Can you believe we’re just days away from 2026? This is the time of year when I take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and set my sights on the goals ahead. It’s also when the industry begins rolling out the new Colors of the Year—a preview of the hues that will define interiors, products, and experiences in the months to come.
From my perspective as a product guru, what’s exciting about the 2026 announcements is that the colors are telling stories, not just decorating spaces. They lean toward evergreen, enduring design, prioritizing calm, adaptability, and emotional well-being. And I’m already seeing it come to life: Companies are creating products inspired by Pantone’s 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, and I’ve had the chance to see some of them come through my inbox.
Bernhardt Design, Blu Dot, and de Le Cuona reimagined a swivel chair, sofa, and panel throw. I’ve also received stunning offerings from Mohawk Group, Porcelanosa, Rugs USA, Gaspare Asaro, KFI Studios, Annie Selke, and Essem. All of these products are giving me a cleansing vibe, refreshing everything from bathrooms to communal spaces and lighting. What’s remarkable is that while Cloud Dancer evokes calm and clarity, each product’s design details remain intricate, thoughtful, and utterly beautiful.
The Big Picture
The 2026 Color of the Year landscape reflects a clear shift: We’re moving toward essentialism, emotional well-being, and purposeful expression. This isn’t about bold disruption or chasing fleeting trends; it’s about colors and products that last, feel right, and support the people using them.
Here are the trends I’m seeing take shape as we prepare for the new year:
1. Essentialist Neutrals For Timeless Commercial Interiors
Deep browns, khakis, and tailored neutrals are replacing flat grays. Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki and Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette AF-655 bring stability, craftsmanship, and quiet luxury, making them perfect for commercial and hospitality projects that need to age gracefully.
My takeaway? Clients are looking for palettes that will grow with their spaces, not fade into obsolescence.
2. Soft Whites as a Wellness-Driven Design Strategy
Soft whites are no longer just blank canvases—they’re intentional, experiential, and restorative. I love seeing Cloud Dancer used across products and interiors as a subtle emotional reset, supporting focus, calm, and clarity in our increasingly overstimulated spaces.
3. Emotionally Intelligent Color
Greens, blues, and jewel tones from Behr Paint and Brentano are selected for their emotional impact, not just aesthetic appeal. Products and finishes inspired by these hues are energizing yet grounding, helping us craft spaces that support human well-being and thoughtful interaction.
4. Optimism Re-Enters Shared Spaces
After years of neutral fatigue, yellows and warm accent colors are returning—but in measured, strategic ways. They bring confidence, joy, and creativity, particularly in collaborative or educational settings, without overwhelming the space. Ghent’s Marigold Color of the Year is a perfect example of optimism.
5. Material + Light = Color Experience
Color is no longer confined to paint alone. 3form’s 2026 materials palette encourages us to consider translucency, texture, and light interaction, giving products and interiors a dynamic, ever-evolving presence. Using light and color through glass and resin offers a refreshing color experience. I believe this is a trend we’ll see more of in the coming year.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2026, I encourage designers and specifiers to think beyond surface-level color. Consider how emotional resonance, material integrity, and subtle storytelling can elevate a space. From furniture to finishes, lighting to textiles, the products I’ve seen this season are a reminder that color can serve a purpose beyond a room refresh, changing the way people experience it.
So, as you plan your next projects, think about how you can leverage these colors to create calm, meaningful, and lasting environments. Personally, I’m already feeling inspired—and I can’t wait to see how the industry responds. As always, please share your projects and send product news to us so we can see what’s driving interior innovation and share your successes with our audience.
