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A trend preview straight from the experts
While we would never encourage repainting a room based on trends alone, it can be helpful to understand which paint colours will feel most current in our homes. And as we head into 2026, the biggest paint brands, from Dulux to Little Greene, predict that we will be reaching for deeper, richer and more impactful tones.
We've all had the memo that grey is slowly on its way out, but there is an almost unanimous consensus that it will be followed by a cohort of olive greens, espresso browns and romantic burgundies – colours that feel enduring and elegant.
'People are looking for something that's more timeless, something that feels really classic,' says Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore's director of colour marketing and development, who's own Colour of the Year, Silhouette, is a rich roasted coffee shade.
Below, we look at seven trending paint colours expected to gain popularity in 2026...
Lick's 2026 Colour Edit is a curated collection of eight sophisticated paint shades that embrace the familiarity and comfort of the past. Within the collection is the earthy Green 05 that possesses 'that deep, olive richness that makes a room feel cocooned and intimate – the perfect shade for creating a nurturing retreat,' says Tash Bradley, Lick's director of interior design.
The popularity of antiques – where you find deep walnut, mahogany and oak in abundance – has ignited an interest in rich wood tones. Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Colour of the Year Silhouette is an espresso brown with charcoal undertones.
'Browns have become very, very important… almost becoming a nice substitute to using black, or using charcoal, because [brown] has a little bit of a softer warmth to it,' Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore's director of colour marketing and development, tells House Beautiful.
Little Greene chose Adventurer as its 2026 Colour of the Year. According to creative rirector Ruth Mottershead, this regal aubergine shade is a step towards more confident jewel tones. It's an effective alternative to green or navy, with a similar sense of heritage.
Dulux crowned a trio of blues – Mellow Flow™, Slow Swing™ and Free Groove™ – collectively the 'Rhythm of Blues' as their Colours of the Year 2026.
'Rhythm of Blues is a family of colours that can soothe, steady or excite, depending on how you play it,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. 'This collection offers colours you can find peace in, and colours you can dance to, centred around three distinct rhythms to offer endless possibilities for changing the pace of your space.'
Neutrals with pink undertones reminiscent of a muddy clay are forgiving of cool light – perfect for withstanding British winters. Taupe 03 was Lick's choice for 2026, with Tash crowning it the 'go-to neutral – warm, soft and endlessly versatile, it creates a sense of comfort and elegance without ever feeling flat.'
In recent years, red has appeared in our homes in brazen letterbox accents, but looking forward, expect to see bright reds soften to a more sophisticated and liveable burgundy.
Graham & Brown's Colour of the Year 2026 Divine Damson 'brings a dramatic flair to any space, its subtle violet undertone adding a touch of refined elegance,' says stylist and trend specialist, Paula Taylor.
Mylands announced the robust Burlington Arcade™ No. 216 as its next Colour of the Year. Originally influenced by the historic shopping arcade in Mayfair, Burlington Arcade sits somewhere between green and blue, with a striking but fresh appearance.
CEO Dominic Myland calls the shade 'both reassuringly historic and modern,' offering 'a sense of comfort and escapism'.
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