We asked designers one big question: What color palettes will clients gravitate toward in 2026? Their answers point to a year defined by grounded tones, rich layers and a few unexpected bursts of color along the way. Read on for the interior design color trends set to shape 2026.
2026 Interior Design Color Palettes, According To Designers
Warm + Welcoming
"Our clients are gravitating toward nature-inspired warm neutrals—think wheat, caramel, terracotta, and warm grays with taupe and greige undertones. These aren't the cool grays of the past decade; these are colors that feel cocooning and grounded. We're also seeing pops of burnt umber, clay and dusty sage as accents. These earthy palettes create depth without overwhelming, and they pair beautifully with natural wood tones and organic textures."
- Anne Marie Ostmeyer and Kristine Perry | Slifer Designs | Edwards, CO
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This cozy mountain living room by Slifer Designs boasts a Huntington House sectional, an Interlude sheepskin chair and a Century Furniture coffee table.
Au Naturel
"Terracotta and clay tones are gaining momentum in 2026. Rich terracotta shades pair beautifully with natural wood, woven textures, and creamy organic materials, and work especially well in cozy spaces like a den, library, or bathroom to add warmth and depth."
- Dvira Ovadia | Dvira Interiors | Dallas, TX
Color-washed in terracotta hues, this lounge by Dvira Interiors exemplifies the earth-toned style that remains in vogue in 2026.
Organic Hues
"Clients are gravitating toward warm, nuanced palettes that feel grounded and sophisticated instead of stark or overly neutral. Earth-inspired tones like clay, ochre, mossy greens, and softened blues are especially appealing for their depth and emotional warmth. These hues are often layered with warm whites and natural finishes to create spaces that feel elevated, comfortable and inviting."
- Ryan Kirk Kopet | Miles & Kirk | Chattanooga, TN
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Miles & Kirk layered materials throughout this kitchen to create a soft, homey atmosphere. Styling by Ginny Branch.
Moody Moments
"We’re seeing clients move away from the idea that every space needs to feel bright and neutral. Instead, they’re gravitating toward colors that feel emotional and grounding, tones that create atmosphere and personality within a home. Even in smaller spaces like pantries, powder rooms and mudrooms, thoughtful color choices can transform everyday rooms into moments of surprise and delight."
- Danielle Chiprut | Danielle Rose Design Co. | Rockville Centre, NY
Danielle Rose Design uses Vintage Vogue by Benjamin Moore beneath a floral wallcovering in this layered powder room in Roslyn, New York.
Tonal Spaces Galore
"In 2026, I think we’ll continue to see palettes that feel grounded and natural—layered neutrals, earthy greens, warm browns and mineral tones like clay, oxblood and deep blue. Rather than high-contrast color stories, the trend is moving toward tonal spaces where walls, millwork and textiles sit within the same family of color to create depth and calm."
- Brittany Hakimfar | Far Studio | Bryn Mawr, PA
Far Studio designed this moody den with walls painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball.
Grounded Earth Tones
"I expect to see an expanded exploration of greens in 2026—everything from smoky olives to rich moss and soft celadon. Designers continue to gravitate toward colors that feel both grounding and alive. At the same time, I think we’ll see far more daring and unexpected pairings; I’ve always loved a good clash, and combinations that feel slightly discordant at first often bring the most vitality and sophistication to a space."
- Abigail Kahan | Abigail Kahan Design | Montvale, NJ
In this neutral dining room, Abigail Kahan uses Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27 to establish a grounded atmosphere.
Rich Palettes
"In 2026 we’re seeing a continued shift toward warm, nature-inspired palettes—layered neutrals, earthy greens, and rich blues & charcoals paired with materials like wood, stone and terracotta. These tones add depth and softness while keeping interiors feeling timeless and grounded."
- Trish Lynn | Colette Interiors | Chatham, NJ
Colette Interiors painted this dining room project in Chatham, New Jersey in Benjamin Moore Ashwood Moss.
Intriguingly Immersive
"In 2026, color palettes are moving toward richer, more expressive combinations such as merlot reds, oxblood, plum and deep teal layered with warm metals and dark wood tones. Spaces like this powder room embrace that direction by pairing saturated burgundy wallpaper with jewel-toned stone and brass accents, creating a dramatic, immersive environment."
- Mark Schubert | M2 Design Lab | Chicago, IL
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Moody hues give this powder bathroom a bold sensibility courtesy of designer Mark Schubert.
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The Bright Side
"In 2026, clients are moving away from safe, all-neutral palettes and toward color that feels intentional and energizing. We’re seeing a return to bright, high-contrast combinations—think turquoise paired with chartreuse, or pink layered with blue—often grounded by crisp whites to keep it feeling fresh. These palettes feel optimistic and expressive, and honestly? We’re very here for it."
- Jenna Gross | Colordrunk Designs | Atlanta, GA
Jenna Gross creates a vibrant primary bedroom in Birmingham, Alabama consisting of a custom headboard, wallpaper by Aux Aubris, lamp by Hwang Bishop and bedding by Sullivan + Phenix.
Feminine Flair
"We’ve been using a lot of mauve tones recently, and I think we’ll continue to see variations of it trending in 2026. In a recent “her” closet we color-drenched the entire room in a soft mauve (Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon), and paired it with a delicate floral wallpaper on the ceiling, creating a beautiful, feminine energy."
- Alissa Johnson | Alissa Johnson Interiors | Chicago, IL
This closet by Alissa Johnson Interiors features Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon. Photographer Assistant: Tara White. Styled by Kimberly Swedelius and Stylist Assistant Mel Romanski.
Layered + Timeless
"We tend to gravitate toward paints that have a lot of depth to them, so brands like Farrow & Ball and Portola Paints come up often in our projects. Colors like Farrow & Ball’s Elephant breath's and Drop Cloth, along with warm limewash tones from Portola, work beautifully because they feel soft and dimensional rather than flat. They pair especially well with natural materials and help a space feel layered and timeless."
- Jen Dean | Jede Interiors | Orem, UT
Cool Tones Meet Warm Accents
"We expect to see palettes that layer cool tones with warmer accents, creating interiors that feel balanced and atmospheric rather than overly crisp. In this Southport, Connecticut sitting room, dusty blue and blue-green tones are paired with warm-mustard upholstery and natural wood, illustrating the kind of tonal contrast that is resonating with clients right now."
- Elana Tenenbaum Cline | Carta Creatives | Southport, CT
Layered tones of dusty blue and paired with warm-mustard upholstery illustrate the tonal palettes increasingly requested by clients of designer Elana Tenenbaum Cline of Carta Creatives.
Pretty In Pink
"I'm really loving dusky pinks, warm ochres and rich aubergines currently. We will always love saturated colors but we're seeing more dusky colors with a bit of mood to them."
- Lindsey Herod | Lindsey Herod Interiors | Houston, TX
This home's personal closet designed by Lindsey Herod boasts walls finished in Sherwin Williams' Gracious Rose.
'Chameleon Colors'
"I think we’re going to see a lot more purples and mauves, but rich, fresh blue-greens will also be making an appearance. Blues and greens have been popular for a long time, but these new bold blue-greens feel fresh and forward-thinking—chameleon colors that shift depending on what they’re paired with."
- Sydney Katz | SDK Architecture | Washington, D.C.
"Little Greene is a British paint company and a relative newcomer to the U.S., which means their colors haven’t yet saturated the market—always a plus when you want something fresh and new," shares designer Sydney Katz. "In this laundry room, we used Little Greene's Salix on the walls, a neutral blue-green-gray that can feel warm or cool depending on what it’s paired with. The cabinetry is Pleat and the pantry is Etruria."
Color Washing Isn't Just For Eclectic Palettes
"Go for neutrals, but color wash them. White doesn’t have to be boring, but to create a serene and elevated space it’s important to use the same color on all paintable surfaces."
- Anna Kroesser + Amelia Strat | Kroesser + Strat Design | Larchmont, NY
This Williamsburg, Brooklyn townhouse by Kroesser + Strat Design features Portola Paints' Parliament in both traditional and limewash styles.
Purple Hues Are Making A Comeback
"On the lighter end of the spectrum, I think lilac is ready for a resurgence. We designed a bedroom in Sherwin-Williams’ Silver Peony, fully embracing its softness and femininity in a way that feels fresh rather than overly sweet."
- Nicole Zarr | Nicole Zarr | Houston, TX
A Houston guest suite designed by Nicole Zarr features Sherwin-Williams' Silver Peony.
Inviting Shades That Add Depth
"Lately, I’ve noticed my projects gravitating toward warm, inviting tones—whether it’s soft whites and beiges or richer shades like deep chocolate brown, sage green, mushroom or caramel. Earthy colors with warmth and depth create spaces that feel calm, serene, and comforting—like coming home to a big, cozy hug."
- Amy Kalikow | Amy Kalikow Design | New York, NY
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Cream tones envelope this living room by Amy Kalikow Design.
