and joy. The palette

blends delicate greens, blush pinks, and gentle blues to create serene, airy interiors.

Walls painted in Dulux 'Blue Shell' or Dulux 'Savin' provide a soothing backdrop for standout light fixtures or bold armchairs. Layer textures with rugs and soft throws to add tactile warmth without compromising the palette’s delicate feel.

Furniture in bleached or soft oak tones complements Ethereal’s pastel softness, while subtle metallics introduce light-reflecting accents for a sophisticated finish. For outdoor spaces, woven furniture seamlessly extends this airy, tranquil palette.

Colour Tip: Keep lighting soft and diffused.

For interiors that feel restorative and dream-like, Ethereal offers soft, uplifting pastels that evoke calm and joy. The palette blends delicate greens, blush pinks, and gentle blues to create serene, airy interiors.

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Elemental - Grounded, tonal palette with warm whites, caramels, and deep charcoals for stillness and structure, often seen with concrete and stone.

The Elemental palette embraces simplicity, calm, and enduring elegance. It draws from nature and slow-living principles. These warm neutrals, golden browns, and deep charcoals provide grounding, timeless backdrops for interiors.

Introduce Dulux Caramel 'Sundae' on feature walls or cabinetry, paired with timber furniture, curved forms, and woven rugs for depth and tactility. Floors in timber-look or joinery in walnut harmonise naturally with these tones, reinforcing a sense of rooted calm. Layer in artisan pieces, or ceramics, and wall art to add handcrafted character.

Colour Tip: Combine varied textures like linen, timber, stone, and woven fibres to highlight the palette’s understated complexity and create interiors that feel layered yet balanced.

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 Evoke - Rich, vintage-inspired tones (earthy pinks, mustard, deep blues/reds) celebrating individuality and imperfect charm. 

The Evoke palette is joyful, eclectic, and full of character. It celebrates individuality, curated clutter, and the charm of vintage-inspired spaces. These schemes that layer blush pinks, burnt oranges, golden highlights, and deeper jewel shades for rich, expressive interiors are dripping in character.

To bring Evoke to life, consider walls in Dulux 'Magic Melon' or Dulux 'Baked Clay', paired with tactile furniture or with soft velvets lounges, curved forms, and statement pieces. Layer in patterned cushions or throws alongside abstract or botanical art to create movement and personality, while timber furniture in walnut or oak provides grounding natural warmth.

In kitchens, dining areas and workspaces, wood cabinets in deep or muted tones, or benchtops in warm neutrals, can reflect Evoke’s energy while keeping spaces cohesive. Finish with Satin Brass or Satin Graphite hardware for thoughtful detailing.

Colour Tip: Use neutral tones such as Dulux 'Soft Fresco' or pale timber accents to balance intensity, allowing the bolder colours to shine without overwhelming a room.

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The Dulux forecast is a glorious hit of bold colour while moving beyond loud primary colours to create personality through depth, character, and meaningful materials. 

It signals a shift towards nature inspired hues, moving away from stark contrasts to embrace rich warm earth tones, rich greens, soft pastels and deep berry shades. The forecast is promoting emotional connection and calm in homes that are primarily overwhelmed by digital life.

• Key Themes & Palettes

  • Warmth & Comfort: A strong focus on emotional reassurance through warm, grounding colours, reflecting a desire to reconnect with nature and self.

  • Nature-Inspired Greens: A spectrum from soft spearmint and sage to deep olive, highlighting a connection to the outdoors.

  • Earthy Neutrals: Warm whites, creams, and taupe form the base for sophisticated, restful spaces.

  • Soft Pinks & Berries: Gentle blush, dusty rose, and deeper berry hues add personality and joy.

    
    
  
  

  Materiality & Style

  • Layering: Colour is layered with texture (plush fabrics, raw concrete, natural stone, soft oak) and light.

  • Tactile Surfaces: A move towards soft, inviting textures, complemented by touches of glass, chrome, and copper for modern balance.

  • Personalization: Palettes are designed for mixing and matching to allow for personal style and a sense of timelessness, rather than fleeting trends. 

  
  

I hope this helps make sense of colour and gives you some inspiration for the year. If you need a guide through the colour and décor or spatial planning of your home, for a renovation or new build, you know where to find me. I am proficient with remote design services and work with clients all over the country. If you are local, lets do it face to face.

All the best,

Lisa