2026 Paint Colour Trends — The New Baseline for Modern Comfort

These are the trends designers are forecasting, translated into spaces that feel cozy, stylish, and doable for homes with smaller footprints (townhouses, condos, etc.).

1. Earthy & Grounding Neutrals

Think: soft mocha, sandy taupe, mushroom beige, warm stone Where they shine in small spaces:

  • Living rooms where you want warmth without feeling boxed in
  • Open-concept main floors (keeps everything cohesive and calm)
  • Hallways, entryways, stairwells

These neutrals add depth without swallowing the room. They make narrow rooms feel intentionally cocooned rather than tight.

Try tones like:

  • Warm “Silhouette-inspired” umber (see below)
  • Soft greige with a brown undertone
  • Pale clay taupe

Pair with: Brushed brass, creamy linen, warm woods, artwork with black frames.

Source info:

  • Benjamin Moore’s Colour of the Year for 2026 is “Silhouette AF-655”, described as “an alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal, weaved in the 2026 palette”. Benjamin Moore+2Benjamin Moore+2
  • The 2026 palette from Benjamin Moore also emphasises “a return to timeless classics and thoughtful attention to detail.” Benjamin Moore+1
  • UK design commentary emphasises warm neutrals like sandy greige, brown-undertoned taupe as part of the 2026 trend wave. House Beautiful+1

2. Nature-Inspired Greens & Blues

Think: forest greens, muted teals, dusky blue-greens Where they shine in small spaces:

  • Accent wall behind sofa
  • Compact powder room for a “jewel box” effect
  • Townhouse kitchen island or lower cabinets
  • North-facing bedroom that needs a cozy, grounded feel

These deeper greens act like an anchor in open-concept layouts. They bring a sense of calm and depth without making the space feel smaller—when used intentionally.

Try tones like:

  • Forest green with a grey undertone
  • Muted herbal teal (not bright)
  • Warm moss-green leaning brown

Pair with: Black hardware, matte white counters, warm taupe walls, natural stone.

Source info:

  • According to the Canadian perspective of Dulux 2026 trends: “A dark, neutral, verdant green with a teal undertone … embodying hope, strength and renewal.” dulux.ca
  • UK design commentary launches the idea of “dark reds and burgundy…” but also highlights natural greens as upcoming. Ideal Home+1

3. Rich Reds, Plums & Modern Burgundy

Think: Jammy purples, deep wine tones, blackened berries Where they shine in small spaces:

  • Dining nooks
  • Reading corner
  • Small den or flex-room

Interior doors (trend alert!) A full room may feel intense—but a feature wall or a “colour-wrapped nook” looks luxurious and cozy. In narrower floorplans, these shades add soulful drama without overwhelming.

Try tones like:

  • Berry-plum with brown base
  • Burgundy softened by charcoal undertone
  • Muted cranberry

Pair with: Soft lighting, pale oak furniture, warm whites, brushed gold.

Source info:

  • According to UK design forecast: “Dark reds and burgundy shades are set to continue being one of the biggest colour trends in 2026.” Ideal Home

4. Soft Pastels & “Unexpected Neutrals”

Think: blush beige, soft peach, muted mauve, warm blush pinks Where they shine in small spaces:

  • Bedrooms
  • Home offices
  • Nursery or guestroom
  • Bathroom walls (especially with white tile)

These colours create a glow. They make a small space feel gentle, spa-like, and expensive—without the intensity of a saturated shade. Perfect for narrower second floors.

Try tones like:

  • Blush-neutral (dusty rose quartz rather than Barbie pink)
  • Peach with beige undertone
  • Soft mauve with brown grounding

Pair with: White oak, natural stone, matte black accents, neutral bedding.

Source info:

  • UK design commentary and “dirty neutrals” articles point to this shift away from stark white to warmer soft neutrals/blush-tones. House Beautiful

5. The Micro-Space Magic Palette

Tailoring 2026 colours specifically for townhouses/condos. Accent Walls That Don’t Shrink the Room:

  • Greens with a grey undertone
  • Plummy reds with brown warmth
  • Earthy caramel neutrals

Ceilings That Glow Instead of Lowering:

Soft blush, warm white, pale clay tone (makes ceilings look taller)

Doors as a Design Moment:

Painting interior doors in rich tones is trending big for 2026:

  • Dark burgundy
  • Forest green
  • Deep charcoal These add style without taking up any physical space.

Kitchens With Colour (Without Reno-Level Commitment):

  • Paint just the lower cabinets in muted green
  • Add a warm-neutral wall behind open shelves
  • Use soft pastels in a breakfast nook to warm the space

DISCOVER THE STARWARD ADVANTAGE