The palette that will adorn homes in 2026: calm, texture and well-being
Soft, airy white awash with nuances marks the trend for 2026. Inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, the new colour language emphasises calmness, tactile experiences, and the joy of inhabiting spaces that feel like home.
Interiors in 2026 will move away from excess to embrace a more serene, sensory, and liveable aesthetic. The new colour palette is softer, more tactile, and connects with pleasant sensations, paving the way for next year’s decorating trends while responding to a clear need: to transform the home into an emotional refuge where balance, comfort, and enduring beauty are paramount.
In this context, Pantone presents its Colour of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, a light, flowing, and serene white tone. Every year, and always before the end of December, the announcement of the Colour of the Year is one of the most eagerly anticipated moments for the international creative community. Designers, interior decorators, architects, fashion brands, and technology companies await the revelation of the hue that will influence trends, collections, and projects throughout the year. This time, the spotlight falls on a white imbued with calmness.
Inspiration from the tones and colours of 2026
Neutral tones are evolving into warmer and more enveloping versions. Powdery beige, caramel shades, soft sands, and broken whites with creamy undertones are replacing cold greys, providing a more human and inviting sense of home. Additionally, these colours are easy to combine, making them ideal for walls, upholstery, and textiles, and they serve as a foundation for interiors designed for enjoyment without ostentation.
Alongside these, nature-inspired hues are gaining prominence. Moss green, sage, and soft olive evoke calmness and a connection to the outdoors, while desaturated blues, almost mineral-like, invite relaxation and visual silence, particularly in bedrooms, living rooms, and reading spaces. The palette is complemented by light browns, softened terracotta, and touches of cocoa or dry clay, which, when applied to details, furniture, or decorative pieces, add depth without disrupting the overall harmony of the space.