Paint colors come and go each year and 2026 will be no exception. When it comes to knowing which colors are going to dominate though, there’s only one way to find out: by consulting the design pros.
We asked two interior designers to weigh in on which colors they predict will be everywhere in 2026, and they all have one thing in common—warmth. Here are seven colors designers are predicting for the new year.
Olive Green
The desire to connect with nature inside our homes remains strong and olive green paint will be a popular way of doing this in 2026, according to interior designer Arianna Castro.
“Olive brings that touch of nature people are craving in calm, balanced spaces,” she says.
It’s quiet and sophisticated, meaning it’s ideal for those who love their neutrals but also want a touch of color.
“Its timeless, elegant and perfect for the softer, more relaxed mood people are leaning toward after a hectic first half of the decade,” Castro says.
Bronze Ochre
Soft, sunny hues have been gaining popularity in 2025 but we’re now seeing a shift towards darker, bolder and deeper expressions of yellow. In particular, bronze ochre is a versatile shade that we’ll see a lot of next year according to interior designer Sarah Slade.
“It works beautifully in both north and south facing spaces because of its strength and it feels dominant without ever becoming overwhelming,” she says. “It’s a strong, adaptable color that brings a real sense of individuality.”
Sandstone Beige
If your interior style leans neutral, there’s good news for you. According to Castro, sandstone beige is going to be the go-to neutral shade next year.
“It’s becoming the new neutral for those who want warmth without heaviness, and that is why I see it gaining extra popularity in 2026,” she says.
Sandstone beige isn’t just for minimalists though. It’s also the perfect backdrop for bold and colorful accents.
“It’s one of those shades that makes everything else in the room pop without drawing too much attention,” Castro says.
Mahogany
When it comes to darker shades, our experts see mahogany taking over in 2026. This rich reddish-brown color brings all the warmth and comfort of red without being overpowering, like some saturated shades of red can be.
“Mahogany is incredibly warm and cocooning while still being refined without feeling heavy,” Slade says.
Evocative of natural wood tones, Slade especially sees mahogany being used for color drenching rooms as the shade “envelopes you in comfort while still keeping a smartness to the space.”
Terracotta
After years of cooler shades dominating in design, people want all the warmth and that’s where terracotta comes in.
Terracotta is a warm and soothing shade without too much pink or orange meaning it never feels too dominant in a room. Instead, it creates a cozy vibe.
“[It offers] the perfect balance of relaxed and inviting,” Castro says.
Midnight Teal
When it comes to blue paints in 2026, Slade predicts a departure from lighter blues to deeper, rich blue hues with green undertones like midnight teal.
“[It is] dramatic yet soothing, with enough depth to anchor a space without overwhelming it,” says Slade.
As a classic color, midnight teal feels right in any style of decor—from contemporary to traditional.
Sage Green
Sage green can lean cool and silvery but for Castro it’s the warmer end of this shade that will have a big moment in 2026.
“It inspires balance and an organic sense of ease, which feels especially relevant for 2026 as people look to make their homes more restorative,” she says.
Warm sage is a timeless and versatile color that can bring a touch of the outdoors into any room whether it’s a living room, bedroom, home office or kitchen.