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Every year brings a new design mood, and 2026 is painting it softer, calmer, and more intentional.

The world of interiors is embracing a fresh wave of shades that reflect who we’ve become: mindful, expressive, and comfort-driven. Whether it’s bold accents or soothing neutrals, this year’s palettes are about balance between calm and creativity.

Paint and décor brands are already unveiling their “Colours of the Year,” setting the tone for modern apartments that feel both fresh and timeless. Let’s explore what’s trending and how you can bring these shades into your own space.

The Colour Forecast for 2026

While Pantone hasn’t officially announced its Colour of the Year, market experts predict that soothing yet expressive shades like sage green, smoky jade, or muted lavender will be popular. These colours strike the right balance: calm enough to relax in, but with enough personality to make a statement.

Indian paint brands are following the same direction. 

  • Asian Paints’ ColourNext 2026 is highlighting earthy, grounding tones to help urban apartments feel bigger and more serene. 
  • Berger is focusing on warm neutrals like honey beige and clay-inspired shades, perfect for cosy, modern homes. 
  • Nerolac embraces muted greens and soft pastels, giving homeowners versatile options to refresh smaller spaces without overwhelming them.

Sustainability is another key focus. Low-VOC paints and eco-friendly pigments are trending, helping homeowners update interiors in a way that’s both stylish and environmentally conscious.

Once you know the palette, the next step is putting it to use in your spaces. Here’s how 2026’s trending shades can transform each space:

Living Room: Paint one accent wall in a trending shade to make the room feel inviting. For example, a smoky jade wall paired with a cream sofa adds calmness while keeping it stylish. Neutral furniture keeps the balance, so the colour pops without overwhelming the space.

Bedroom: Bedrooms are all about rest. A clay pink accent wall behind the bed instantly creates a cosy, relaxing vibe. Add matching cushions or curtains in muted tones like sage green or soft lavender for a coordinated, serene feel.

Kitchen & Dining: Warm, earthy tones like terracotta or honey beige work beautifully in small kitchens and dining areas. Use them on a backsplash, open shelves, or decorative pieces. They add warmth and make compact spaces feel inviting and lived-in.

Bathroom: Matte pastel tiles or soft shades can give any bathroom a spa-like vibe. For instance, a wall with matte pastel blue tiles can make the space feel fresh and airy, while neutral accessories keep it modern.

Balcony or Nooks: You don’t need to paint walls to add colour. A sage green planter or a mustard-coloured cushion instantly brightens up a corner, making it feel cheerful without any big makeover.

Pro tip: Always test a small patch before committing. Light, room size, and furniture placement can change how a colour looks in your space.

Mixing and Matching Like a Pro

Once you’ve found the right colours, the magic lies in how you bring them together. Here’s how to create a balanced, beautiful mix: 

  • Pair with neutrals: Colours like ivory, beige, or muted grey act as a calming backdrop, letting accent shades like smoky jade or clay pink stand out without overwhelming the room.
  • Add metallic accents: Brass, rose gold, or matte black fixtures and décor pieces can add subtle contrast and depth. For example, a brass lamp against a sage green wall makes the colour pop elegantly.
  • Layer tones with décor items: Instead of painting every wall, use cushions, rugs, curtains, and wall art to bring your palette to life. A terracotta cushion on a neutral sofa or pastel-hued artwork in the bedroom creates visual interest instantly.
  • Test in different lights: Colours look different under sunlight and artificial lighting, so always check your choices before committing.

Pro tip: Stick to 2-3 main colours per room and use smaller accessories to vary the palette. This creates a cohesive, lived-in look without clutter.

Colour has the power to change how we feel in a space; it can calm, energise, or inspire.

Designers and brands alike agree that 2026 is about personal expression meeting practicality. While 2024 and 2025 saw bolder experimentations, 2026 brings balance, with colours that make homes feel alive and easy to live in.

According to Asian Paints ColourNext 2026 and Dulux trend reports, homeowners are moving towards adaptable palettes that work across different home types and lifestyles. Designers on social media echo the same: the best interiors are no longer about perfection, but about personality.

  • Urban apartments: Light, airy shades like sage green, clay pink, and dusty beige are helping small homes feel more open. Many homeowners are pairing these with floating wooden shelves, cane furniture, and warm lighting for a soft, organic finish.

  • Villas and larger homes: Deep emeralds, terracotta, and charcoal tones are being used to define zones, a dining wall here, a reading corner there. Mixed textures like linen drapes, brass fixtures, and rough stone finishes keep the space grounded yet luxe.

  • Rental-friendly interiors: The focus is shifting to removable design, peel-and-stick wallpaper, bold rugs, and coloured planters. These allow renters to follow trends without making permanent changes.

Sustainability also continues to guide 2026’s design direction. Low-VOC and eco-friendly paints are now widely available, helping you refresh your interiors responsibly. The bigger message? Choose colours that feel good, live well, and last long, because the best homes are the ones that grow with you.

Colours are more than decoration; they set the mood, comfort, and personality of your home. 2026’s palette makes it easy to refresh your apartment without major renovations. Use these trending shades thoughtfully, and your home will feel modern, cosy, and reflective of your personality, exactly the way a home should feel.

  1. What colours should I avoid if I want my home to feel calm and spacious?

    2. Avoid very dark or overly bright colours like deep reds, jet black, or neon tones in small spaces. They can make rooms feel smaller and heavier. Instead, stick to mid-toned or pastel versions of these shades for a softer, open look.

  2. How can I make my home look stylish year-round if trends keep changing?

    3. Choose timeless base colours like ivory, taupe, or warm beige and bring trends in through smaller, replaceable elements such as cushions, planters, or wall prints. This keeps your space flexible and on-trend without frequent repaints.

  3. Do colour trends really impact your mood or productivity?

    4. Absolutely. Studies show colours influence how we feel, soft greens and blues promote calm, yellows and terracotta add energy, while lavender and beige encourage focus. Choosing the right tones can make your home feel more balanced and inspiring every day.

Sources

Forbes | Berger Paints | LinkedIn

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