Colour Trends for Interiors in 2026: What’s Coming Next (and How to Use It at Home)

Every year, homeowners ask the same question: What colours are going to be in style next year?

As we look ahead to 2026, interior colour trends are shifting in a way that feels refreshing, grounded, and — most importantly — livable. Instead of chasing bold, short-lived statements, colour is becoming more thoughtful, more layered, and more personal.

From my perspective as an interior design professional working with homeowners across Toronto, Oakville, Vaughan, and the GTA, this shift makes perfect sense. People want homes that feel calm, intentional, and comfortable — spaces that support everyday life while still feeling beautiful and current.

Let’s take a closer look at the key interior colour trends emerging for 2026, how they’re being interpreted in Canada, and how to use them in a way that will still feel right years from now.

A Move Toward Warmth and Grounded Neutrals

One of the strongest themes heading into 2026 is a return to warmth. Paint brands and design forecasters are moving away from cool greys and stark whites, favouring instead earthy, grounded neutrals that feel softer and more welcoming.

Think warm off-whites, creamy beiges, light khakis, and subtle greige tones with depth. These colours work beautifully in our climate, where natural light can vary dramatically throughout the year — especially in the GTA.

Dulux Canada and Benjamin Moore Canada have both highlighted warmer neutrals as long-term foundation colours, noting that they pair more naturally with wood tones, stone, and layered textures. These hues are ideal for open-concept homes and condos, where one wall colour often flows through multiple spaces.

Soft Whites That Feel Lived-In, Not Stark

White isn’t going anywhere — but the way we use it is evolving.

For 2026, whites are becoming softer, creamier, and more nuanced. Instead of bright, clinical whites, designers are gravitating toward whites with subtle warmth that reflect light gently rather than sharply.

This is especially important in Toronto condos and newer builds, where white walls can easily feel cold or unfinished if the undertone isn’t right.

A warm white allows furnishings, artwork, and wood finishes to shine — and it creates a more forgiving backdrop for real life. These whites also work well when paired with layered styling, which I talk about in more detail in [How to Style a Room So It Looks Complete]

Nature-Inspired Greens and Earth Tones Take Centre Stage

As we move further into 2026, greens continue to dominate — but in a more refined, grounded way.

Rather than bright or trendy greens, we’re seeing an emphasis on:

• Olive and mossy greens

• Smoky sage tones

• Muted eucalyptus and lichen-inspired hues

  
  

These colours feel timeless, calming, and deeply connected to nature — something many homeowners are craving in busy urban environments.

Used on cabinetry, built-ins, or feature walls, these tones add depth without overpowering a space. They also pair beautifully with hardwoods, natural stone, and brushed metals.

In fact, this is where thoughtful planning becomes essential. As I explain in [Design Before You Build: Why Every New Home Needs a Designer’s Input on Plans] colour decisions like these work best when they’re integrated into the overall design — not added at the last minute.

Deeper Accent Colours with Purpose

While neutrals set the stage, 2026 also welcomes rich, moody accent colours — used intentionally and in moderation.

We’re seeing renewed interest in:

• Deep forest greens

• Warm charcoals

• Muted plums and wine-inspired tones

• Earthy clay and mineral-based shades

  
  

These colours are especially effective in spaces where atmosphere matters: dining rooms, powder rooms, libraries, and primary bedrooms.

The key is balance. Rather than painting entire homes in dark colours, designers are using them strategically to create contrast and visual interest. When paired with proper lighting and warm finishes, these tones feel sophisticated rather than heavy.

Playful Colour — Used Carefully

Canadian trend forecasts also point to a quieter form of playfulness entering interiors in 2026. Instead of loud statements, colour is being introduced through art, accessories, and soft furnishings.

This might look like:

• A warm blush or muted coral pillow

• Subtle pattern in drapery

• A piece of artwork that introduces colour without committing the walls

  
  

This approach allows homeowners to express personality without locking themselves into a trend they may outgrow — a strategy I often recommend during design consultations.

[Signature Interior Decorating Consultation – Toronto] is where many clients explore this balance between timeless foundations and personal expression.

What’s Falling Out of Favour

Understanding what’s fading is just as important as knowing what’s coming next.

In 2026, we’re seeing less enthusiasm for:

• Cool, flat greys used everywhere

• Overly stark, high-contrast black-and-white interiors

• Trend-driven colours applied without a broader design plan

  
  

These choices often date a space quickly — especially in renovations where finishes are meant to last.

As I often tell clients, colour trends should inform your decisions, not dictate them.

How to Use 2026 Colour Trends in a Timeless Way

The most successful interiors don’t chase trends — they interpret them.

A smart approach is to:

• Choose a warm neutral base that will age well

• Introduce trend-forward colours through accent walls, cabinetry, or furnishings

• Layer colour with texture and materials, not just paint

• Consider how light changes throughout the day and seasons

BONUS - My Top 10 Paint Colours for 2026

Benjamin Moore + Sherwin-Williams

Benjamin Moore – 2026 Standouts

1. Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)

A warm, timeless greige that continues to evolve with trends. In 2026, Edgecomb Gray works beautifully as a soft neutral base paired with richer, earth-inspired accents.

Best for: Living rooms, open-concept spaces, condos.

2. Pale Oak (OC-20)

A subtle, warm neutral with gentle depth — perfect for homeowners moving away from stark whites but not ready for colour.

Best for: Whole-home palettes, hallways, primary bedrooms.

3. Revere Pewter (HC-172)

Still relevant, but now used more selectively. In 2026, it works best when layered with warm woods and textured finishes.

Best for: Transitional homes, kitchens with warm cabinetry.

4. Balboa Mist (OC-27)

A light greige that reflects light beautifully without feeling cold — ideal for condos and north-facing rooms

Best for: Condos, smaller rooms, low-light spaces.

5. Saybrook Sage (HC-114)

A classic, nature-inspired green that aligns perfectly with the 2026 shift toward grounding, organic interiors.

Best for: Dining rooms, built-ins, feature walls.

Sherwin-Williams – 2026 Standouts

6. Accessible Beige (SW 7036)

A warm, approachable neutral that continues to be a designer favourite for cohesive, timeless interiors.

Best for: Open-concept homes, family spaces.

7. Shoji White (SW 7042)

A soft, warm white that avoids the starkness of bright whites — ideal for modern yet inviting interiors.

Best for: Trim, walls, whole-home palettes.

8. Evergreen Fog (SW 9130)

A muted green-grey that remains strong going into 2026, especially in kitchens and millwork.

Best for: Cabinetry, mudrooms, powder rooms.

9. Natural Linen (SW 9109)

A gentle neutral with warmth and depth — perfect for creating calm, layered interiors.

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, transitional spaces.

10. Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)

A rich, moody neutral used more intentionally in 2026 — ideal for accents rather than entire rooms.

Best for: Interior doors, built-ins, statement walls.

Want a curated shortcut? I’ve put together a free Top Paint Colours for 2026 guide featuring my favourite Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams picks — plus practical tips on where to use them, how light affects each shade, and common painting mistakes to avoid.

[Download the guide here]

“The best colour trends aren’t about what’s new — they’re about what still feels right five years from now.”

In 2026, the most successful interiors will be built on flexible, warm, and thoughtfully chosen paint colours — ones that allow furnishings, textures, and lifestyle to shine.

The 2026 colour trends reflect a deeper shift in how we design our homes — toward comfort, warmth, and intention. These palettes are less about making a statement and more about creating spaces that feel good to live in, day after day.

When chosen thoughtfully, colour becomes the quiet foundation that allows your home to feel cohesive, calm, and personal — now and in the years ahead.

If you’re considering a refresh, renovation, or new build in Toronto or the GTA, I always recommend starting with a plan. Colour decisions are far more successful when they’re part of a complete design strategy.

If you’re planning a renovation or new build, colour should be part of the early design conversation — not an afterthought. This is something I explore more deeply in [When to Hire an Interior Design Professional — and Why It Makes All the Difference]

And if you’d like help translating trends into something that truly works for your home, I’m always happy to guide you. Why not start with a discovery call?

Thanks for reading!

Lenore 🤍