Plus: New exciting and beautiful trends to anticipate
Last week’s Colormix 2026 Anthology Trend Report event at Sherwin-Williams gave industry insiders a sneak peek at what to expect in 2026.
While some trends have been ongoing, such as the demise of “buttery” yellow (as our June mini-blog reported “Which Yellow for Summer and Beyond?”), there were plenty of interesting shiny new tidbits.
The upcoming shifts reflect a response to ongoing emotional fatigue, with hues leaning to smokey, atmospheric, and calm.
A few tips for ’26:
- Purple will continue its upward trend of 2025, from pastels to dusky hues. (Lilac Dust Design approves; we love purple)
- Connections to the past provide color guidance for feelings of relief and stability. Look for bold, earthy colors like red ochre, found in ancient cave paintings, and the sea-blues of the 19th c. Impressionists, who took from the Ancient Greeks, who borrowed from their predecessors, the Ancient Egyptians.
- Darker colors are emerging as restorative, safe-feeling options, also suitable for commercial spaces, as they mute bright screens. Watch for dark olive greens paired with gold, reminiscent of the opulent Art Deco era.
With the trend reports focusing around colors, the 2026 Color of the Year came as an industry surprise: Universal Khaki, an earthy midtone neutral with a slightly yellow undertone. However, I can see how it’s not such a surprise, partially given the fact that Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse.
Originally derived from war times, with fashion comebacks in the 1970’s and ‘90s, Khaki has evolved to symbolize organic sustainability and functionality. It’s timeless, versatile, and goes with both neutrals and bold colors like Mediterranean for a personalized look grounded in comfort.
Want to refresh your space with beautiful yet sensible color schemes, but don’t know where to start? I’m a certified decorator and an ASID Affiliate Member (American Society of Interior Decorators). Ping me @info@lilacdustcolor.com. Chatting is free.
Work with me, and you’ll enjoy my Sherwin-Williams PRO+ paint discount, Wayfair Pro Designer, and Decorator’s Best fabric and wallpaper Trade Program designer discounts.
Now available: Check out our collection of Decorative Elements, for inspiration! Also – photos of our first commercial office space refresh in classy Sherwin-Williams neutrals. (Virtual Consulting) and a new River Condo refresh (Virtual Consulting) in Sherwin-Williams’ popular Snowbound, featuring all new paint, furniture and décor.
Follow Lilac Dust Design & Color Consulting LLC @lilacdustcolor on IG, LinkedIn, Yelp for Business and FB, for decorating tips and updates on industry trends.
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Photo of Universal Khaki SW 6150 Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams