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Give your doorstep a refresh with these stylish shades
A freshly painted front door has the power to completely redefine your home’s exterior. It draws the eye, sets the tone, and creates an instant sense of style. Choose a colour that feels current and expressive — something that reflects your personality while giving your home a welcome boost in kerb appeal.
For 2026, the most fashionable hues all share a common thread. ‘There’s a growing trend towards paint colours that take their inspiration from nature but also bring a good dose of warmth and energy,’ says Natalie Mitchell, property expert at HomeHow.
Below, interior designers and colour specialists share the standout shades they predict will dominate in 2026, along with expert advice and styling tips.
From rich forest tones to soothing olive shades, green in all its forms is set to make a splash on front doors in 2026.
‘Green is a classic, versatile choice. It pops against red brick, sits beautifully on a country cottage, and can sit amongst any front garden scheme seamlessly,’ says Natalie Simone, interior designer at Morris and Milne.
For a country cottage finish, Natalie recommends Farrow and Ball’s Eddy or Little Greene’s Obsidian Green for a more contemporary edge.
Deep greens, in particular, suit Art Deco–style homes, which are also enjoying a revival — pair them with vintage hardware and stained glass panels for a beautifully cohesive finish. Green also harmonises naturally with foliage, whether that’s a simple seasonal wreath or a lush border of shrubs framing the doorway.
Love cosy autumn days and fiery leaves? Channel that same warmth year-round with an inviting orange front door.
‘We’ll see grown-up reds such as burnt orange adorning front doors,’ says Natalie Mitchell. While orange is set to take centre stage, rich dark browns and softer terracotta tones offer beautiful alternatives with similar depth and character.
These shades work best with neutral walls or pale stone to keep the look balanced and elegant. ‘Timeless tones with natural depth, such as light browns and beiges, can be enriched by hints of oranges,’ explains Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook. Complete the look with gold hardware and a woven doormat for a comforting yet polished entrance.
Pictured: Clarendon House number sticker, Purlfrost Window Film
Moody hues aren’t going anywhere in 2026, offering a beautiful way to bring drama to your doorstep. ‘I think we’ll see an increase in aubergine tones, which is a rich, warm choice that can also feel very grounded,’ explains Natalie Simone. ‘My top choices would be Farrow and Ball’s Brinjal or, what is on my front door, Valspar’s Ripe Mulberry. Match this tone with brass hardware and light pink tulips in terracotta pots.'
For a luxe look, dress your doorway with velvet-ribboned wreaths and perfectly pruned topiary trees to create a hotel-style finish. If aubergine feels a little daring, cherry red or wine red offer the same rich, sumptuous feel with a softer touch.
Butter yellow has been an enduring favourite, appearing everywhere from fashion runways to home interiors. However, when it comes to front doors, brighter tones tend to make the biggest impact. ‘We expect to see a move from buttery yellows to golden yellows that embody the hues of the afternoon sun,’ says Natalie Mitchell.
To balance the brightness, pair golden yellow with soft neutrals such as white or brown, or contrast it with deeper tones like navy blue or burgundy for added depth. Finish the look with a patterned or playfully shaped doormat — something that reflects your personality and enhances the cheerful, sunlit feel of this colour.
Nature-inspired blue and green hues have dominated in 2025, and in 2026, they’re set to join forces. ‘Teal works well on doors as it contains an even balance of green and blue,’ says Natalie Mitchell. ‘It’s both tranquil and energising, and helps to create a positive and welcoming exterior.’
When styling this bold, uplifting shade, look to natural materials such as wood for an earthy contrast, or pair it with crisp whites and deep navy for a more refined, sophisticated look.
Plants like lavender and white hydrangeas will stand out beautifully against teal, adding a touch of elegance — and a gentle fragrance — to welcome guests in style.
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