For months, color forecasters have been predicting the home color trends that will define 2026. From earthy neutrals like Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki to Little Greene’s rich and plummy Adventurer, plus shades like Jade and Plum Noir featured in the 2026 Pinterest Palette, the vibe is decidedly cozier—proof that the tight grip Millennial gray and its ilk (looking at you, bright white and greige) have had on the design world for years is finally loosening. Shades that once signaled crisp sophistication and a modern gallery-like aesthetic are reading clinical and cold—and making way for warmer palettes.
We talked to an interior designer, a contractor, a color expert, and a Realtor to get their take on the 2026 color shift—and to share their best advice if, say, your walls happen to land on the cooler end of the spectrum.
Meet the experts:
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Catherine Shuman, founder of the Intentional Design Studio in Georgia
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Jon Scurry, founder of Palm Club Design Group in Florida
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Kayla Kratz, Sr. Director of Color & Design Strategy for BEHR Paint in California
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Jessica Fernandez, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in New Jersey
What’s out and what’s in:
Out:
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Millennial gray: “Cool-toned grays feel sterile and can actually increase feelings of anxiety and isolation,” says Shuman, who adds that she is “thrilled to see the gray era winding down!”
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Saturated jewel tones: “While beautiful in small doses, the intense saturation we’ve seen everywhere can quickly become visually exhausting,” says Shuman.
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Pure bright white: Stark whites are losing traction as many buyers now perceive them as cold or impersonal, Fernandez says.
In:
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Environment-inspired greens: Kratz says she sees these “easy-on-the-eyes, from-nature shades” growing in popularity.
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Warm neutrals: Soft taupes and teracottas, warm sands and muted clay create a relaxed atmosphere that instantly grounds a room, Scurry says.
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Creams & off-whites: Still clean and versatile, but with a softness that feels comforting and inviting, warm off-whites are becoming a go-to for creating a calm, lived-in feel, Kratz says.
What to do if you’re walls are gray:
While you can always paint, it’s not the only way to work the latest color trends into your home.
If you want to start small: Try textiles.
“The easiest way to test a new color is through textiles,” Shuman says. Bedding, pillows, rugs and curtains are all low-risk options when seeing how a shade feels in your home. And, if you want to double down on an organic, inviting feel, opt for natural-leaning textures— like linen, rattan, boucle—recommends Fernandez.
Shopping list:
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Dream Duvet Set – Sand, from $449 at Boll & Branch
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Casual Textured Fringe 24″x16″ Throw Pillow with Feather Insert – Shadow Sage Green, $40 at Crate & Barrel
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Ryder Terracotta Plush Rug – 8’x10’, $799 at Ruggable
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European Linen Curtain – Dark Flax, from $80 at Quince
If you want to take things up a notch: Layer in accessories.
Bring color to your home with objects that offer a bit more substance than cloth. Find some unique terracotta pottery, set out colored glassware or brighten things up with a sepia-hued table lamp. Art is another great way to soften white walls. These low-commitment ways to play with new hues offer little moments of joy—plus you notice how color works in your space, Kratz says.
Shopping list:
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Al Centro Ball Jug, $80 at West Elm
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Lenox Tuscany Classics Stackable Tall Glasses – Amber, $72 for four at Bloomingdale’s
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Amora Table Lamp