Our top 6 painting trends for 2026, and the colour of the season

Greens have definitely taken the stage in 2025 and look set to dominate paint trends in 2026 as well, with shades like khaki, sage, and matcha emerging as the go-to foundation colours for airy, balanced spaces. These tones help to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, infusing living areas with a calming, restorative atmosphere that helps the mind relax.

Look up – is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a beautifully-painted ceiling! No longer a beige afterthought, decorated ceilings are popular design features which look set to remain one of the key painting trends for 2026, whether it’s an interesting pattern, complementary colour capping, or an all-over colour drench. A statement ceiling is a bold design choice which adds depth and character to a room, helping to make compact spaces feel deceptively expansive. Use a brush like Harris’ Seriously Good Walls & Ceilings Angled Paint Brush for cutting around ceiling roses and coving to achieve a clean result. 

Adding quirky, playful motifs adds a touch of individuality and charm to any room, from hand-painted murals to colourful geometric patterns. Perfect for children’s rooms and creative corners alike, this uplifting trend encourages experimentation and personal expression, bringing joy and personality into everyday spaces. Bring your creativity to life using Harris’ Seriously Good Artist Paint Brushes 10 Pack for intricate details and final touches.

Comfort is the key to paint trends for 2026, with warm, earthy tones replacing the cooler neutrals of previous seasons. Terracotta, clay, caramel, and soft browns create a soothing, cocooning feel. Layered with gentle lighting and textured finishes, these hues create a soft ambience that feels both modern and timeless.

From airy blues to meditative indigo, deeper shades are being embraced for their versatility and emotional grounding. Expect to see more confident use of rich colours, plum, burgundy, and aubergine, for luxurious, moody spaces in bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways.

As people become more conscious of sustainable slow fashions and the impact of rampant consumerism, we predict a continuing push for real craftsmanship and quality pieces rooted in heritage – which will be reflected in 2026 paint colour trends through careful design choices. Deep blues, oxblood reds, and classic creams evoke a sense of heritage and belonging, pairing beautifully with tactile materials like wood, linen, and stone to add a sense of depth and storytelling to your home.

For 2026, Dulux has treated us to not one but three colours of the season underneath the umbrella of Soulful Blues, selecting a family of ‘calming and cooling shades’ to counteract the ‘chaotic and demanding’ pressures of daily life and encourage people to slow down, reflect, and recharge. The three colours are: 

• Rich, vibrant Free Groove™

• Airy, light blue Mellow Flow™ 

• Meditative, dark blue Slow Swing™ 

If you’re in search of paint trends for 2026 that can create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation whilst bringing a sense of space to a room, these colours are for you. Some complementary shades include: 

• Warm neutrals – sandy beiges, soft caramel tones, and warm taupes provide grounding contrast without competing

• Terracotta and rust – earthy oranges sit opposite blue on the colour wheel, creating vibrant energy

• Soft whites with warm undertones – think creamy whites rather than stark brilliant white, to soften the intensity

• Charcoal grey – for a more dramatic, contemporary pairing 

• Soft blush pink – creates a gentle, soothing contrast

• Natural wood tones – oak, ash and light timbers enhance the organic, calming quality