Farrow & Ball doesn’t only make some of the best paint for your walls, but it’s also a popular go-to for front door paint colours. And if you’re thinking of giving your front door a makeover and make it stand out from the rest on your street, then why not take inspiration from the most popular Farrow & Ball front door colours of 2026?

This is the perfect time of year to give some thought to new front door colour ideas and seriously elevate the look of your home’s entrance. Giving your front door a fresh lick of paint in a sophisticated shade is one of the best and easiest ways to make your front door look expensive. Just make sure to stick to either the exterior eggshell or full gloss finish when shopping for front door paint at Farrow & Ball.

I’ve asked Michael Rolland, managing director and paint expert at The Paint Shed, one of Farrow & Ball stockists, for the most popular front door colours from the famous paint brand – and these are the 3 he shared with me.

1. Bold reds

Even though the very classic primary red is a front door colour going out of style this year, alternative shades of red are thriving. Farrow & Ball reds included.

‘Red is warm, energetic and attention-grabbing – it’s also the colour of love,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says. ‘For that reason, it is great for giving the impression that “this is more than a house, it’s a home”. Farrow & Ball's Romesco is a popular colour at the moment, which suggests these kinds of homeowners have a fashionable, passionate and perhaps even a slightly fiery side.’

2. Deep blues

Blues of all shades are generally one of the biggest colour trends of 2026. And when it comes to front door ideas specifically, deep, dark blues are the ones that people are favouring, whether that’s navy or royal blue.

‘A royal blue front door exudes elegance and a touch of regality. Shades like Farrow & Ball's Blue Maize nod to iconic doors, such as that from the Notting Hill film. These blues are timeless, bold and a great colour choice, complementing period properties by combining the classic with a modern punch. These colour doors are usually found on Victorian homes in the UK,’ Michael explains.

3. Earthy greens

Green has been one of the most popular colour choices for front doors for a few years now. And it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Earthier shades of green are currently the go-tos, whether that’s sage green, olive or a dark, smoky shade like Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke.

‘A sage green like Farrow & Ball's Ball Green suggests owners value a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Its soft, cottage-like vibe brings a sense of calm, as green’s natural associations suggest freshness and balance. This colour gently lifts your mood and enhances happiness,’ Michael says.

What colour are you going to be painting your front door this year?

The Y2K revival charged back into fashion during lockdown and has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down since. And the latest outdated trend to become cool again? Turquoise. Although experts say this hue never actually goes out of fashion, provided you know how to style it well.

Blue was always destined to be one of the biggest colour trends of 2026, but I never expected that particular hue to be turquoise. But I’ve been seeing this bold, summery shade everywhere, from the racks of my favourite clothes stores, to the homes of my favourite influencers online.

This retro colourway is perfect for the summer months. It’s striking and refreshing, while offering some early 2000s nostalgia. Here’s how you can make it work in your home in 2026.

Why is turquoise trending?

If you’ve been seeking new blue bedroom ideas or blue living room ideas, turquoise is the curveball shade you should consider if you’re looking for a paint shade that packs a punch (and delivers on nostalgia). You probably remember turquoise’s last reign of popularity back in the 2000’s, but it actually has its roots in mid-century design.

‘The trend for turquoise dates back to as early as the 1950s, where a bathroom drenched in the shade was a common sight, as tiles, basins, sinks and baths were all blocked in colour. The shade was also common for kitchen appliances and accessories to add a pop of colour to more muted backdrops,’ explains Donna Taylor, colour and design manager at Johnstone’s Paint.

‘Last in the limelight in the late 2000s, the hue plays on nostalgia trends for Millennials and older Gen Z who are looking to decorate their first homes, with a 100% increase in Pinterest searches for turquoise colour inspiration in the last month alone.

‘This nostalgia movement, paired with the ongoing popularity of maximalism, has put turquoise back at the top of the wish list for those looking to redecorate this summer. The colour carries a playfulness and packs personality with its warm tone that blends blue and green to reach a vibrant middle ground,' Donna continues.

‘The Y2K movement is seeing people reflect on the 2000s and bringing back old trends. Capturing the essence of revisiting your inner child, turquoise is a fun, vibrant shade, and that’s why people love it!’

How to style turquoise in 2026

If your inner child is itching to add a splash of colour to your home, we say go for it. Turquoise will not look dated if you style it via a 2026 lens. Period. For this, it works best as an accent colour. You can even use it as your own ‘red thread’, adding pops of the colour throughout your home for a cohesive look.

‘Today, we're seeing turquoise used in ever more sophisticated and versatile ways. From colour drenching to feature walls and painted furniture, to using as an accent to rooms painted in warm colours like gold, clay red and pink shades,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

‘And for those looking to make more of a statement, turquoise can also be paired with sunny yellows, like Pale Citrus, or orange tones, such as Copper Blush, to create a vibrant, summer holiday-inspired palette.’

Donna agrees, again stating that turquoise performs well as an accent colour in modern homes. However, she does say it pairs well with lighter blues and cool pinks, such as Johnstone's Pink Cadillac (£18, Argos).

‘Turquoise often works well as an accent rather than the main colour in a room. This could be a feature wall, or to brighten up furniture like coffee tables, bookshelves or sideboards to add some personality,’ she says.

‘If you’re not sure how turquoise will fit into your home, start with some cushions and a throw to get used to it at first, before you start getting the brushes ready.’

Shop the turquoise trend

I personally think the turquoise trend is perfect for summer, bringing holiday vibes to the comfort of your own home. And by carefully using it as an accent colour in your home, you’ll extend its lifespan long after the holiday season ends.

Farrow & Ball's paint shades have become famous in their own right. Many of the instantly recognisable shade names have heritage roots and have been firm favourites for many years now, but there are a few new entries that are becoming just as popular - Scallop being one of them.

The soft, pale pink hue is quickly taking the reins from Farrow & Balls' Setting Plaster and Sulking Room Pink, and its perfect home is in our kitchens.

Light pink shades have recently become somewhat of a neutral, used for drenching walls and cabinetry in a kitchen to add warmth and a subtle wash of colour. I've asked the experts exactly how to use this new shade in a kitchen and how to style it for a stylish and inviting cooking space.

'Farrow & Ball's Scallop is popular because it’s the perfect neutral – subtle, warm, creamy, and ideal for a base,' explains Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed.

Scallop comes into its own in a kitchen. Light, bright, and inviting is always the aim for a cooking space, and scallop bounces light around the room for a spacious atmosphere regardless of the size of your kitchen.

'Scallop is the perfect neutral for a kitchen colour scheme, especially one with plenty of light. Colour-drenched, this ballet-slipper pink brings cohesion to a kitchen, especially when used alongside gentle, easygoing shades and prints,' Michael adds.

We often see kitchens drenched in pale pink, and Scallop is the perfect shade to try this look out with. If you've felt unsure about trying out pink, opting for a pale shade will ease you in.

'Scallop is incredibly versatile. It can be used as the main event and flooded over walls, but it can be just as powerful as an added detail. On doors, window frames, or wooden furniture, it provides the perfect touch of the genteel,' Michael adds.

Using Scallop on kitchen walls will create warmth while allowing you to keep cabinets more neutral, creating a balanced look that is spacious, light enhancing yet still visually interesting.

Pale pink hues like Scallop are really easy to pair with a number of different shades. Neutral colour palettes are an obvious choice, while tonal shades of burgundy and red will be right on trend for 2026.

'If you’re looking for something less earthy than the perennially popular, Scallop delivers in spades, it’s gentle enough to read overly pink and dirty enough not to co me across to saccharine. See it as a pink-flecked neutral,' explains Paddy O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball's global brand ambassador.

'As with many pinks, it loves being paired with stronger colours such as browns (think Broccoli Brown), Khaki greens (Dibber) or dirty grey-ish blues like de Nimes. This pale pink happily marries with colour families but if you ant something pale and soft, try with the simplest All White for a delicious fresh look or for something bolder, team with the burnt orange Marmelo as an accent,' he recommends.

How to style Scallop in a kitchen

As Paddy explained, there are so many complementary colours to pair with Scallop, depending on your taste and intended look. Cream and brass accessories will look especially bright next to Scallop, whereas richer colours will create a more dramatic effect.

Farrow & Ball has a mastermind ability to create the 'it' shades that feature in the most stylish homes - these 3 Farrow & Ball colours that are best used in small kitchens will provide plenty of inspiration for your next project.

There's been a colour renaissance in kitchens in 2026, but what if colour simply isn't your thing? Minimalism often gets a bad rep, but when done right, it can be just as warm and inviting as a bold kitchen colour scheme.

This kitchen, as designed by homeowners Alice and Jason with the help of Lick, is the perfect example of how a warm minimalism scheme can be achieved. While the components are pared back and rooted in functionality, the kitchen design certainly isn't lacking style or depth.

Here's how they designed a minimalist space that is perfectly set up for family life.

'Alice and Jason's home is a great example of warm minimalism done well. Throughout the property, there's a clear thread of earthy browns, soft creams and blues that creates cohesion from room to room. Rather than feeling stark or overly pared back, the home feels warm, lived-in and inviting. A careful balance between colour, texture and simplicity,' explains Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick.

'The warm timber tones, natural flooring and textured finishes in the kitchen bring character and depth, while the restrained palette keeps the space feeling calm and uncluttered,' she adds.

The key to achieving a minimalist scheme that has tonnes of warmth, as opposed to feeling cold and uninviting, is to dabble in different textures. Flatness is the fastest route to an uninspiring space, whereas this kitchen still feels interesting despite simple design ingredients.

Plywood is a core part of any Scandi-inspired kitchen design. These simple wooden cabinets, often with integrated handles, have a visually unobtrusive look

'The Plykea cabinetry shows exactly how natural materials can add warmth without overwhelming a space, and the blue accents bring a connection to nature, adding colour that feels organic and timeless rather than imposed,' Tash explains.

'Warm minimalism is really about restraint rather than absence. It's not about stripping everything back, but being intentional with colour, materials and styling choices. The thing that makes it work here is repetition. Alice and Jason have carried the same palette through the whole home, which creates continuity and makes every space feel considered.'

So how can you replicate this aesthetic in your own kitchen? If you want to achieve a minimalist look but also want (or need) your cooking space to feel lived-in, these takeaways from Alice and Jason's design will provide inspiration.

'In smaller kitchens, try darker lower cabinets with open shelving above, then colour drench the shelving and walls in a lighter shade of the same tone. The thing open shelving does that cupboards never can is give a kitchen personality,' Tash recommends. 'Alice and Jason's home is a great example of this — the warmth you feel in the space comes as much from the personal touches on display as it does from the materials and colour choices.'

The tiles in Alice and Jason's kitchen is one of the most transformative parts of the design. In the same tonal colour palette as the wood tones of the cupboards, it ties the space together and adds dimension.

'You don't need to spend a lot to get tiles right,' Tash says. 'A handmade tile catches light differently throughout the day, a fluted or relief tile adds dimension to a flat surface, and even a simple brick-lay pattern in a classic metro tile can add far more character than a standard straight lay.'

Looking to find tiles on a budget? Tash's top tip of sourcing secondhand is a genius solution to keeping costs down.

'Facebook Marketplace is brilliant for sourcing new and vintage tiles, particularly if you only need a small amount for a kitchen splashback or above a bathroom sink. People regularly order more than they need, so there are often great bargains to be found. Leftover tiles are also useful for lining niches or refreshing furniture, a simple way to carry materials through a home and add cohesion without buying anything new,' she explains.

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Looking for more inspiration for your next kitchen project? The very best kitchen trends for 2026 include ideas for every style and budget.

Pink has been one of the hottest kitchen trends over the past few years. What was once hailed as a girlish shade reserved for bedrooms and powder rooms is now a mainstay in communal rooms around the home - but is it now becoming au fait?

Once a colour trend trickles down to the mainstream, it's only natural that we begin to look for the next best thing. As we've become more comfortable with using pink, pale variants of the shade are being seen as neutral palettes that are easy to integrate into a scheme. So we're due a bolder look to replace the once divisive nature of pink.

That leaves us to linger on the question - what is replacing pink kitchens in 2026? I've asked kitchen experts which colours they see stealing the limelight so that you can begin planning your next project.

In a kitchen, creating warmth without sacrificing spaciousness is a delicate balance. You want a cooking space to feel inviting and enveloping, but the darker kitchen colour schemes that do this will often make a room feel smaller than it is. Pale pink, however, has warm undertones that make it feel cosy while being light enough to enhance the sense of space.

'According to our recent market research, consumers continue to gravitate towards pale pink shades as a sophisticated alternative to traditional neutrals such as beige and grey. These softer tones provide the same sense of versatility while introducing a subtle warmth and individuality that helps create a more inviting living space,' explains Tom Howley, creative design director at Tom Howley.

While pink is still an excellent choice for a kitchen, you might want to follow new trends more closely.

'We’re seeing a shift from blush pinks to deep reds such as wine and oxblood, especially on statement cabinetry and islands,' Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, explains.

The beauty of this shift to pink's 'older sister' is that there are still so many variants of the shade to choose from. A shade of burgundy with purple undertones leans into an aubergine palette, whereas red shades with a blue base, as shown above, will have a more classically red appearance.

'Burgundy kitchens are going to be huge this year. Moving away from the dark blue kitchens, burgundy adds more warmth and depth than dark blue - it's a creative spin on the traditional kitchens. What’s so appealing about burgundy - like Purple 03 - is it's a really warm, cosy colour and works wonderfully when used to drench a room or even as an accent colour to add contrast,' explains Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick.

You can style it just like pink, too. Al from Olive & Barr adds, 'Warm woods such as dark oak and walnut are replacing the cooler tones of recent years, adding depth and heritage. Finishes are also becoming more tactile, with low-sheen paints, honed marbles, and softly veined quartz that delicately reflect the light. Overall, homeowners are desiring a kitchen design that feels more layered and refined.'

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Wine red shades also tap into the edible kitchen colour trend - from cherry tones to herby green hues, a food-inspired colour palette might just be what your kitchen needs.

Over the last few years, green and pink have been the ultimate playful trending colour pairing. The contrasting colour scheme was everywhere (I've even adopted it in my own home). While this colour combo will always look good, if you're looking for a more trend-led colour combo, this year it's all about pink and red. This trending colour combo has been the breakout trend of 2026, and I'm confident it will continue into 2027.

Pink and red have both undergone a renaissance in the last year, emerging as two of the biggest colour trends of 2026. However, it's the bold and playful pairing of the two shades that is taking off in a big way this summer.

Pink and red are a colour combination I'd have grimaced at a few years ago, with bad memories of bright pinks and reds paired together in the 90s and early noughties. But, all it took to change my mind was a trip to the Instagram-famous Margate House to see their new pink and red colour palette created with COAT Paint. The combination of muted plaster pinks, raspberry pink and deep, rich reds was a masterclass in how these tonal shades could be used to create a scheme that feels fresh, stylish and comforting.

'Pairing pink and red can feel like a bold, even perhaps risky choice. But the combination of pink and red works surprisingly well together when the balance is right. Since both colours belong to the same family, the key is to make the pairing feel intentional,' explains Rob Abrahams, founder of COAT.

Little Greene's Creative Director Ruth Mottershead adds that the pink and red colour combination trend is the perfect way to add more joy and personality to a room. 'There remains a strong appetite for colours that spark happiness and joy, and this combination will do just that,' she explains. 'Even a small touch of this joyful colour pairing can introduce personality and positivity to a room.'

How to pair pink and red paint

Like Rob said, the secret to making this trending colour combo right is getting the balance of the red and pink right. 'We’re seeing softer, chalkier pinks paired with richer, earthier reds. This works especially well because they create contrast without overwhelming a space,' he explains.

If you want to choose a foolproof red and pink colour combination that will age well, Rob recommends opting for muted or earthy colour variations that you can balance with classic neutrals.

If you think of pink as a neutral and your red as the statement colour, it will make working out how to pair them together much easier. In fact, Ruth from Little Greene sees this combination trend as a natural evolution of the 'unexpected red theory' trend, which is all about not being scared to include bold pops of red on a wall or through a cushion or table lamp.

'The rise of the 'unexpected red theory' has encouraged a more playful use of red, adding pops of red in accessories, furniture or on walls. Pairing red with pink is a playful and energetic approach to incorporating a true red. As a lighter shade, pink shares a sense of warmth with red, creating both contrast and tonal harmony,' she explains.

For a joyful scheme, Ruth recommends pairing a primary red with a soft pink. 'Powerful Atomic Red will create real impact when paired with softer romantic pink such as Confetti,' she says.

For a softer and more luxurious look, she recommends a deeper red combined with a muted pink. 'Consider deeper red, such as burgundy or aubergine, combined with more muted paler pinks. Their higher contrast combinations, such as deep red Arras with plaster-like Castell Pink or sumptuous Adventurer with restful Dorchester Pink, will exude warmth, sophistication and a sense of luxury,' Ruth adds.

How to use pink and red in a room

'One of the easiest ways to pair these two colours confidently is to let one shade take the lead while the other acts as an accent. For example, a muted plaster pink, such as our Dirty Sherbert, with a deeper red, such as our Wilderness Hill. Both are part of our COAT x Margate House collection,' explains Rob.

This could be as simple as covering the wall in pink and using the red to pick out architectural features, such as a window reveal, a skirting board or even an ensuite bathroom, to create a peek-a-boo colour effect. Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young, used a similar approach when adopting the colour trend in her home office. She used Little Greene's Masquerade - Mid, a subtle plaster pink, on the walls and Arras, a deep red paint, on the built-in shelves to create a dramatic backdrop behind her desk.

Alternatively, Paula Taylor, stylist at Graham & Brown, says, 'colour capping is the perfect way to pair red and pink together. It creates a tonal escalation within the same colour family and offers a subtle evolution from full colour-drenching.'

However, if you're feeling really brave, why not flip the script and use the red as your main colour and a gorgeous raspberry pink as the accent colour in the artwork and upholstery?

Paint is not the only way to add this colour pairing to your home. Upholstery, curtains and table lamps are a brilliant way to add a shot of red or pink, and a subtler way to test out this colour trend.

I recently painted my living room in a plaster pink, and I have dotted a few red items around the room, including a footstool, photo frame and a cushion to brighten up the space and make the pink feel fresher and more modern.

Items such as the glossy cherry red Addison Ross Bobbin Lamp or Next's red wavy pine mirror are ideal for adding a shot of colour into a pink room and dabbling in the trend. Here are a few other pieces that will add this colour combo to your home without committing to a repaint.

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Don't be scared to dive straight in with the paint as this is a colour combo the paint experts are confident will stick around. 'Ultimately, the appeal of pink and red lies in the warmth and richness they bring to a home, and that’s something we don’t see disappearing anytime soon,' says Rob at COAT Paint.

Will you be adding this joyful pairing somewhere in your home?

We often hear about our homes feeling cold and uninviting, but the opposite can be just as much of an issue. In our kitchens, so much emphasis is placed on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, but what happens when our paint choice is a little too warm?

Kitchens that feel smaller than they really are, enclosed or even claustrophobic are often signs that your kitchen colour scheme isn't quite right. A cooking space should feel inviting, but also open and spacious.

Another warning sign might be that your walls don't work in cohesion with the cabinets or surfaces - too much warmth will have them all blending into one.

Creating the perfect colour balance is essential for making your kitchen feel well-designed and visually cohesive. Here's how to fix your paint ideas to avoid a kitchen that feels too warm.

While warmth is something to aim for, too much of anything is never a good thing. Whether your space feels too yellow (I'm looking at my own magnolia walls, here) or has red undertones peeking through, there are ways to fix it.

No matter the colour of your space, a neutral tone is what we should aim for. Warmth can be brought into the space with smaller accents, but a neutral paint tone will avoid that too warm or too cold look.

'If your kitchen faces south or west, it's likely getting strong, warm direct light for a lot of the day - and that will amplify any yellow or red undertones in your paint,' explains Rob Abrahams, Co-Founder and CEO at COAT.

Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar, adds: 'Rich shades such as terracotta, chocolate brown and deep maroon, with warm red, orange and yellow undertones, naturally create a cosy atmosphere but can also make a space feel more enclosed. These colours absorb more light rather than reflecting it, which can reduce the sense of openness, particularly in smaller kitchens.'

'If the shade feels too warm, don't overcorrect with something cold - that rarely works. Instead, introduce a cooler counterbalance nearby. A greyed white on the ceiling or a soft cool-grey or sage-white on an adjacent surface can bring the whole room back into balance. COAT shades like Fresh Start or Low Salt work really well in this role - clean, composed neutrals that quietly cool a space without draining the warmth entirely,' Rob adds.

For example, if opting for butter yellow kitchen cabinets, opting for a cooler-toned wall colour will balance out the warmth and pull out the cooler elements within the yellow hue.

Rob continues, 'One clever paint trick that can balance the incoming natural light, but that few people think about, is to paint the recess of the window frame - called the Reveal - a different colour. Choose a darker colour with cooler undertones to make this work.'

Window treatments are also a powerful tool for balancing warmth in a kitchen. Sheers and cafe curtains will help to let light into the space, all through the veil of fabric that has a specific undertone.

In my own kitchen, I recently DIYed a cafe curtain using a linen voile curtain in a soft cream. This way, it ties into the magnolia walls but softens the cooler outside lighting that floods in, thus controlling the overall atmosphere.

In the winter months, artificial lighting is just as powerful.

'Warm-toned bulbs - anything under 3000K - will amplify yellow and red undertones significantly. It's one of the most common reasons a colour looks great on the colour chart but can feel off once in situ. Swap to a neutral daylight bulb (around 4000K) which is cooler, and you'll often see the colour settle back to where you expected it,' Rob explains.

Adding lamps to the corners of your kitchen with cooler toned bulbs will still add ambience, but it won't feel like yellow lighting that makes a warm kitchen feel even warmer.

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Paint is a powerful tool to use in a kitchen scheme - colour drenching is our favourite way to create a cosy, enveloping atmosphere in a kitchen without it feeling too enclosed.

Nothing in life stays the same forever. Spring changes into summer, and then transitions into autumn and winter, before the whole cycle begins again.

The same is true for bedroom colour ideas. Yes, there are definitely bedroom trends that have a lot more longevity than others – and pink bedroom ideas are certainly one of them – but even the most timeless hues still shift over time, and that's exactly what interior experts say is happening to pink this year.

Are pink bedrooms still on trend? Yes, but there's a new grown-up spin on the shade. These are the three alternative colours that design experts say all the best-dressed bedrooms will be wearing as we head into the last half of the year and onwards into 2027.

Are pink bedrooms still on trend?

'Are pink bedrooms still on trend in 2026? Yes,' says founder of interior design studio K’Arte Design, Katerina Tchevytchalova, 'but the trend has evolved.'

'In 2026, pink bedrooms feel softer, earthier and more sophisticated than the sugary blush tones we saw a few years ago,' shares Katerina. 'We’re moving towards nuanced pinks with warmth and depth, which create a calming, cocooning atmosphere while still bringing personality into the space.'

'Pink bedrooms are still very much on trend,' agrees Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at paint brand Fenwick & Tilbrook,' but they have definitely evolved.'

'Instead of the cool-toned pastel pinks that dominated for years, we’re now seeing a shift towards warmer, earthier hues such as plaster pinks, clay tones and soft terracottas that feel far more grounded and sophisticated,' says Anna.

So, without further ado, let's dig into the 'new' pinks of 2026 and beyond.

Sun-baked plaster pinks

First up, the lightest shade of the bunch, a colour our design experts are dubbing plaster pink or sun-baked pink. These shades are a brilliant option if you're after a 'barely there' injection of colour in your bedroom.

'In 2026, pink has become much more of a “neutral” in interiors,' says Katerina, 'especially in bedrooms where people want warmth and comfort without relying on beige or grey. Sun-baked pinks create warmth without feeling too feminine or girly, and they work beautifully with natural textures like linen, wood, and plaster finishes.'

'Plaster pinks offer a more grown-up spin on pink because they balance softness with subtle depth,' agrees Anna, 'they create spaces that feel nurturing and calming without veering into anything overly sugary or feminine.'

Warm clays

Next up, our design experts say warm clay shades should be firmly on our radar as a pink alternative in 2026 and beyond. These earthier colours have more brown tones than your average pastel-toned pink.

'The more earthy tones of clays turn a bedroom into a space that feels cocooning and organic rather than "pretty",' says Lara Clarke, founder of interior design studio Lara Clarke Interiors. 'We’ve recently painted a bedroom in 'Masquerade' by Little Greene, which is a really restful shade of pink and not too "shouty" at all. It’s a grown-up pink that behaves more like a neutral.'

'Clay tones are a lovely choice for bedrooms as they bring an earthy, natural, and organic feel to a space,' agrees Sarah Ferreira, founder of design studio Sarah Ferreira Interiors.

'Bedrooms that reflect nature, even subtly, tend to feel much more calming, and these tones do that effortlessly,' explains Sarah. 'Clay-toned walls paired with natural materials like oak and linen create a really balanced look that feels warm.'

'They add warmth and a grounded, comforting quality, while still being easy to live with,' says Sarah. 'When you layer in materials like wood, linen, and stone, it creates a soft, relaxed, and cocooning atmosphere that just feels easy and considered.'

Terracotta

And if you're looking for a bolder pink alternative, our colour experts say terracotta is the colour to choose.

'Terracotta tones, such as 'Red Earth' by Farrow & Ball, are ideal if you want that clay-inspired pink with depth,' says Katerina. 'These tones also have a very Mediterranean quality, and they instantly make a room feel sunlit, relaxed, and comforting, which is exactly the mood many people want from a bedroom in 2026.'

'Terracotta shades instantly bring warmth and a sense of ease,' agrees interior designer and Pringle & Pringle founder, Sophie Pringle. 'They feel sun-baked and natural, which helps a space feel relaxed rather than overly styled. I tend to use them with softer neutrals or chalkier tones to keep the look balanced and not too intense.'

'Terracotta hues, like Dulux Heritage’s Red Sand, bring a natural warmth that feels grounding and nurturing,' concurs Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

'These shades are rooted in the earth, so they make a space feel settled and safe,' says Marianne. 'They’re especially lovely if you want to create a bedroom that feels like a retreat – somewhere that gently restores you. The warmth they carry means they’re comforting without being overpowering, which is exactly what you want in a space designed for rest.'

So the good news is, pink is definitely still on trend, and this certainly isn't a bedroom colour that will be going out of fashion in 2026, or beyond.

Instead, we're simply leaving cool-toned pastel pinks behind, and embracing some subtle shifts towards warmer, nature-inspired pink hues that bring an earthier and more grounded feel to the bedroom.

For the last few years, matt paint finish has been the most popular go-to for walls and ceilings in most homes. But this year, there’s a shift towards a glossier paint finish that until recently would have been considered outdated. And yet, 2026 seems to be all about glossy walls and the slightly more subtle eggshell paint finish trend.

Just last year, experts named matt paint the best finish for walls and ceilings. And now, the same experts report a rise in popularity of paint finishes with a higher sheen across the board as the new on-trend paint idea. And I’m seeing it in the most stylish interiors, too.

Last week, the team celebrated the Ideal Home Awards 2026 at The Coral Room bar at The Bloomsbury Hotel in London which was painted in a glossy (you guessed it) coral paint. And just last night, paint brand Benjamin Moore revealed a space designed in partnership with interior designer Young Huh for this year’s WOW!house featuring colourful panels painted in a high gloss finish.

‘Within my colour consultations, I’m seeing more and more people, myself included, leaning into this idea of creating focal points through sheen and reflection, not just colour alone,’ says Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick.

‘At Milan Design Week this year, there was a huge focus on reflective surfaces, lacquered finishes, polished woods and materials that interacted beautifully with light. Interiors felt far more sensual and immersive. There was this real move away from everything feeling dry and matte towards spaces that had depth, movement and almost a slight glamour to them. And I think gloss finishes tap perfectly into that mood.’

What paint finish is becoming the most popular?

‘Matt has been the go-to finish for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. It softens colour beautifully, giving rooms the calm, cocooning feel that so many people want from their homes,’ starts Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘But we’re starting to see people move away from an all-matt approach. It’s not that everyone suddenly wants high-gloss walls, but there’s definitely more interest in finishes with a bit of sheen, like eggshell, satin and soft sheen.’

‘Eggshell in particular is having a bit of a moment because it offers the best of both worlds. You still get that soft, sophisticated look, but with a little more light reflection, durability and practicality,’ she explains.

But since incorporating various textures into one room is one of the biggest home decor trends right now, as it creates intrigue and depth, what many people do is pair a glossier finish with a matt finish to create contrast.

‘We’ve not only seen more people exploring with eggshell and glossy finishes but pairing these with traditional matt finishes to vary the texture of the space,’ says Donna Taylor, colour design manager at Johnstone’s Paint. ‘This can accentuate the lustrous effect of gloss.’

What rooms look best with a glossier finish

While an eggshell or an even glossier finish can be used anywhere you want to, it works particularly well in certain areas. For example, it makes for a great kitchen paint idea.

‘Glossy finishes don’t need to be restricted to certain rooms, but they do work especially well in kitchens due to the contrast in materials between cupboards, walls, countertops and tables. As well as looking chic, gloss finishes are durable and resistant to most scuffs or scrapes, and easy to wipe clean,’ Donna at Johnstone’s Paint explains.

On top of that, given the light reflecting benefits, smaller spaces would also benefit. ‘Bathrooms, hallways and utility rooms. While many modern paint finishes now offer excellent durability, a soft sheen can bring an extra dimension to these spaces by reflecting light and adding a subtle sense of energy. They also work beautifully on woodwork, cabinetry and fitted furniture, where a touch of sheen can really lift the detail and create contrast against matt walls,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

Alternatively, you can bring some glossiness to your home with smaller accessories. Whether it’s a lacquer tray or a glazed ceramic side table.

What colours to go for

Again, you can go for pretty much any colour in a glossier finish. My doors and skirting boards in my home are painted in a sky blue eggshell paint - Lick’s Blue 08, available at B&Q - and I absolutely love the look. But the colours that really benefit from an eggshell or a glossy finish are deeper, more saturated shades.

‘Certain colours absolutely come alive with a glossier finish. Deeper, more saturated colours tend to look exceptional because the sheen amplifies their richness and undertones. It’s actually one of the reasons why with our new Hunter x Lick Green 170 launch, we made the decision to release it exclusively in an eggshell finish. That rich heritage green with its deep blue undertones just completely comes alive with that slight sheen to it. The finish gives the colour movement and richness in a way that a completely flat finish simply wouldn’t,’ Tash at Lick explains.

My top picks

Are you considering switching from all-matt interiors to something with a little more sheen and a little more gloss?

Farrow & Ball is undoubtedly one of the most iconic paint brands, if not the most iconic. You’ll find Farrow & Ball’s paint covering the walls of the most stylish homes – and so I wanted to know what have been Farrow & Ball’s most popular paint colours of 2026 thus far.

I’ve gone straight to the source to find out what the current and future colour trends are, as Farrow & Ball is nothing short of a trendsetter in this space. The brand’s shared a few of its bestselling shades – and I must say that several of them surprised me, not to mention that most of them are also newcomers to the list of bestsellers when compared to 2025’s most popular Farrow & Ball shades.

I’d expected the likes of Scallop or Sulking Room Pink to make an appearance in the top sellers as they are some of the shades that I keep hearing about and seeing in people’s homes time and time again.

At the same time, there are a couple of colours which experts predicted to be big in 2026 at the end of last year alongside those fully welcome surprises.

1. Wimborne White

Every paint brand’s top selling colour is their best white paint, pretty much without fail. And despite Farrow & Ball’s impressive range of 132 beautiful shades, this rule applies to this iconic paint company, too.

‘For the first time, Wimborne White, named after Farrow & Ball’s home town, has taken the top spot in our rankings, overtaking All White as our number‑one colour,’ says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

Farrow & Ball’s All White is unique in that it includes no other pigment than white. Meanwhile, pretty much every other white paint on the market will feature an undertone of another pigment which includes the infamous brilliant white which traditionally has blue undertones.

But this year, Farrow & Ball’s most popular white is Wimborne White which is the softest off white with a slight warm yellow undertone.

2. Porphyry Pink

Now, let’s get into the really surprising stuff as mentioned above. The most unexpected top seller is Farrow & Ball’s Porphyry Pink – and that’s largely because I’ve personally never heard of this shade. And neither has anyone on the Ideal Home team which is unusual as between all of us, we’ve covered the majority of the brand’s offering. I suspect this is because this pink shade is an archival colour which is not part of the core range.

But I’m glad I’m now familiar with Porphyry Pink as it’s a beautiful colour, described as a deep muted rose. Named after porphyry stone characterised by its dark pink colour, this paint shade is inspired by the Regency period which was in turn influenced by ancient Roman and Greek art and architecture. And Romans apparently used to love to build with porphyry.

3. Mouse’s Back

Brown has been a major colour trend for the last couple of years. And Farrow & Ball has seen a significant rise in the popularity of this earthy colour. Last year, Farrow & Ball released 12 new shades, including Broccoli Brown which quickly became one of the brand’s bestsellers.

And while Broccoli Brown is still up there, Mouse’s Back is another brown shade that’s topping the charts at the moment. Similarly to last year’s Pantone colour of the year, Mocha Mousse, Mouse’s Back is a softer and more gentle brown which also has slight grey undertones, referencing the ‘fawny colour of a British field mouse’ according to Farrow & Ball.

4. Brinjal and Preference Red

‘Warm, characterful colours are driving sales in 2026,’ Patrick at Farrow & Ball says. And Brinjal and Preference Red are certainly that.

Brinjal is actually one of the two Farrow & Ball shades that experts predicted to soon become bestsellers last year. And they were clearly right about this sophisticated deep aubergine colour.

While Brinjal is more of a dark purple, Preference Red (pictured above) is Farrow & Ball’s deepest and richest red. ‘Preference Red is showing an increase in popularity that signifies a demand for richer, earthier tones,’ Patrick adds.

5. Dead Salmon

The presence of Dead Salmon on the bestsellers list is surprising to me as I would have expected the trending, recently launched Scallop to feature in its place. Scallop was developed as a response to customer demand for a lighter version of Dead Salmon.

Described as an aged salmon pink, Dead Salmon is a very interesting Farrow & Ball colour because everyone sees it differently. While some see a pink shade, I (and many others) see more of a light mushroom colour.

6. Hay

‘Even softer shades like Hay are rising, reinforcing a clear shift toward warmer, more expressive palettes,’ Patrick says.

Farrow & Ball’s Hay is the other predicted future bestseller by experts last year. And they were clearly onto something as this joyful but soft and muted yellow shade is becoming a customer go-to.

If the butter yellow colour trend is up your street, this colour named after the dried crop is for you.

Which one of these popular shades would you use in your home?

Boot room ideas often have a distinctly country, heritage feel to them. Typically found situated by the back door in farmhouses, they serve as a barrier between the indoors and outdoors - a place to store mucky boots, raincoats and gardening clothes, so it's safe to say that practicality comes first.

However, in recent years boot rooms have become something of a bragging right. A chance to indulge in wishlist built-in storage solutions, wall panelling and, of course, an enviable colour scheme. According to colour trends, dark green is one of the best choices you could make for a boot room, and Lick's latest collaboration with Hunter is the ultimate glossy finish that will make a statement in a function-first space.

Dark green is the ultimate colour choice for a boot rom for a multitude of reasons, but most of all because it taps into a heritage look while also adding a trend-first touch. Here's why you should give it a go.

'I think one of the reasons these rich heritage greens are coming back so strongly is because we are all craving homes that make us feel more grounded, calmer and more connected to nature,' explains Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick.

Every year, there are new shades of green that become a major kitchen trend. In 2026, trends have veered towards earthy hues and moss green has been used in kitchens and utilities to create an organic, nature-inspired look.

Emerald green hues were big in kitchens a few years back, and while this isn't a trend I see coming back this year, featuring this shade in a boot room is an entirely different ball game.

'I think we are seeing a huge shift towards biophilic design, where people are wanting to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors even more,' Tash explains.

'In a world where everything feels like it is moving at such a fast pace with technology and AI, these deeper greens have this incredible ability to emotionally transport us back to nature. Green has long been associated with balance, restoration and calmness, and studies have shown that nature-inspired tones can help lower cortisol levels,' she adds.

In a room that is so connected closely to the outdoors, it's only natural that a colour scheme should take inspiration from what's just beyond the back door.

There are, of course, some practical reasons for painting a boot room such a rich shade of green. Scuffs, mud and general dirt are all to be expected in a boot room, and opting for a darker colour scheme means repainting won't come around quite as quickly.

'Equally elegant and forgiving, darker tones help conceal everyday wear and muddy marks, making the room feel considered yet entirely liveable – a balance that never goes out of style,' echoes Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymously named kitchen brand.

When using this rich colour palette in a boot room, more is more. 'Colour drenching the walls, woodwork and cabinetry in a deep green instantly transforms them from purely practical rooms into spaces that feel considered, cocooning and full of personality,' Tash adds.

Finish matters too, and Lick's latest collaboration with Hunter to create Green 170 is formulated in an eggshell finish, which helps to bounce light around the room - essential when using a dark colour in a small space.

A boot room puts practicality at the core of the room's function, but it's important that it also feels like a stylish place to store outerwear, and that it feels like an extension of your kitchen area rather than a cluttered room that needs to be hidden away.

Whether you want to paint your boot room or you just want to add some deep green accessories to the space to give it the zhuzh it deserves, these pieces will help you to incorporate the trend for less.

Shop boot room accessories

Whether you're painting an entire room or just looking to update accessories, such as painted storage hooks or a bench, you won't go wrong with a rich green scheme.

Small spaces and otherwise awkwardly shaped rooms - including narrow and uneven ones - are often a challenge to decorate. But I always try to look at it as a fun challenge and an opportunity to get creative and resourceful – which is why I love coming across new tricks that make the job easier. And that’s very much the case with this cool paint colour trick to make a small room look bigger recommended by experts.

I asked 3 colour experts and all of them agreed that this is an excellent paint idea for any small or awkwardly shaped room – and all it takes is painting the walls in a light but cool shade like a soft blue or green with a cool undertone.

‘I absolutely love this approach to decorating because it’s such a simple yet transformative way to change how a space feels,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘What’s especially exciting is that it’s not just about making a room look bigger – it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels uplifting and restorative, too. Colour has an amazing ability to influence how we emotionally experience a room, and cool, pale hues like these can make a space feel lighter, calmer and far more inviting.’

How does the cool paint colour trick work?

You might be wondering what makes these cool-toned colours such a good small living room idea (or any other compact room in the house for that matter). Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, explains how it works.

‘In spaces that are smaller, unusually shaped or lacking in ceiling height, one approach is to apply a cool, pale hue, which has the effect of helping walls to recede while still conveying character. These light, desaturated colours have a naturally airy quality. They reflect more light and carry less visual weight, so they don’t draw the eye inward. Instead, they seem to drift back, helping the room feel more open,’ Helen says.

But just like when choosing the best white paint for your space, it’s important to consider your particular space and everything about it, including what kind of light it receives throughout the day.

‘I also recommend pairing them with a satin finish to further enhance light reflectivity and help bounce light around the room,’ advises Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar. ‘That said, it’s important to avoid anything too stark or icy, particularly when decorating north facing rooms where cooler tones can sometimes feel flat. Opting for softer, more muted shades like Summer Dusk and layering in natural textures such as linen, light woods or brushed brass will keep the overall look feeling balanced, relaxed and inviting.’

How to tell if a colour is cool

If you’re not confident in telling which blue and green shades are in fact cool and which lean warm, Helen at Benjamin Moore has some useful, clever tips.

‘Look at the undertone of the colour as every paint colour is built on a subtle base tone. Warm shades tend to carry hints of yellow, red or orange, while cool shades lean towards blue, green or violet. If you’re unsure, think in simple, familiar associations such as warm colours echo sunshine, fire or sand, whereas cool colours feel more like sky, water or shade,’ Helen explains.

Top cool paint colour picks – as recommended by the experts

Marianne at Dulux concludes, ‘It’s this magical little combination of colour science and aesthetics that can instantly create a sense of openness and light, making even the smallest rooms feel spacious and airy. I’d absolutely recommend this approach, particularly when paired with layered textures and good lighting.’

I don’t need to tell you that decorating a narrow room comes with its challenges as the proportions of the space are unbalanced from the start – you already know that. But there are ways to make a narrow space look less out of balance, more cohesive and generally bigger by knowing the best paint colours for narrow rooms and sticking to them.

The right paint idea, shade and technique can make a world of difference. I asked paint and colour experts and they have all agreed that there are 4 colours that work amazingly well with narrow spaces, whether it’s a narrow living room idea or a narrow utility room that you’re looking to makeover. But the one colour that might at first appear as the obvious top choice is actually the one that the experts advise against – and that’s white.

‘The best paint colours for narrow rooms are those that make the space feel considered rather than simply trying to make it disappear,’ explains Caroline Thornborough, design director at Thorndown. ‘The biggest mistake is treating a narrow room as if the only answer is white paint. People often assume a narrow room must be painted bright white, but that can backfire. If the light is poor, white paint can look grey and lifeless, and it may emphasise shadows rather than disguising them.’

Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar Paint, adds, ‘When decorating a narrow room, it’s important to avoid anything that emphasises the long, tunnel-like proportions of the space.’

1. Gentle greens

As a general rule, lighter colours always work better for smaller and more narrow spaces as they reflect light better and create the illusion of a larger space, especially if it's a cool paint colour like a gentle green.

‘If your goal is to make the room appear larger and more open, opt for light-reflective shades such as gentle greens. Our Keen on Green or Afternoon Nap shades works particularly well here, as softer tones like this naturally recede, helping walls feel as though they’re moving away from you and creating a greater sense of depth. Pairing these tones with a gloss or satin finish will further enhance light reflectivity, helping to bounce light around the room,’ Lucy at Valspar advises.

Top pick

2. Terracotta tones

Not only are terracotta shades replacing beige in 2026 as the new, bolder go-to neutral, but it’s also the perfect colour to go for in a narrow room when you’re not necessarily trying to make the space look large, but rather cosy and stylish, such as a narrow hallway.

‘If you’d prefer to embrace the room’s proportions, warmer tones can create a beautifully snug effect. Earthy hues like terracotta pinks and clay tones like Pink Alabaster work particularly well to add depth and character, making narrow living rooms or bedrooms feel inviting and cosy,’ Lucy at Valspar says.

But if you’re nervous about covering the entire walls in a darker shade like terracotta, you can alternatively paint only half of the walls in the darker tone which is a technique that will make the space appear bigger than it is. ‘For a more cohesive look, try a duo-tone approach by keeping a lighter shade from the ceiling down to the upper wall, such as Gauzy White or pale chalky neutral, then use a deeper tone below like a gentle clay. This helps to anchor the space while still keeping it light. It also gives you the opportunity to introduce a more playful or bold colour in the lower section,’ Lucy adds.

Top pick

3. Soft blues

‘Mid-tone, softly muted colours are often the most effective choice for narrow rooms because they reduce contrast between surfaces and help the eye move more smoothly around the space,’ starts Victoria Yardley, colour specialist and co-founder of Victory Colours. ‘Chalky blues work particularly well.’

And if you opt for a shade like a soft blue, you can also opt for a colour drenching paint method which is another clever way to make a narrow space look more balanced.

‘An effective approach is colour drenching, where you use the same shade across the walls, ceiling and even woodwork. This helps to blur boundaries and creates a seamless, continuous feel, making a narrow room appear less confined. For a lighter and airier finish, soft blues work beautifully, evoking open skies and a sense of space,’ Lucy at Valspar recommends.

Top pick

4. Pale neutrals

If you’re really trying to make something like a narrow hallway look wider, opting for a pale neutral paint shade is your safest bet.

‘Lighter neutrals like off-whites, beiges, creams and pale pastels can make a small bedroom look bigger as these shades reflect more light, which helps to create the illusion of a brighter and more open feel,’ says Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed. ‘I’d recommend moving away from crisp whites. Although they are brightening and can give the illusion of a bigger room, they can often look somewhat clinical and harsh. Instead, lighter beiges, yellows, pinks and off-whites can be more effective in bringing softness to your living space whilst still incorporating that crucial light-reflecting factor.’

Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, agrees and adds another idea, ‘Consider opting for calming neutrals to accentuate the sense of more space and create a serene and focused atmosphere. To introduce a touch of colour without being overly distracting, you can also choose to paint your ceiling. Dubbed the "fifth wall", this space offers a unique opportunity to infuse the room with subtle hues that enhance the perception of space while maintaining a harmonious atmosphere.’

Top pick

The bottom line and top recommendation is to avoid brilliant white when decorating narrow rooms, as well as very dark colours and bright primary shades like bold red as these are likely to overwhelm the space.

When it comes to our bedrooms, most of us probably want to create a calm and soothing space that helps us to relax and unwind before bed.

Little wonder then that sage green bedroom walls have become something of a bedroom design go-to. Inspired by the hues of nature, green bedroom ideas are gentle, relaxing, and very easy to live with.

But, as with any colour that rides high in the bedroom trends for too long, sage green has become a bit of a 'safe' bedroom colour idea. And we all know there's a thin line between safe and boring.

That's why interior designers and colour trend experts say there's a shift taking place. These are the sage green alternatives that the experts say deliver the same soothing vibes, whilst being a little more unexpected, and a lot more trend-setting.

Why are sage green bedrooms so popular?

But first up, why has sage green become such a popular bedroom wall colour choice?

'Sage green has become a go-to for bedroom wall colour because it behaves almost like a neutral,' explains interior designer and Hutley & Humm co-founder, Melissa Hutley. 'It's very soft, versatile and easy to live with.'

'It's a long-standing favourite for bedrooms,' agrees Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux, 'but if you’re looking for something a little more unexpected while still keeping that sense of calm, there are plenty of alternatives to sage green.'

'Sage is popular for a reason, but if you want something a little more unexpected, it’s really about choosing tones that are slightly softened or “off”, rather than anything too clean or bright,' explains interior designer and Pringle & Pringle founder, Sophie Pringle.

So without further ado, let's get into some of our interior experts' alternative suggestions.

Smoky blues

The first sage green alternatives our colour experts suggest are what Melissa describes as 'chalky blues. These colours still have that same muted quality as sage green, but introduce a little more depth and personality,' says Melissa.

'A beautiful alternative to sage green is a muted blue-grey or smoky teal,' seconds interior designer Lucy Van der Gucht. 'These tones retain the tranquility of green but feel fresher and more distinctive, especially in contemporary interiors.'

'I’d suggest looking at soft, smoky blues, or even a muted teal with grey undertones,' agrees Marianne. 'These colours have a similar tranquillity to green but feel just a touch more intriguing and layered. They bring a sense of quiet sophistication to a bedroom – still soothing, but with a little more personality and depth.'

Earthy pinks

Next up, our experts suggest considering earthy pinks for creating a calm and cocooning bedroom.

'If we’re looking for something slightly more unexpected than sage green, we often turn to gentle, earthy pinks,' says Melissa. 'Selecting colours that feel slightly softened or ‘dusty’ in tone is what gives them their calming quality, while still feeling interesting and individual.'

'Terracotta and clay tones are excellent bedroom colours because they feel inherently warm and grounding,' agrees Lucy. 'Colours inspired by natural materials create a sense of comfort and make a room feel cosy, and they pair effortlessly with natural textures like wood, rattan, and linen for a calm, layered look.'

'I’d look at muted peaches,' confirms Sophie, 'these colours still have that calming quality, but feel a bit fresher and more individual.' In particular, 'terracotta and clay tones are brilliant in bedrooms because they instantly bring warmth and a sense of ease. They feel sun-baked and natural.'

Moody darks

And if sage green feels a little too safe and predictable, our design experts suggest opting for deeper and darker nature-inspired tones instead.

'Richer, moodier tones like deep olive greens or warm chocolate browns can create a really beautiful cocooning effect and make a space feel more enveloping and restful,' explains interior designer and founder of Sarah Ferreira Interiors, Sarah Ferreira. 'They bring a bit more depth while still feeling calm.'

Or, if you want to steer away from green altogether, Marianne suggests opting for the dark aubergine bedroom trend. 'Dark aubergine is one of those colours that instantly wraps a room in a sense of intimacy and quiet luxury,' says Marianne. 'It has a beautiful depth to it that makes it incredibly cocooning for a bedroom.'

And as Marianne points out, muted, darker colours, such as deep olive green or dark aubergine, 'absorb light in a way that feels calming rather than heavy, so you get this lovely, restful atmosphere that encourages you to truly switch off at the end of the day.'

Overall, 'the key to a soothing scheme isn’t just the colour itself, but its softness and undertone,' explains Lucy. 'Colours that are slightly muted rather than bright tend to feel the most restful.'

'The key is always choosing colours with a muted quality,' agrees Sarah. 'Anything too bright can feel a bit stimulating, whereas softer, toned-down shades help create a space that feels calm, balanced and easy to switch off in.'

And personally, that's exactly the atmosphere I want to create in my bedroom.

Is there anything better than cracking the patio doors open when the sun is shining to dine alfresco? While there's nothing wrong with M&S picky bits, one way to upgrade the entire experience is to cook in your very own outdoor kitchen.

Whether you already have a BBQ zone that is crying out for a facelift or you're looking to create a fully kitted-out alfresco kitchen to use all summer long, adding colour into the equation is the easiest design trick to bring your outdoor kitchen ideas to life.

Paint is how you take the garden of a semi-detached property and instantly create a Marrakech-inspired jardin or a chic Mediterranean escape - it will update your outdoor kitchen in an instant.

If we're trying to give our homes a refresh, we instantly look to paint as a way of changing the atmosphere and overall scheme in a space, without needing to switch up all of the furniture and accessories. So why don't we do the same in our outdoor spaces?

Outdoor kitchens just keep growing in popularity. What was once a premium addition to a garden has now become somewhat of an essential - and you don't need a large garden or a big budget to achieve it.

'Paint is the perfect way to transform an outdoor space quickly and easily, adding personality and character to create an inspired exterior,' explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

When it comes to creating an outdoor kitchen, so much of the decor is purely practical. BBQs, pizza ovens, sinks, and work surfaces are difficult to zhuzh up, so instead, focusing on exterior walls will allow you to add ample colour.

'You don’t need to revamp the whole space to make an impact; a simple update, such as painting a side wall or adding a pop of colour to garden furniture, can make an outdoor kitchen or dining area feel renewed,' Ruth adds.

Painting a wall doesn't have to mean transforming the entire exterior of your property. If you have a section where your outdoor cooking equipment lives, you could simply paint the area around it or use a wooden panel to create a painted background without committing.

There's so many parts of an outdoor kitchen you can paint - and also so many ways to paint. Block colours work particularly well for creating visual interest and allow you to be playful with multiple shades.

Similarly, experimenting with painting the doors on a storage unit or revamping a potting bench with a statement shade will bring so much character into your outdoor kitchen.

Wondering which colour to go for? Green is a great choice if you're risk averse as it blends in well with plants and shrubbery, so it won't feel too bold. Pink, yellow and orange hues will instantly bring a sunny atmosphere to your garden, as well as being on trend, so you don't need to worry about the weather to guarantee good vibes.

Shop outdoor paint

Grab a tin of paint and a paint brush and give your outdoor kitchen a stylish new look this weekend.

Sulking Room Pink is one of Farrow & Ball’s bestselling, most popular and iconic shades. But if you’re not sure what to pair with this dusky pink shade, I’ve asked interior designers and a paint expert about what colours go with Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink – and they delivered.

Dusky and earthy pinks are replacing beige in 2026 as more people ditch ‘safe’ neutrals and embrace more colour. So I predict that Sulking Room Pink, described as a muted, powdery rose shade, is about to become even more popular than it already is. And even though certain shades pair with it especially well, Sulking Room Pink is a surprisingly versatile paint idea.

‘I love the muted character of Sulking Room Pink,’ says Francesca Leat, owner, director and head designer at Francesca Leat Interiors. ‘It has a lovely deep tone to it that complements almost every colour palette and therefore I wouldn’t rule out any particular colour. It works well in formal entertaining areas (especially where there is little natural light) for a cosy and elegant feel as well as in bedrooms for a more feminine look.’

Perfect for pink living room ideas, as well as for bedrooms, decorating with Sulking Room Pink can entail a fully colour-drenched space – but if you’re after a more complex colour scheme, these are the 3 shades that go with it the best.

1. Softer pinks or neutrals

You can create a double-drenching scheme by pairing Sulking Room Pink with a softer shade of pink, whether that’s Farrow & Ball’s popular Setting Plaster or one of the predicted Farrow & Ball shades to be big this year, Scallop.

‘Scallop's even tones paired with Sulking Room Pink give a luxurious feel to a kitchen and create a smooth palette that feels elegant and inviting,’ suggests Michael Rolland, managing director and paint expert at The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist.

Alternatively, a number of warm neutrals pair very well with Sulking Room Pink. Farrow & Ball’s website suggests one of the brand’s most popular shades, Skimming Stone.

‘For something more subtle, I would combine it with paler neutrals – warm whites, or stone tones,’ says interior designer Lucy Van der Gucht. ‘These allow the colour to feel elevated rather than decorative. The key with Sulking Room Pink is balance – it’s a colour with depth, so it benefits from being paired with tones that either ground it or gently lift it, rather than compete with it.’

2. Dark green

If you’d prefer to lean more into the cosy nature of the colour, which was originally inspired by the shade often used in boudoirs, then a dark green shade like Farrow & Ball’s bestselling green, Green Smoke pairs perfectly with it. And as Lucy Van der Gucht already said, Sulking Room Pink responds well to shades that either lift it or ground it. And this is a case of the latter.

‘Sulking Room Pink works particularly well with deeper, grounding tones like mid to dark greens, which bring out its warmth and stop it feeling too sweet,’ Lucy explains.

This is exactly what Kim and Stewart price have done in their living room (pictured above) which is colour drenched in Sulking Room Pink with the exception of the fireplace picked out as an accent in dark green.

3. Burgundy

Once upon a time, pairing pink and red was almost unthinkable. But in recent years, it’s a go-to stylish colour combination. And the elevated version of this is a dusky pink like Sulking Room Pink paired with a deep burgundy shade.

‘The best colour to pair with Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink is a deep burgundy red such as Little Greene's Bronze Red, as this pairing is the perfect combination of elegance and intensity. The combination of Sulking Room Pink with Bronze Red is best used in spaces that thrive with a moody effect, like an office or a home library,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

Alternatively, you can go for a shade that’s even darker but still has that red undertone. The perfect example of this is model Charli Howard’s kitchen where the walls are painted in Sulking Room Pink and the cabinets are covered in Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black. This is a red-based black hue but in Charli’s kitchen it looks almost like an aubergine or a plum shade, depending on the lighting.

Lucy Van der Gucht concludes with a final piece of advice, ‘Sulking Room Pink works well in bedrooms and sitting rooms, where its softness feels cocooning rather than overpowering. It’s a colour that responds well to layering – so it tends to work best in rooms where you can introduce texture, contrast and a mix of materials, allowing it to feel part of a broader scheme rather than a standalone statement.’

That’s right, beige is not enjoying the kind of popularity it once did, and it’s quickly fading away from our homes. But I’d argue that the shades taking over are in many ways better – so what’s replacing beige in 2026?

Already last year, beige was on its way out as a colour trend, being slowly replaced by brown and green – both earthy colours. And while brown and green aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, as they’re still enjoying much popularity, this year, there are two new neutral alternatives that are popping up in some of the most stylish homes. And that’s earthy, dusky pinks and warm terracotta shades.

Granted, both of these colours are quite a bit bolder than beige or even grey, another neutral go-to of previous years. But people are showing a desire to embrace more colour in their homes as the likes of Farrow & Ball report soft pink shades as some of their most popular neutrals with customers, particularly Setting Plaster.

‘What we’re seeing now is a shift,’ confirms Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick. ‘People want their homes to tell their story, to evolve with them and reflect who they are. With that comes a growing confidence: a willingness to move beyond “safe” choices and embrace colours they genuinely connect with. This is where the idea of “new neutrals” comes in.’

Dusky pinks

‘Dusky pinks like Taupe 03, Pink 01 and Pink 07 bring warmth, softness and incredible versatility working beautifully in any room,’ Tash at Lick continues.

Earthy and dusky pink living room ideas are particularly rising in popularity in 2026, as even Ideal Home’s Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight painted her lounge pink earlier this year. But these soothing and grounding shades of pink work amazingly well in pretty much any room, from the kitchen to the bedroom.

‘Earthy and dusky pinks like Terra Cotta Blush from Valspar, available at B&Q, are the perfect shades for bringing softness into homes this summer whilst adding sophisticated character,’ adds Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar.

Terracotta shades

Terracotta shades can be very similar to earthy pinks, depending on what undertone you opt for – just like natural fired clay, terracotta shades can have an orange, red or indeed a pink undertone, depending on what you prefer. I personally love all of them and over the last couple of years, I’ve been seriously considering painting my home (or a part of it) in a terracotta shade – but for now, I’m sticking to smaller accents.

‘This year, I’ve seen a shift towards earthier, rich neutrals like terracotta, offering a moodier, nature-inspired alternative to the minimalist interiors that have remained popular for so long. Sun-baked shades like Valspar’s Caramelised Peach or Storybook Sundown, both available at B&Q, are really coming into their own, tapping into the Mediterranean trend and helping to create beautifully styled interiors that feel warmer and more intentionally designed,’ Lucy at Valspar says.

Rachael Green and Alex Kirby, founders of Pickleson Paint, agree, ‘A warm, grounding tone like Palma Clay from Matthew Williamson’s range with Pickleson is a good example. Although inspired by the buildings of Mallorca, it reads in British homes as a wonderfully cosy, cocooning shade. Colours like this are increasingly replacing traditional beige, offering the same sense of calm neutrality but with greater depth and warmth. It’s also a great alternative to the blushing pink neutrals that many people gravitate towards when creating a relaxed living space.’

2026 is all about expressing yourself through your home, while also making it a cosy and comfortable space for you to spend time in – and colour is the perfect tool for this. So whether you’re thinking of incorporating pink, terracotta or a whole other shade into your home, the interior experts and I say do it!

One of my (and most people’s) favourite paint brands and the authority in the world of paint and interiors, Farrow & Ball recently created a colour scheme of 9 shades celebrating the long-awaited arrival of spring. But there was one shade central to the Farrow & Ball spring colour edit that stole the show and has become the firm fan favourite – and that’s the delicate Farrow & Ball Scallop.

Shared on Farrow & Ball’s Instagram, the post was captioned ‘Springtime shades for joy - which is your favourite?’. And many took to the comments to claim their top pick. When reading through the comments, Scallop is the shade that keeps coming up time and time again. And it looks like this recently launched extremely soft salmon hue is quickly becoming one of Farrow & Ball’s most popular neutrals.

‘I was looking to create “colour moments” from key springtime offerings such as flushing hedgerow with the vibrant green, to shoots of almond and cherry blossom, just primarily about capturing the optimism that springtime delivers,’ explains Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador and the creator of the spring colour palette in question. ‘Scallop offers a discreet delicacy and is an incredibly versatile colour.’

Scallop was only released last year as one of Farrow & Ball’s 12 new paint shades. But it had been the favoured colour of the launch from the get-go and it soon started trending. And at the end of last year, Patrick at Farrow & Ball predicted that it would be one of the most popular shades in 2026.

‘It’s a wall colour in its own right, with delicate white on trim for something fresh and ethereal, or it can be used as a trim colour with more muscular shades like Tanner’s Brown or Etruscan Red where it will read more as a nuanced “white”,’ Patrick says and continues with more suggestions on how to best use Scallop in your home.

‘Scallop is a glorious colour for bathrooms, especially when teamed with natural material like a well patinated oak vanity unit but makes for a beautiful bedroom colour, especially one that gets drenched in abundant light,’ he recommends.

Scallop-esque homeware top picks

If you want to inject this spring-ready shade into your home in a smaller dose, you can either opt for painting trims like skirting boards or adding a piece of decor or some soft furnishings in a Scallop-esque colour. These are my top picks that will look great in your abode this spring and beyond.

Would you like to incorporate Farrow & Ball’s Scallop shade into your home’s colour scheme?

There are few things that will create as dramatic of a change in a space (and as easily) as paint. And it turns out you don’t even have to go all out, painting entire walls as the latest decorative border paint trend proves.

I’ve been seeing this fun paint idea popping up all over my Instagram and Pinterest. One of the biggest home decor trends of 2026 is personalising your space to make it truly your own. And painting a patterned border to highlight certain features of the room is the perfect way to add a playful, personable and intriguing touch that will draw the eye.

‘We’ve definitely seen that trend gaining momentum,’ says Rob Abrahams, co-founder of COAT. ‘It ties into a broader shift where people are becoming more confident using paint in a creative way, rather than just treating it as a backdrop. After a long period of very safe, uniform walls, there’s a growing appetite for adding personality and playfulness to a space.’

What does the paint trend look like?

The border paint trend that is currently becoming increasingly more popular incorporates pattern into the decorative trim – whether that’s a thin striped border framing a doorway or a zigzag-patterned trim framing a window, or another architectural feature you want to highlight. But if you prefer a slightly more traditional, heritage look, you can also go for a floral trim as in the yellow bedroom pictured above.

‘It feels like a blend of past and present,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘Decorative details like painted trims, borders and simple motifs have long been used in homes to add character and definition, and this trend picks up on that idea in a fresh, modern way. Rather than being highly formal or intricate, today’s versions are more relaxed and playful. At the same time, social media has encouraged a more experimental, DIY approach, where people feel empowered to try something bold and expressive themselves.’

Rob at COAT adds, ‘Decorative borders and painted detailing have been around for a long time, but they’re being reinterpreted in a more modern way. Instead of traditional motifs, you’re seeing cleaner lines, bolder contrasts, and more playful geometry.’

But these unexpected contrasting trims can also take on a scalloped or wavy shape which creates a softer look. ‘Take a cue from your home’s interior architecture, echoing its existing lines and amplifying their effect, whether creating a painted scalloped border around the soft curve of an archway or experimenting with materiality by underscoring period details with a contemporary cornice,’ suggests Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore.

How to use it in your home?

As Helen just mentioned, this trend is best used to highlight the features of your home that you want to draw attention to.

‘It works beautifully in spaces where you want to inject a bit of personality – hallways, kitchens, children’s rooms or even around doors and windows. It’s particularly effective in homes that embrace a relaxed, lived-in feel rather than something overly formal. Because it draws the eye, it’s great for highlighting architectural features or adding interest to otherwise simple rooms,’ Marianne at Dulux recommends.

Rob at COAT chimes in with one more top tip, ‘The key is restraint and proportion. A border should feel intentional and balanced within the space, rather than something that’s been added as an afterthought. I’d usually recommend keeping the palette quite controlled. If the pattern is doing the work, the colours themselves don’t need to be overly loud. That’s often what keeps it from feeling overly busy.’

However, if you don’t feel confident enough to freestyle it with paint, you can also opt for decorative stick-borders like this scalloped design from Amazon or have a more solid outline by using a wooden or an MDF trim like this wavy Hello Nook one, available at B&Q, which you can then paint whatever colour you like.

But the most important thing about this playful paint trend is to have fun with it. So happy home personalising!

There are many brands of paint available on the market – so many that even I'm still discovering new ones, and as a Room Decor Editor, I talk about and look at ALOT of different paints day in, day out. But between myself and the rest of the decorating-savvy Ideal Home team, we have more experience with paint and painting than most. So to help you choose the best for you and your project, I’ve put together a guide to where to buy paint.

I’ve enlisted the help of the Ideal Home editors to share their favourite go-to brands when it comes to paint ideas and why they like them so much, as well as including my own top paint picks – so whether you’re looking for the best white paint or are looking to try some creative and fun paint trends, these are the places to shop for supplies.

Top retailers to buy paint

While you can buy most brands’ paints directly from their websites or even physical stores, there are, of course, retailers that stock several different paint brands - along with other decorating necessities and more - which can make your shopping experience much easier. These are the paint retailers that I would recommend above all others.

• B&Q: Everyone’s go-to place for all things home improvement; this is where you can get Valspar colour matching and paint mixing done
• Amazon: If you need your paint with next-day delivery, this is the place to go; not to mention, they can deliver all your other paint supplies just as quick
• Wickes: They have various paint brands on their shelves, as well as their own very affordable paint range; I also find their pricing on other brands is often the best
• The Paint Shed: This place stocks several brands you can’t get everywhere, such as Benjamin Moore and Little Greene; I also find their paint finding quiz really helpful

Top paint brands

1. Farrow & Ball

I couldn’t have started this list any other way than with Farrow & Ball. Celebrating 80 years in business this year, Farrow & Ball is the market leader and authority in the paint and interiors space that everyone looks up to. Boasting a carefully curated collection of exactly 132 paint shades, there is something for everyone.

Ideal Home’s Print Deputy Editor, Ginevra Benedetti is a loyal Farrow & Ball fan having used four different shades across her home, while our Editor in Chief, Heather Young has painted her living room in the famous near-black Railings shade.

Jenny McFarlane, Senior Digital Editor at Ideal Home, adds, ‘Farrow & Ball shades are always my go-to as they are soft and gentle which is the relaxing vibe I try to create in the house.’

My top pick

2. Dulux

While the likes of Farrow & Ball offer a very tight and curated range of colours, Dulux has taken the opposite approach, boasting over 1200 shades in its regular range. That number is almost incomprehensible, especially when you consider that this doesn’t include their Dulux Trade professional range and the high-end Dulux Heritage.

So whatever colour you need, you’re sure to find it at Dulux. Another reason why so many people love Dulux is that it’s reasonably priced. I currently have Dulux paint on my walls - specifically the Dulux White Mist in a matt finish, available at B&Q - and painting the walls with it couldn’t have been easier. I had a small leak last year which stained one of the walls in my flat so I had to repaint that section – it took about three coats so I’d say it’s not the most pigmented paint out there. But at the same time, it’s white paint covering up a yellow stain so it’s to be expected that it will take a few coats.

My top pick

3. Lick

London-based paint brand Lick is fairly young, started in 2019, but it’s quickly become one loved by interior designers and homeowners alike. I’m a big fan of Lick and even though the company’s curated colour range so far includes ‘only’ 100 shades, I always find exactly what I’m looking for, no matter what colour I’m after.

The brand focuses on a matt paint finish, offering both regular matt and ultra flat matt. But there’s also the option of eggshell as that is the better and more durable finish for anything from skirting boards to doors and window frames. And that’s exactly why I’ve opted for the eggshell finish when using Lick’s Blue 08 across my home’s skirting boards and doors which really pop in contrast to my white walls.

Lick offers colour consultations with their director of interior design, Tash Bradley, as well as a few other colour specialists which I took advantage of when looking for the perfect blue for my home. And I can highly recommend the experience.

My top pick

4. Little Greene

Little Greene is another highly respected paint brand loved by many interior designers, experts and Ideal Home editors alike. Offering over 190 colours, the brand’s range features some very bold and highly pigmented shades - like the bright pink Leather that Richard E. Grant used to paint his snug - as well as soft tones like the Masquerade pink that our Deputy Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight used in her living room. And the coverage is well-known to be excellent; however, it comes at a higher cost.

‘I loved buying from Little Greene,’ Rebecca says. ‘The samples turned up with a mini paintbrush and a tea sachet for pondering your choice! The delivery of the main paint pot was also super fast and in great packaging. But I'd take the paint calculator's recommendations for how much paint you need with a pinch of salt if you're not the best painter like me. The Intelligent paint goes on so nicely, I only needed two coats with no primer. It's also quick drying, which is a game-changer for weekend painting projects.’

Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, who’s another Little Greene fan, continues, ‘I love Little Greene paint. The colours are great as they offer more muted and easier-to-live-with shades than a lot of brands, and the paint consistency is so creamy and thick. It’s lovely to use and covers really well.’

My top pick

5. Frenchic

If sustainability is something you care about and you like a matt paint finish, you’re going to love Frenchic. Made with a water-based formulation with low traces of harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds), this chalk and mineral paint is also self-priming and self-sealing – so there’s no need to purchase a separate primer or sealant.

Most of the Ideal Home team, myself included, have used the Al Fresco and Lazy Range, perfect for upcycling furniture or home features such as skirting boards, doors or kitchen cabinets.

‘I’ve used Frenchic on my kitchen cabinets,’ Rebecca says. ‘The paint is great and really forgiving if you're not great at painting (like me), but the tins are quite small for big projects, and the delivery is not that quick. I bought it via Amazon rather than directly from them in the end to get it within 48 hours.’

My top pick

6. Valspar

Valspar is widely loved for its colour-matching service which you can easily take advantage of in most B&Q stores.

‘The colour match service is really clever, all you need is a big enough square of a particular colour, or even a paint chip from an existing wall (I've done both),’ Rebecca says. ‘It's affordable, and the paint was easy to use with good coverage. But you have to go in-store to use it.’

Ginevra also says the service would be her top tip, ‘Valspar's colour matching service is brilliant and the paint - particularly the Flat Matt finish - is a dream to use. And you can get a free voucher for a tester pot of your choice.’

My top pick

7. Earthborn

Similarly to Frenchic, Earthborn is a brand that specialises in eco-friendly paints. Their signature matt and breathable paint finish, named Claypaint, is made with water and clay, free from VOCs, oils and acrylic. The core collection of colours is made up of 72 shades, most of which are on the more muted and earthy side as they take inspiration from nature.

Lindsey Davis, Content Director for Ecommerce across several home titles including Ideal Home, is a fan of Earthborn. In fact, her favourite white shade comes from Earthborn - it’s an off-white shade called Wood Smoke, available at B&Q - which she used to paint her Victorian home’s bedrooms.

My top pick

8. Graham & Brown

Much like Farrow & Ball, Graham & Brown is another heritage British paint brand that’s celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. And to this day, it remains a lovely family business, exactly as it started back in 1946 in Blackburn.

Offering a very wide range of over 400 colours, they also perfectly correspond with Graham & Brown’s collection of artistic wallpapers and murals. So if you’re looking to combine the two in your home or even one room, you’re sure to have a very cohesive scheme.

The brand’s chosen colours of the year (also known for short as COTY) are regularly our favourite here at Ideal Home. And that’s certainly the case this year as Graham & Brown named the rich Divine Damson shade its COTY for 2026.

My top pick

9. COAT

Started in 2020, COAT is a paint brand still in the beginnings of its journey. But it’s already seen as one of the coolest ones out there owing to its spot-on branding, 91 designer-approved colours and stellar collaborations with the likes of Stacey Dooley.

COAT is one of the few paint brands that you won’t be able to find at major retailers like B&Q as it operates a direct-to-consumer model which is how the brand strives to keep its prices fair. Sustainability is also high on the COAT’s list of priorities as its paints are water-based and carbon-negative.

‘I like the range of vibrant colours from COAT and I have used their colours as bold accents like in the arch window in the new space and to spice up our living room,’ our Senior Digital Editor Jenny says.

My top pick

Do you have a favourite paint brand that’s not included on this list?

You might already know that your birth month has a colour associated with it, but have you ever thought about decorating your bedroom – arguably the most personal room in your home – in your own bespoke birth month shade?

From January to December, each month is linked to a different tone or hue of colour, and if you're looking for a way to make your bedroom truly feel like *you*, adopting your birth month shade as your bedroom wall colour can be a great way to decorate.

After all, when it comes to bedroom design ideas, this year's biggest bedroom trends are all about leaving generic design behind and instead embracing hyper-personalisation. What better way to do that than decorating with your birth month colour?

Intrigued to find out what your birth month's ideal bedroom wall colour is? I've rounded up all twelve months of the year below.

And, of course, you don't necessarily have to drench the walls in colour to decorate with your birth month's signature shade. You could opt for bedding in your birth month colour instead, or stick to accents such as scatter cushions or a statement rug.

Plus, there are also joint bedrooms to consider. If you share a bedroom with your partner, then perhaps this is the ultimate test of compatibility. Do your and your other half's birth month colours coordinate or clash?

And if you really don't vibe with your birth month colour? Then don't worry. There are plenty of other ways to make a bedroom feel like an expression of your personality.

This week, I asked the Ideal Home team what their favourite or go-to white paint shade is, thinking there will be one or perhaps a handful (three tops) that will keep coming up. But I was wrong – it turns out that white paint is just as personal as colour. Even though one particular brand seems to be a clear favourite – can you guess which one? So instead, I’ve collated the favourite white paint shades of six Ideal Home editors.

It turns out that there’s a reason there are so many whites available to choose from – the best white paint shade means something different for different people. But also for different rooms – this is largely due to the orientation of the room and what kind of light it receives, whether it’s north or south-facing, as well as the size and the purpose of the space.

So next time your partner (or anyone else) is telling you it’s ‘just white’ and they all look the same, you can show them this article as proof that they’re not in fact all the same.

1. Jenny McFarlane, Senior Digital Editor – Farrow & Ball All White

The recently renovated home of our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane is a regular source of serious jealousy at the Ideal Home office – we’re especially obsessed with her kitchen (pictured at the top of this article) with a curved fluted kitchen island which also happens to be painted white, as is her hallway, specifically in Jenny’s favourite white paint shade which is Farrow & Ball’s All White. And you'll notice throughout this article that Farrow & Ball is the editors' favourite place to buy paint.

‘My go-to is always All White by Farrow & Ball,’ Jenny says. ‘It's soft but bright with no blue undertones. It's worked as a lovely contrast with bolder colours we've used in our house.’

2. Heather Young, Editor in Chief – Farrow & Ball Strong White

Ideal Home’s Editor in Chief, Heather Young doesn’t shy away from colour so there is not a whole lot of white to be found in her beautiful, stylish yet eclectic home – she even painted her living room in a near-black colour, the famous Farrow & Ball Railings.

But when it came to choosing paint for her north-facing kitchen, she decided to go for white to keep the space light and bright, and to balance the dark charcoal-painted kitchen cabinets. After testing different shades of white, she finally landed on Farrow & Ball’s Strong White which has the slightest of grey undertones and therefore pairs perfectly with those cabinets.

3. Lindsey Davis, Content Director for Ecommerce – Earthborn Wood Smoke, Dulux White Mist

Lindsey Davis, Content Director for Ecommerce across various homes titles, including Ideal Home. And I was advised she might have some strong opinions on white paint as she’s recently redecorated her Victorian cottage. And so she did, to the point that she went for different whites in various rooms.

‘My bedrooms are Earthborn Wood Smoke,’ Lindsey says. ‘It’s super pigmented so nice to use and it has a tiny hint of violet to it which balances well in my south-facing rooms. Then in the kitchen and bathroom, I used Dulux White Mist which I could wipe and the kitchen beams are painted in Wedding Cake by Frenchic.’

4. Ginevra Benedetti, Deputy Editor (Print) – Farrow & Ball School House White, Shaded White

Similarly to Heather, Ideal Home’s Deputy Print Editor, Ginevra Benedetti isn’t one to go for all-white walls. But what she tends to do is paint half (or a portion) of her walls in white and pair it with another colour like pink or green. And she’s very loyal to Farrow & Ball when it comes to picking out paint.

‘I have two favourite whites,’ Ginevra says. ‘Farrow & Ball School House White and Shaded White. School House White is a lovely creamy shade that works well in north facing rooms. My living room has big windows but it’s northwest-facing so it doesn't get much direct sunlight. I have it above my picture rail (with Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster below).’

She continues, ‘I have Shaded White throughout my stairwell. I live in a terrace so the only light the stairwell gets is from the hallway on the ground floor and from a skylight at the top. Shaded White is an off white/beige, which again is good for warming the space up. It's best to avoid cool tones in a space with little light. We have it above the dado rail with Farrow & Ball Studio Green below.’

5. Maddie Balcombe, Editorial Assistant – Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin

If you want to warm up your space with your choice of white paint, opt for a warm off-white which is exactly what Maddie Balcombe, our Editorial Assistant for print, has done in her bedroom. It’s no coincidence that these soft of-whites are replacing brilliant white as the go-to shade.

‘I love Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball,’ Maddie says. ‘It’s a creamy off-white, and I recently used it to colour drench my west-facing bedroom. My bedroom can look quite cool in the morning, but I’ve found that the warm undertones of the paint offset that nicely. In the mid-late afternoon, the room becomes much brighter, but the soft, slightly stony finish stops it from feeling too dazzling!’

6. Ali Lovett, Houses Editor – Farrow & Ball School House White

Ginevra is not the only one that’s a fan of Farrow & Ball’s School House White. It turns out that so is Ali Lovett, Ideal Home’s Houses Editor, who’s also an interior stylist – which, I would like to say, was the only crossover in the long list of whites I’ve received from our editors. It might not be the most popular Farrow & Ball white shade but it’s definitely up there – and since it’s another soft off-white shade, I’m not entirely surprised it’s enjoyed much praise from the team.

Ali says, ‘Farrow & Ball’s School House White is my go-to. But I've just ordered COAT’s No Offence for my dark north-facing kitchen extension. I’m hoping it'll be great for layering fun colours on top.’ So watch this space!

Which of these lovely white paints that our editors are loving would be your top pick?

Using colour can be a little scary and daunting for many people, especially when it comes to bold shades. This is where the ‘peek-a-boo’ paint theory comes in as it’s an easy way to use contrasting colour through small but unexpected flashes.

Colour is usually what makes a space interesting and memorable. But covering large areas like entire walls in colour is not something everyone’s up for and feels comfortable doing in their homes. But since the peek-a-boo paint trend consists of only small colour accents, experts recommend it even for the most colour-hesitant. According to research conducted by paint brand Dulux, 76% of homeowners say they were taught to avoid ‘clashing’ colours, and 43% say they fear ‘getting it wrong’ when decorating.

‘It’s a great way for those who are a little colour-shy to add personality into their home through subtle yet vibrant details, rather than committing to a fully painted wall or large block of colour,’ says Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘It encourages people to be brave and rebel against decorating rules. It takes confidence to “paint outside of the lines”, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make an impressive impact.’

What is the ‘peek-a-boo’ paint theory?

Coined by Dulux, the ‘peek-a-boo’ paint theory is about adding bold, contrasting but small accents of colour in unexpected places, such as on skirting boards, inside shelving or even in a place visible when looking through the door from one room to another, framed by the doorway.

Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar Paint, explains, ‘The peek-a-boo paint trend is something I’ve certainly noticed more people experimenting with recently. This more refined technique is the perfect way of incorporating intentional character into rooms without leaving a heavy or unsophisticated feel.

'As colour is used sparingly on shelves, cabinets or skirting boards, the peek-a-boo theory provides an option for those who want to add brightness into their homes without committing to bold, and sometimes daunting techniques like colour drenching or feature walls. It’s an approachable way of experimenting without completely redecorating.’

How to use the ‘peek-a-boo’ paint theory

This paint idea is best used to highlight small details and architectural features to add depth and intrigue to the room.

Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene, says, ‘Adding small but contrasting flashes of colour within a scheme, such as across skirting boards, window frames or within cupboards, is a great way to accentuate these areas and introduce a playful design detail that brings visual interest and depth. Often, skirting boards are painted in a neutral or white shade out of habit. However, their relatively small proportion means they provide the perfect opportunity to introduce colour and refresh a space without it feeling overwhelming.’

Helen at Benjamin Moore adds, ‘The peek-a-boo paint theory works particularly well in places where small glimpses of colour appear as you move through a space, such as inside cupboards or along the edges of windows or doors. These subtle flashes of colour create moments of surprise and visual interest.’

What colours should you use?

In order to create a true contrast, it’s recommended to opt for colours that sit opposite one another on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange, which is one of the best ways to use the colour wheel like a pro.

‘Colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel balance and enhance one another in a really joyful way, they have this slightly surprising magic that makes a space feel alive, not overwhelming,’ explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘Seeing a contrasting colour through a doorway instantly adds interest. It draws you through the home and makes spaces feel connected rather than flat. Blue and orange work particularly well here. Sitting directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, they form a complementary pairing that feels vibrant yet balanced.’

Ruth at Little Greene concludes, ‘These small details can make a big impact on your final scheme and completely change the feeling of a room, as well as being the perfect place to be more adventurous with colour.’

Even though many of us are becoming braver with our wall colour choices, white walls will forever remain the classic, timeless go-to. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you choose the right shade of white for the room you’re working with.

When it comes to Farrow & Ball, one of the best-known paint brands in the UK, there is one bestselling white paint that will almost always look good, and that people can't get enough of, and it's Wimborne White.

Farrow & Ball’s best white paint is loved by the brand’s insiders, as well as customers, for its versatile nature. It pairs well with pretty much any other colour, including the most popular Farrow & Ball green shade, Green Smoke. ‘Wimborne White is our most popular white,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. ‘Is it too much to say it is the perfect white?’

Why is Wimborne White the most popular white?

Existing customer reviews sing the paint’s praises as much as Patrick does. One reads, ‘Lovely light cream colour, brightens the room. I used it on lounge-diner walls, ceiling, coving to good effect. Very pleased with the fresh bright appearance.’

While another says, ‘I was recommended Wimborne White. It fits the bill as a perfect white that goes with everything.’

Named after the town of Wimborne in Dorset which is where Farrow & Ball is based, this white paint idea is described as just off-white, a shade away from pure white. And since warm off-whites are replacing brilliant white as the go-to paint shade, it makes complete sense why this paint colour enjoys so much popularity. So much so that it's become Farrow & Ball's bestselling colour of 2026 overall.

‘The gentlest undercurrent of yellow is the key to this softest of whites. It is not too harsh but will appear the purest white against stronger colours. It teams beautifully with all our colours for the classic white trim and ceiling colour, but it is also lovely when paired with complementary whites like New White or Dimity for a soft and restful look,’ Patrick at Farrow & Ball explains.

Alternative Farrow & Ball white shades

If Wimborne White is not quite the white you had in mind, there are 40 Farrow & Ball white shades in total to choose from. These are my top 3 picks, in addition to the near-perfect Wimborne White, of course.

Over the last few months, whenever speaking to interior and paint experts about wall colours going out of style or recommendations for neutral wall shades, I've noticed that the crisp, brilliant white that many of us grew up with as the default 'always looks good' paint colour is being left behind. There is a new go-to shade in town that’s replacing brilliant white in 2026 and beyond, and it can only be described as a warm off-white or cream.

I know it’s not necessarily a dramatic departure from the pure white we’ve grown accustomed to – it’s not like brilliant white is being replaced by pink or green. But this subtle shift from one shade to another, taking the crown of the best white paint is significant enough, and is part of a larger movement toward more comfortable and cosier interiors. Dare we say it, even Magnolia is back on the cards as an alternative to Brilliant White.

‘For many years, brilliant white was the default choice because it feels clean, bright and reassuringly simple,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘But as our homes have evolved into spaces of comfort and wellbeing, our relationship with white has started to shift. When used across every wall in a room it can sometimes feel a little stark, particularly in the softer natural light we often experience in the UK.’

What shades are replacing brilliant white?

When it comes to the newly favoured shades of white, it’s all about the undertones, united by their warmth – which is something I've noticed even when our Ideal Home editors shared their top white paint shade picks. ‘Neutrals with subtle red, brown or yellow undertones introduce a gentle warmth that feels considered and inviting, something that cooler, brighter whites can often struggle to achieve,’ explains Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar Paint.

Marianne shares what Dulux shades of white have been gaining in popularity and overtaking the once popular brilliant white, ‘People are becoming more aware that different whites serve different purposes, and many are now choosing softer, warmer whites for larger wall spaces to create a more relaxed and welcoming feel. Warmer whites, like Dulux Timeless and Jasmine White, are beginning to take its place, with demand increasing as people move away from very stark whites. These shades have a gentle warmth that softens a room.’

Some people go even further askew when looking for the likes of neutral living room ideas and instead of a white shade opt for a darker, earthier tone instead, ‘Richer neutrals like warm beiges, soft taupes or 'greige' are becoming increasingly popular in the place of brilliant whites, offering a more nuanced alternative that evokes a more lived-in and inviting feel,’ Lucy at Valspar says.

My off-white top picks

Of course, this doesn’t mean that there’s no place for brilliant white in your home anymore. ‘It’s still perfect for woodwork, ceilings and finishing touches where that clean brightness really shines,’ Marianne at Dulux explains. Brilliant is simply no longer the default go-to white or neutral paint shade as it once was.

Teal is having a major comeback this year, but before you pick up your paintbrush, you need to ensure you're pairing this shade with colours that match. And experts have revealed the three colours you should never pair with teal.

One of the most surprising colour trends of 2026 is 2016 colours making a comeback, and that, of course, includes teal. A rich blue-green hue, teal can be beautiful when used properly in your home.

'Teal is returning because we are craving a bit of Peacock energy after years of muted minimalism,' explains Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Dulux. 'There’s a growing appetite for jewel colours that feel immersive and energising. Teal has two great characteristics because it nestles beautifully between blue and green - it carries the serenity of the ocean and the restorative power of nature in one elegant breath and feels both contemplative and alive.'

However, this beautiful trending colour can have a dated effect when paired with the wrong hues. Here are three pairings to avoid for a timeless colour scheme.

1. Bright, cool reds

‘I would avoid pairing teal with very bright, cool-toned reds. Both colours are intense and highly saturated, and when used together, they tend to compete rather than complement. Instead of feeling layered and considered, the combination can make a scheme feel unsettled and visually disjointed,’ says Holly Lamont, Founder and Creative Director of Holla Design.

Pops of red have been making their way into every stylish home of late, but the red trend isn’t suited to every colour scheme. Where bright or cool reds can feel overwhelming when paired with teal, Holly advises that warmer colours such as ‘muted blush, deep plum, warm neutrals’ can make the space look more balanced.

2. Cool greys

It’s bad news if you plump for grey living room ideas, as, like with bright cool reds, this colour can end up competing with teal to dominate the space.

‘If there is one pairing to approach with caution, I would say cold pure greys. It suddenly creates a metallic harshness to a colour that is lavish and glamorous. It puts the brakes on any life it might offer, and the combination can feel visually tense, as though both colours are competing for the same emotional space. Instead of harmony, you get grumpy friction,’ explains Marianne.

‘That doesn’t mean teal can’t sit with grey at all, but the grey must have warmth, softness or a hint of gold in it to create balance. Colour relationships are about conversations. When two colours don’t speak the same language, they have to work very hard to make themselves heard.’

3. White

While it’s typically true that the best white paint goes with any colour, sometimes it can look too stark when paired with teal. Because of this, it’s best to opt for a warmer neutral colour instead.

‘White - it's too stark against teal. Avoid anything that creates a strong contrast and fights against the teal. Teal ideally needs to be drenched across walls and woodwork or used with muted tones with red or brown bases to create a lived-in, layered space,’ comments Annika O’Connor, Founder of Fynd Homeware.

‘If you want to brighten the space or use it in a north-facing room, look for a rich, creamy neutral to pair it with.’

Teal is a rich, striking colour that looks beautiful when applied correctly. It can create a majestic, cocooning atmosphere when used to colour-drench a room, while adding teal accents can add richness and depth to a room.

As a millennial, I'm all too aware of the baggage that comes with the colour pink. In the space of 20 years, it went from a colour I avoided like the plague for being too 'girly' to suddenly being on everything from my favourite coffee shop cup to my kitchen pans. In my thirties, I was ready to leave pink behind, until I discovered its potential as the ultimate warming neutral for my living room walls.

When I moved into my Victorian flat conversion last year, the living room was painted light grey. It looked smart and elegant, but felt cold and unwelcoming. I wanted to recreate that glow you would see coming out of a cosy restaurant or pub window at night. Pink living room ideas were far from my mind as I flicked through yellow paint swatches, creamy whites, and even considered magnolia. However, I soon realised only one colour could give me that cosy warmth I craved: pink.

But it had to be the right pink. I didn't want a Greta Gerwig Barbie Pink; I was on the hunt for an earthy neutral that looked like a freshly plastered wall. The paint that hit the mark was Masquerade from Little Greene.

Masquerade is a beautiful powder-hue pink with earthy undertones. I first spotted it in Zoe Ball's living room and kitchen, and I loved how it provided the perfect background to all her colourful belongings without being overwhelming.

As soon as the pink paint shade was on my living room walls, it felt like a completely different room. The room felt warm and cosy. The plaster pink worked as a neutral that made any colour you put next to it feel richer and more sumptuous. Our moss green sofa looked more inviting, and the golden yellow rug more luxurious. Every time I walk into the room now, it feels like a warm hug that makes my shoulders drop.

'Often reserved for bedrooms, soft pinks are an inviting, charming colour to use in living spaces, they provide a warm, elegant atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining,' explains Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. '‘Masquerade’ provides warmth to a space whilst remaining light and airy, making us feel uplifted and calm.'

How to choose a 'neutral' pink

While Masquerade was the pink I fell in love with, there are so many gorgeous pink shades that can act as a neutral in a living room (and beyond). Take Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon, which shifts from a deep salmon pink to a lovely mushroom colour depending on the light, or Coat's Factor Fifty, a plaster pink that has developed a mini-cult following thanks to its versatility.

What all these colours, including Masquerade, have in common is the gorgeous earthy undertones that make them so versatile and effective as a warming neutral. 'The right shades of pink, with earthier, warmer undertones, provide a wonderful canvas on which to layer other colours. These shades don’t compete but offer real depth that a brighter, more classic neutral doesn’t,' explains John Law, Creative Director, Interiors at Woodhouse & Law.

'We usually opt for pinks with earthy, more beige undertones as they can help ground a space rather than brighter shades as these are strong colours in their own right,' John explains.

If you're still not convinced by the idea of pink as a neutral, you can dip your toe in by opting for a paler shade. For example, the paint colour I choose from Little Green comes in three shades, Masquerade, Masquerade - Mid and Masquerade - Light. The lighter variations are even more subtle shades of pink, and I was almost persuaded to go for the mid shade. However, the earthiness of the true colour won me over.

Standing in my newly painted living room, I'm still a little surprised I convinced my partner to paint our living room pink. However, as the afternoon sun hits the walls and brings out those warm red undertones, he'll be the first to tell you what a beautiful neutral colour it is.

Ditching my preconceived ideas of pink and going all in with an earthy pink in the largest room in my house is one of the best decisions I've made. If you're on the fence about pink, take the plunge, as I promise the finished result is worth it.

Other pink paints to try

You know what they say, trends always come back around. And the latest shade that we can’t get enough of in our homes is living proof of this idea.

We are almost three months into 2026, and so far most of the colour trends that we’ve been embracing are 2016 colours that are having a huge comeback. Among these is petrol blue, a deep yet inviting shade that experts say is experiencing the ultimate revival.

‘Rich shades of blues and greens, like navy, indigo and teal are becoming increasingly popular this year,’ explains Kris Manalo, Head of Design at Atkin and Thyme. ‘And Petrol blue is an interesting, moody shade that sits almost between a navy and a teal with a grey undertone that makes it extremely versatile.’

There’s no denying that we embrace colour trends that define our homes each year, so it’s natural that the way we are using petrol blue has shifted over the past decade. I asked the experts how to make this 2016 ‘it’ colour work 10 years later.

Why is petrol blue trending in 2026?

‘In 2026, our rooms are expected to work harder as restorative sanctuaries as well as stylish social settings,’ says Cathryn Sanders, Head of Creative at Earthborn. ‘Characterful hues like petrol blue can help to define those moods.’

‘Sitting somewhere between a deep navy and a green-based blue, petrol blue offers the richness homeowners are craving, while still delivering the tranquil, calming qualities that make blue one of the most enduring choices for interiors,’ she says.

It’s true that blue is one of those shades that we keep coming back to year upon year. With many different varieties and hues to choose from it can transform any space, from creating a relaxing navy bedroom to a beautiful blue kitchen. And petrol blue is no exception, which adds to its charm.

‘The colour blue has always been associated with calmness and this year we want our homes to feel like the ultimate sanctuary, with elements of glamour and decadence,’ says Kris. ‘Petrol blue is a surprisingly versatile shade, due to its subtle grey undertones. It has a quiet confidence that is reflective of our desire to blend creativity with tranquillity, whilst designing a space that feels truly comforting.’

Not only does the revival of petrol blue align with the growing appetite for luxe yet inviting interiors, it also reflects the shift towards more maximalist, personality-led designs.

‘Petrol blue is making a strong comeback this year as homeowners move away from cool, restrained palettes and towards spaces that feel confident and more expressive,’ says James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO and Creative Director at Bobbi Beck.

‘It’s an ideal backdrop for personality-driven interiors, offering a unique blend that is softer than navy yet undeniably bold,’ he adds

Why is petrol blue trending in 2026?

As a fusion of pale blue and deep navy, petrol blue is undeniably versatile. But, this might leave you wondering how best to use the trending shade. If you don’t know where to start, follow this expert advice.

1. Consider the energy of your room

‘Petrol blue evokes a sense of depth, security and quiet luxury in the home, creating spaces that feel cocooning yet refined,’ says Cathryn. ‘To make it work, you should consider the room’s energy first.’

By doing this, you can determine whether you want to tap into the cocooning qualities of the shade, or use it in a way that feels more dramatic and bold. ‘Using petrol blue to envelop bedrooms and living rooms creates a soothing, immersive effect,’ says Cathryn. ‘Or use it as a confident accent on cabinetry, skirting or statement furniture in more social spaces.’

2. Try a colour drench

Deep, moody shades are always effective when used in a daring way. Colour drenching with this shade is a perfect way to bring it to life and create a striking effect.

‘Allow petrol blue to take the lead rather than treating it as an accent,’ suggest James. ‘Be generous in how you use the tone, applying it across the whole room, from walls and skirtings to the ceiling. This creates an inviting, enveloping space that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in.’

3. Pair with complementary tones

The undertones of petrol blue make it a flexible shade that can pair nicely alongside other bold hues, chic metallics, or more neutral shades. ‘It pairs particularly well with warm terracotta or muted peach, which lift the depth of the colour without overpowering it,’ says Kris. ‘Or accents of mustard or rust orange can add contrast.’

‘Natural wood in honeyed tones, such as oak, acacia or mango, also pair beautifully alongside petrol blue,’ adds Kris. ‘These warmer finishes bring balance and a sense of softness.’

4. Experiment with texture

Don’t feel limited to paint when using petrol blue in the home. ‘Textures pair exceptionally well with the petrol blue shade, particularly velvet materials,’ says James. ‘Or subtle metallic accessories can be introduced to add warmth and a refined touch to the overall scheme.’

Will you use petrol blue in your home this year?

If, like me, you're planning a bedroom refresh this year, then you may be interested to find out what this year's biggest bedroom colour trends are predicted to be.

Yes, bedroom colour ideas should perhaps feel timeless, but we all know that bedroom trends shift a little each year, and the same is true of 2026.

This is the year that the bedroom has been dubbed the 'sensory refuge' by trend forecasters, interior designers, and colour experts alike. It's all about creating a calming, cocooning sleep space as respite from the increasingly unstable and dysregulating world outside our four walls.

When it comes to bedroom colour trends, that means cold, clinical, and impersonal colours are out, and warm, earthy, and richly emotive shades are most definitely in.

'In 2026, bedroom colour is becoming far more emotional and instinctive,' explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at paint brand Dulux. 'We’re moving away from shades that feel cold or overly functional and embracing colours that nurture and restore.'

This is everything you need to know about the colour on their way out and what's replacing them to make sure your bedroom walls, bedding, and furniture choices are dressed in shades that will support your well-being in 2026.

OUT: cool whites and greys

Through this lens, it's perhaps no surprise that the popularity of cool white and grey bedrooms will continue to decline in 2026. Cold and impersonal, these sterile shades lack the warmth and richness needed to create a nurturing and cocooning bedroom.

'For 2026, we’re seeing a clear move away from stark minimalism in the bedroom,' agrees Katerina Tchevytchalova, director at interior design studio K’Arte Design. 'Pure, bright white walls without any warmth are no longer a good fit for sleep spaces, as they can feel clinical rather than restorative. Similarly, the cool greys that dominated interiors over the last decade are starting to look dated unless they’re balanced with warmer accents and softer textures.'

'Once the reigning neutral, grey shades have gradually lost their dominance, especially in bedrooms,' agrees Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook. 'Homeowners are now steering away from its cool tones in favour of warmer, richer hues.'

'Cold whites and sterile greys are slipping out of fashion,' confirms Marianne. 'While they once symbolised modern simplicity, they can now feel stark and uninviting in a space that should wrap us in comfort. The once much-loved ‘millennial grey’ is also losing its appeal, as we crave warmth, character, and deeper connection to nature rather than flat, one-note neutrals.'

IN: warm neutrals

'Instead, 2026 is all about warm, nature-led colour palettes that promote comfort and wellbeing,' shares Katerina. 'Think soft earthy neutrals like warm beige, sandy taupe, and chalky stone. Used together with layered textures and tactile materials, these shades help create bedrooms that feel cocooning, restorative, and genuinely easy to live with.'

'Soft warm whites, taupe-based mid-neutrals, and earthy shades are taking centre stage,' agrees Anna, 'creating spaces that feel inviting and cocooning rather than cool and impersonal.'

And the key to this look, as Katerina says, is layering. In 2026, a neutral bedroom shouldn't be flat or impersonal; instead, think warm layering of colours, textures, and fabrics. If you imagine being in a natural landscape, very little is one flat colour; it's a myriad of subtle, nuanced shades that make up a rich and interesting whole.

OUT: icy pastels

And it isn't just cold whites and greys that are out. The shift towards warmer, nature-inspired hues means icy pastel shades are also losing favour.

'The shift in bedroom colour trends for 2026 closely reflects the wider cultural direction,' explains Rhian Barker, group design director at interior design studio Accouter. 'Rather than stark or clinical colours, this year's trending colours prioritise softness, warmth and emotional resonance.'

That means a shift away from 'cool, impersonal hues towards colours that convey comfort, tactility and reassurance,' says Rhian. 'Cold greys, icy pastels and flat, high-contrast whites in bedroom interiors are increasingly viewed as unsupportive of rest and relaxation.'

Instead, we increasingly want to live with warmer, muted colours that create a sense of calm and cocooning. 'Subtle depth, softness and visual warmth, are now shaping bedroom palettes,' says Rhian, 'reinforcing the bedroom’s role as a restorative and emotionally supportive space.'

IN: muted natural tones

So what's replacing 'artificial' pastel shades? Soft, warm, muted shades that are inspired by the natural world. Think 'muted clay tones, warm browns, and softened greens,' says Rhian.

'In their place, nature-inspired hues are taking center stage,' agrees Marianne. 'Sage green is emerging as a clear favourite for 2026, offering a sense of calm, balance, and quiet confidence. It’s grounded and reassuring, with a timeless quality that makes bedrooms feel like true sanctuaries – spaces to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.'

'Warm greens such as olive and sage are especially popular, thanks to their connection to nature and their ability to create a sense of emotional stability and calm,' agrees Katerina.

And rather than synthetic cool-toned pinks, there's a similar shift towards warmer, natural tones. 'Terracotta and clay tones are emerging, bringing warmth and depth while pairing beautifully with natural finishes like timber and linen,' says Katerina.

OUT: stark primary colours

Just like in this year's bedding trends, there's also a shift away from 'dopamine decor' in the bedroom. Whilst this trend can look fun and playful elsewhere in the home, in the bedroom, many of us have realised that bright, stark primary colours are a little *too* invigorating for a sleep space.

'There’s less appetite for bold, high-energy shades in the bedroom,' agrees Katerina. 'Bright primary colours like deep reds, vivid blues or intense oranges tend to create a stimulating atmosphere, which works against the calm, restful feeling people want from a bedroom.'

Whilst these vibrant shades might well work to enliven a kitchen or work space, the atmosphere we want to create in the bedroom is a different vibe. Although don't worry, that doesn't mean there's any need to forgo bolder colours altogether.

IN: deep, rich, earthy tones

Rather than primary colours, 2026 is taking inspiration from Mother Nature's deeper and richer tones.

'In 2026, we're predicting that the current appeal for earthy, muted heritage shades will remain strong across both interior and exteriors,' says Anna at Fenwick & Tilbrook. 'Expect rusty browns, oranges, and deep reds that carry warmth and character from winter into the year ahead.'

'In recent years, we’ve seen a clear movement towards warm, earthy colours that create soothing, comforting bedrooms, helping customers connect more with the natural environment,' agrees Ruth Mottershead, creative director at paint brand Little Greene.

'We first saw this in the use of calm, earthy neutrals that have an inherent warmth to them, and more recently in the return of brown, with deep, sumptuous chocolate hues being embraced alongside rich caramels and honey tones to create elegant and indulgent spaces that offer real comfort.'

'Darker aubergine shades are also becoming a popular choice,' says Ruth. 'These sumptuous hues provide a beautiful, charismatic depth of colour.' Plus, 'deep, earthy pinks with a beautiful, rich and chalky, muted hue.'

So if you're a colour lover, don't worry, 2026 isn't all about muted neutrals, it's simply a return to warmer, richer shades, and taking inspiration from nature so that our bedrooms feel like restorative and relaxing spaces.

'Overall, anything that feels cold, rigid, or visually flat is being replaced with schemes that feel softer, warmer, and more lived-in,' shares Katerina.

'Ultimately, bedroom colours in 2026 are about comfort with confidence,' sums up Marianne at Dulux, 'shades that feel soulful, restorative and effortlessly uplifting.'

Even though colour trends are constantly evolving, there are certain shades that designers return to time and time again - the reliable hues that seem to work in pretty much any home.

And as one of the most popular paint brands on the market, it's telling to know what pro designers think the best Dulux paint colours are. It's the sort of knowledge that will make choosing the perfect paint colour for your home definitively easier.

With that in mind, I reached out to interior designers and a colour expert to see what Dulux paint colours they *actually* use. Turns out, they swear by three colours in particular.

Willow Tree

I was a little surprised when I first heard what Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Dulux, had to say with regards to the brand's most popular paint colours.

'Green for sure,' she revealed. 'The wonderful thing about green is that it goes well with almost every other colour. You only have to look out into your garden to see just how true that is.'

Marianne emphasises that it is, in fact, a neutral in its own right. There are loads of popular greens available from Dulux, but Marianne highlights Willow Tree as one of (if not the) most popular variation of the colour, for its 'fresh, modern feel.'

Egyptian Cotton

When it came to asking other interior designers about their favourite Dulux paints, Egyptian Cotton was a resounding answer across the board. As Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi puts it, 'Egyptian Cotton is one of those rare neutrals that designers return to again and again because it doesn’t behave like a ‘safe beige’. It has warmth, softness and depth, which means it responds beautifully to light throughout the day and never feels flat or cold on the wall.'

Victoria Benini, interior design and furniture expert at Harbour Lifestyle agrees. 'There's a very subtle khaki undertone to this colour which gives it a luxurious depth,' she says. 'It feels grounded and organic.'

This makes it the perfect shade if you're curious about green living room ideas but not quite sure if you want to go all in. It's a gorgeously soft neutral that tiptoes into green territory.

Timeless

Last but not least, interior experts swear by Timeless for when they want a truly neutral base to build upon. An ultra-pale cream that many consider to be one of the best white paints, it has a subtle warmth that stops it from going into the too white territory.

'Timeless is incredibly versatile - you can use it anywhere you’d normally opt for white (avoiding the areas not to paint white), and it immediately creates a more welcoming feel,' Victoria says. 'That adaptability makes it ideal for anyone who likes to refresh their accessories regularly, or evolve their space with changing trends.'

Dulux named this one well. It's a paint shade that has truly stood the test of time.

Are you feeling inspired to try any of the best Dulux paint colours which pro designers swear by?

Farrow & Ball has a collection of exactly 132 paint colours. And while some shades enjoy a lot of popularity with the brand’s customer base and cult following - I’m looking at you, Setting Plaster, Railings and Skimming Stone - many others manage to fly under the radar. But if you’re looking for a new paint ideas why not try one of the most underrated Farrow & Ball shades?

Even though I regularly (almost weekly) look at Farrow & Ball’s colour offering, I, of course, don’t know them all. So I called on the real expert, Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador and colour expert, Patrick O’Donnell to reveal the most underrated colours that deserve a lot more attention than they’re currently getting.

Opting for shades that are not one of the few most popular Farrow & Ball shades - or one of the F&B colours that are going to be trending in 2026 - is also how you’ll end up with a space that’s much more interesting and original.

Brassica

‘Mauves, lilacs and mulberries are appearing more frequently in fabric and wallpaper, yet uptake in paint has been slower,’ Patrick says. ‘When used thoughtfully, they bring a gentle sense of interest, particularly for those keen to step “off-piste” from perennial blues and greens. Our charming Brassica, which sits within the lavender-lilac family, has a beautifully ethereal quality. It’s soft rather than sharp, making it equally at home in contemporary schemes and more traditional settings.’

While some of the deeper and darker aubergine or plum purples are among this year’s colour trends, softer purple shades and lilacs are currently not very popular. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be or that you can’t use them if purple is a colour you gravitate towards.

And if you’re interested in decorating with birth month colours and happen to be born in February, shades like Farrow & Ball’s Brassica is the perfect one to incorporate into your home as purple is the month’s colour.

Fake Tan

Darker, earthy shades of terracotta have enjoyed a lot of popularity in recent months as warm, nature-inspired hues are what people are loving right now. But the lighter versions of these colours are not as widely used, even if they are Farrow & Ball colours.

‘Apricot pinks and faded terracottas can feel like a trickier colour family to work with, but it’s incredibly effective for adding warmth. Popular throughout the mid-20th century, with a brief revival in the 1980s, these hues - used wisely - can transform an unpromising space. They particularly shine in rooms flooded with natural light, where the apricot notes soften and create a gentle, sunny glow. Two favourites from our archive palette are Menagerie and Fake Tan,’ Patrick explains.

How to use Farrow & Ball’s Fake Tan to show off its full potential is perfectly illustrated in creative consultant Max Hurd’s home (pictured above).

Suffield Green

Some Farrow & Ball greens such as Green Smoke are among the brand’s top sellers. But others go largely unnoticed – among the most underrated are a couple of shades that Patrick refers to as Regency greens.

‘Green is a perennial favourite, yet we often gravitate towards cooler, paler shades or darker, moodier tones. Mid greens - those richer, more verdant hues - bring a joyful freshness to spaces ranging from bedrooms and sitting rooms to kitchen cabinetry. They work effortlessly alongside many other colours, allowing freedom to layer textiles and artwork. Archive shades such as Pea Green and Suffield Green offer charming period elegance and are particularly suited to rooms with generous proportions and high ceilings,’ he says.

Wainscot and Dauphin

The underrated status of Farrow & Ball’s Wainscot and Dauphin surprised me as brown colour schemes have been very popular in the last couple of years – so much so that Farrow & Ball came up with a new brown shade, Broccoli Brown, and included it in its launch of 12 new shades last year. But according to Patrick, these shades deserve a lot more attention than they’re getting.

‘Tobacco and caramel tones is a palette often embraced by confident designers but can feel less accessible to the DIY decorator, though it deserves far more attention for its understated elegance.

'These colours layer beautifully with greens, blues, pinks and reds, while always adding warmth. Think cosy yet chic. Pair them with a crisp white trim for a more contemporary feel, or lean into softer, drabber neutrals for something more settled and lived-in. Archive shades such as Dauphin and Wainscot are go-to choices for me, with Wainscot making a particularly timeless kitchen cabinet colour when paired with aged brass hardware.’

Which one of these underrated Farrow & Ball shades is your favourite?

Haven’t you heard 2016 is back in a big way? The internet has been feeling nostalgic this month for what it considers ‘better times’, 10 years ago, and our homes aren't immune to this trend. It is translating into a number of trends staging a comeback, including a revival of these 7 colour trends that were huge in 2016.

I was 15 in 2016, watching my mum ponder over the colour trends of the time, and 10 years on, I’m finding myself considering similar palettes in my own home. How time flies, but also proof that home decor trends are circular.

It’s called a trend cycle for a reason, but as these seven colours come back into fashion, it’s fair to say we’re adapting them for our 2026 tastes. So without further ado, these are the 2016 colours making a comeback in 2026, and how to use them in a way that feels fresh, not dated.

1. Millenial Pink

Back in 2016, Millennial pink was everywhere. Pink hues were in everything from rose gold jewellery (I can’t believe this ever trended) to Rose Quartz, a soft pastel, being Pantone’s colour of the year.

‘A shade that dominated interiors in 2016 was rose quartz, with the soft pink hue often paired with neutrals such as white, greys and creams to create a light, airy and serene atmosphere,’ says Kathryn Lloyd, Colour Specialist at Crown.

‘This year, we’re seeing pink make a comeback, but rather than the stark pairings of the past, this year’s focus is on more subtle shades. Interiors are now starting to prioritise muted, dustier pinks such as Crème de la Rose, bringing the same light and energy to a space with a more refined overall feel.

‘We’re also seeing an uplift in the use of rich, warmer pinks such as Rhubarb Rose and Made With Love. A great technique for incorporating these shades into interiors is by painting a half wall, which injects colour and personality into a room without it being overwhelming.’

2. Warm Terracotta

This earthy hue is one of my favourite paint shades, as terracotta is easy to decorate with. It is warm and inviting, so I’m thrilled it’s back in style.

‘Terracotta was the boho shade in 2016, and I’m thrilled to see it back, but in a more refined way. Homes now are leaning into earthy, tactile tones that feel cosy but still sophisticated. Terracotta ticks every box: it’s warm, it’s grounding, and it has that handmade, artisanal energy that people can’t get enough of in 2026,’ says Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys.

‘I wouldn’t paint a whole room in it anymore (that’s very 2016), but I love it in smaller doses. Think cushions, pottery, textured blinds or even a single accent wall. Pair it with soft browns, warm whites and natural fibres to make it feel earthy and intentional rather than overly boho.’

3. Teal

A beautiful blend of green and blue, teal feels like a bit of a blast from the past. I remember my coolest friends having teal bedrooms growing up, and now teal colour schemes will be making a return to stylish homes.

‘Interiors in 2016 favoured coastal blues and teals, and whilst we’re seeing a turn to richer, deeper blues in 2026, teal still remains a popular choice ten years later,’ says Kathryn.

‘Teal is a rich combination of green and blue – the two major colours of the natural world. As a result, it helps people to switch off and evokes a sense of wellness and calm. Shades such as Crown’s Teal work perfectly in living rooms to create a space to decompress.

‘Consider painting both the walls and ceiling with the shade to envelope the room in tranquillity, using deeper blue shades like Midnight Navy as accents to really bring out the depth of the room and create a simultaneously rich and muted atmosphere.’

4. Sage Green

Sage green decorating ideas haven’t ever really left public consciousness, but experts believe they will be just as popular in 2026 as they were in 2016.

‘Sage green was a major player in 2016, with its cooler, muted, bluish undertones. But now, as we head into 2026, green is evolving into a richer, more yellow-infused olive,' says Interior Designer and Colour Consultant, Dan Lovatt.

'We’re craving more saturated, sophisticated hues. While 2016 leaned heavily on greys and greiges, now we’re seeing a warming shift - more yellows, more terracotta influences. Shades like COAT Paints’ 'Pan' or 'Ode to Toad' exemplify this - deep, yellow-leaning greens that feel elevated yet bold. 'Tobacconist' is another perfect example of this sophisticated, lush green direction.'

‘When it comes to greens, we’re now seeing a shift towards more saturated, richer tones. There’s a growing trend of embellishment in fabrics and upholstery, and spaces are becoming more layered and collected rather than just curated. This is where those rich, olive-y, yellow-tinged greens come into play. They still offer that biophilic connection to nature, but with an added layer of energy and vibrancy. This infusion of warmth and depth helps create spaces that feel both inviting and dynamic.’

5. Bold Blues

I’m not surprised at all by bold blues making this list, especially as blue is predicted to be one of the most popular hues for both fashion and interiors this year, also featuring heavily on Pinterest’s 2026 colour palette.

‘The popularity of colours changes over time; it is often an evolution rather than a revolution, with a movement towards different colours that feels like a natural progression,' says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director of Little Greene.

'In 2016, we experienced the use of a lot of blue shades, with blue-based whites and strong blue hues such as ‘Ultra Blue’, ‘Smalt’ and ‘Mazarine’ rising to the fore. This move towards blue had evolved from the love of grey that we had seen in the early 2010s.'

‘It’s interesting to see the bold blues that were popular back in 2016, such as Cobalt and Yves Klein Blue, finding their way onto the catwalk at Loewe and Lanvin. Whilst not yet embraced again on all four walls in interiors, these intense and impactful blues, such as ‘Smalt’, work fantastically as a highlight colour on architectural detailing such as woodwork or skirting.

‘By using different blue hues on various elements with a ‘Double Drenching’ approach, you can incorporate these daring blues whilst maintaining a calming and harmonious feel. Pair rich ‘Royal Navy’ on walls with a related blue, such as deep indigo ‘Dock Blue’ on the ceiling, and a pop of striking, vibrant blue ‘Smalt’ on a window frame for a sophisticated and layered scheme. ‘

6. Forest Green

Fans of biophilic design ideas will be pleased to learn that forest green is regaining popularity for 2026.

‘Forest green had a massive moment around 2016, and I remember thinking even then: this is a colour that won’t stay away for long. It’s rich, it’s grounding, and in a world that feels fast and chaotic, people are craving that rooted, natural feeling again. It’s luxurious without trying too hard, which is a big part of why it’s resurfacing,’ says Victoria.

‘I’m using a lot of forest green in cabinetry and upholstery this year. It’s one of those colours that makes a space feel instantly more ‘finished’. Mix it with brass, cream, and natural stone for a really sophisticated look. If you’re nervous about going too dark, forest‑toned Roman blinds are a great way to dip a toe in as they add depth without overwhelming a room.’

7. Bright Yellow

With butter yellow the surprising star of 2025, it’s fair to say yellow isn’t going anywhere in 2026 - just like the ochre tones we saw in 2016.

‘Back in 2016, ochre was definitely a standout colour, with Dulux’s 'Cherished Gold' also making waves. We saw a move towards richer, more saturated yellows, like Farrow & Ball’s 'India Yellow'. However, now we’re witnessing a shift towards softer, more buttery yellows. These gentler tones are perfect for details like skirting boards, architraves, and even outdoor spaces, adding a welcoming softness without overwhelming the space. It’s a cheerful, subtle hue that brings warmth and positivity without being too bold or overpowering,’ says Dan.

‘For buttery yellows, the secret is to let them complement rather than dominate. Pairing them with rich woods like teak adds depth, and combining them with soft, pastel blues creates a cheerful yet balanced palette that’s both inviting and not overpowering.’

We’ve reached the end of memory lane. Whether you’ve left feeling inspired or nostalgic for previous colour trends, we hope you enjoyed the trip!

As personalised homes and spaces filled with plenty of character become more and more popular, it’s no surprise that this approach is spreading to every possible corner and surface of the home. In 2026, this is giving rise to the ‘6th wall’ paint trend.

Last year, the biggest home decor trend when it came to paint was on the ‘5th wall’ of the room, aka the ceiling. Whether it was painting the ceiling a contrasting shade or a tonal one for a colour drenching, double drenching or colour capping scheme, some people even went as far as covering their ceilings in wallpaper as a 'feature wall'.

But this year belongs to painting the 6th wall of the room, also known as the floor. ‘There’s a growing shift towards applying colour with purpose throughout an entire space, not just on the walls, but across ceilings and floors, too,’ confirms Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

‘Painted floors are a simple yet transformative way to change the mood of a space and make the floor a true design feature. As people continue to gravitate towards interiors that feel thoughtful, expressive and rich in character, painting the floor offers an effortless way to introduce personality and dimension.’

Painting your 6th wall works if you have either wooden floorboards or concrete flooring. And it’s a must to invest in durable paint made for flooring, such as Farrow & Ball’s Flat Eggshell finish or Little Greene’s Intelligent Floor Paint.

But if you get the right paint for this easy DIY project - ideally with a glossier paint finish than flat matt - the possibilities are endless. You can approach this trend in many different ways. But these are the best ways I've seen it used.

1. Opt for a bold solid colour

Traditionally, when floors were painted, they were in light neutral shades like white. While you can of course do that if it works for your space, you can also have a little more fun with it and go for a bold shade instead – whether it contrasts with the colour of your walls as in the image above or completes a colour-drenched scheme.

‘For a look that is both stylish and practical, try painting your floor in a solid colour,’ says Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball's colour curator. ‘Strong India Yellow will make the room feel as if it is full-on sunshine, while the use of our new hue Naperon adds warmth and unexpected charm. A true classic, Mouse’s Back is one of my favourite colours to use on floors.’

2. Go for a striking pattern

The floor lends itself to geometric patterns perfectly, much like when using tiles. Stripes or even a more striking chequerboard pattern are both popular choices that also looks stylish without overwhelming the room.

‘Far from being a decorating mistake, painting different widths of stripe adds huge visual interest to a room and makes the floor the focal point. Using two complementary colours like Brassica and Manor House Gray keeps a curated yet relaxed feel that won’t overwhelm,’ Joa says.

She continues, ‘And who can resist a bold checkerboard floor? This geometric effect is really striking but somehow always has a friendly feel, no matter which colours you choose. And it’s much easier to achieve than you might imagine!’

3. Pick out a feature

‘It’s such a lovely surprise to come across unexpected, controlled doses of colour in traditional spaces. Simply painting two stripes around the hearth of a fireplace adds a burst of fun and fabulous sense of whimsy to a room,’ Joa says.

Drawing attention to certain features of your home that you love and want to highlight - like your fireplace - is a great way to utilise this paint trend. Alternatively, you can zone certain areas of your space in place of a rug using floor paint.

Joa concludes, ‘Floor colour has a big impact on the look and feel of a room and the more floor space there is, the greater the impact. It’s a perfect way to be bold that won’t be overwhelming, as the use of strong colour below the eye line is much easier to live with.’

At the end of last year, Pinterest declared Cool Blue - a soft, icy shade of blue - as its colour of the year for 2026. But, if you were looking for more colour inspo then look no further as Pinterest has announced the rest of its colour palette for 2026 – a selection of 5 shades (including Cool Blue) that are set to define this year, and it holds some surprises.

Some of the shades are confirmation of the 2026 colour trends I’ve seen coming through from other paint brands and homeware collections. But there are some wild cards in the most-searched colours, especially the brighter tones like Wasabi and Persimmon.

‘The Pinterest colour palette of the year feels very in tune with how people are approaching their homes right now, using colour not just for impact, but to shape how a space feels,’ says Holly Lamont, founder and creative director of interior design studio Holla Design.

‘It’s a lively palette, but what I love is how considered it is, balancing richer, grounding tones with lighter, more optimistic shades that bring energy. This palette really encourages people to experiment with colour in a way that feels achievable.’

But Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs, advises to only incorporate these and any other trending colours into your home only if you really love them as doing so just for the sake of it can really date your home.

‘Trend-led palettes like Pinterest's annual colour forecasts are created to capture a cultural moment as opposed to enduring for the long-term. While these forecasts are great for inspiration or introducing seasonal accents, relying too heavily on them risks creating design schemes that will date very fast. In interior design especially, these 'trending' shades can tie a space to a specific year or season, quickly making them feel dated and tired as the trends evolve and move on.’

Let’s meet Pinterest’s chosen shades for 2026 and see how to incorporate them into your home.

Cool Blue

Pinterest is not the only one naming blue as its colour of the year – Dulux named not one but three different shades of blue as its colours of the year for 2026 among others. And blue is the biggest home decor trend as far as colour is concerned.

Cool Blue was inspired by Pinterest searches for terms like ‘cool blue’ rising by 85% and ‘glacier aesthetic’ increasing by 35%. It’s a cool-toned, light shade of blue. And Holly of Holla Design is a fan – especially when paired with one of the other colours in the palette, Plum Noir.

‘I’m naturally drawn to burgundies and blues, so Plum Noir and Cool Blue really stand out to me,’ she says. ‘It’s a combination we’re seeing more and more, with deeper tones adding warmth and depth, while cooler blues keep things feeling fresh and calm, a pairing that feels set to carry through into 2026.’

Plum Noir

Last year was all about Cherry Red which was the shade that Pinterest named its 2025 colour of the year. And while dark cherry reds, burgundies, maroons and damson reds are not going anywhere this year, I’ve also seen this appetite for dark, moody tones expand to purples, including rich plum and aubergine shades.

And that’s something that Pinterest has also noticed as searches for ‘dark plum’ has risen by 220% and ‘deep burgundy’ searches have increased by 230%. And while Plum Noir looks great on singular home accessories, it really shines on kitchen cabinetry as seen in the image above where the cabinets were painted in Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black shade.

‘Earthier shades like Plum Noir and Jade work beautifully on larger elements such as kitchen cabinetry or built-in joinery, where they can add richness and a sense of permanence,’ Holly at Holla Design says.

Jade

Is it just me or does the Jade shade look a whole lot like some of the lighter sage green shades people have been favouring the last few years? You can hardly go wrong with green, especially a muted, nature-inspired tone like this one – and according to Pinterest, this green is going to replace other green trends like pistachio and matcha.

This is a very versatile green shade and can be used anywhere from kitchen cabinetry - as Holly already mentioned - to bathroom tiling as seen above.

Persimmon

Persimmon is where things get a little heated. Described as part orange and part red, this is a bold orange hue inspired by searches for ‘persimmon aesthetic’ rising by 100% and ‘orange colour combo’ being up by 75%.

Because it’s such a vibrant shade, it’s best used in smaller doses in the form of accessories like lighting, cushions or tableware.

But if you’re after a more timeless alternative that you can also use on larger surface areas, Emma at Kelling Designs has the answer, ‘Terracotta and rust tones have become a staple in interiors, offering a warming and earthy alternative to Persimmon.’

Wasabi

Wasabi can also be described as lime green or chartreuse – but calling it Wasabi certainly sounds more fun. It’s an electric shade of green with a yellow undertone. Searches show that interest in ‘chartreuse green’ has increased by 175% but it’s best to keep this bright colour to accessories only.

‘Brighter colours such as Persimmon and Wasabi are ideal for softer, more flexible layers; cushions, lampshades or accent details,’ Holly at Holla Design recommends.

While it’s recommended to use these shades with consideration for the long run, there are so many different ways you can incorporate them into your home in just a small way as a quick update. ‘Whether through paint, upholstery or soft furnishings, these shades can be layered gradually to create spaces that feel personal, uplifting and thoughtfully designed as we move into the year ahead,’ Holly at Holla Design concludes.

You may have come across the concept of certain colours or colour schemes being perceived as ‘angry’, often being referred to as a ‘hostile colour palette’. It usually involves bold and bright shades of colours like red, orange and yellow. But if you naturally gravitate towards these colours, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them – you just need to know how, according to a colour expert.

The messaging around using certain colours in interiors can often be confusing – especially when some of these traditionally ‘hostile’ colours are among the biggest colour trends. But according to Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux, you don’t need to avoid these shades as long as you know what colours to pair with them and how much of them to use in a room.

‘In interiors, the term “hostile colour palette” is usually used to describe colour combinations that feel visually intense, jarring or a little overwhelming to spend time in. It’s not really about a single colour being “angry”, but about lots of strong shades competing with each other, which can make a space feel restless rather than relaxing.’

Making your home personal to you and a reflection of your style and taste is the biggest home decor trend of 2026 – and it’s an approach to decorating that’s always relevant and timeless.

‘I’m always a little cautious about giving colours negative labels, because it’s really us who bring the emotion to colour, not the other way around,’ Marianne continues. ‘Reds and oranges are often called “angry”, but they’re also the colours of warmth, energy, sunsets, spices and celebration. Your home should reflect what you love, not what you think you’re supposed to choose. If bold, fiery shades make you feel happy and energised, they absolutely belong in your space.’

How to avoid a hostile colour palette when using bold shades

The biggest piece of advice that Marianne offers to avoid creating a hostile colour scheme in your space is pairing the bold shades with more calming colours.

‘What really matters is how much of them you use, where you use them and what you pair them with. The trick is to use them thoughtfully, so they lift a room rather than dominate it. When strong colours are balanced with calmer tones, they become exciting and expressive, not overwhelming. Think of bold colours as highlights rather than the whole story. Use them on a feature wall, on painted furniture, inside shelves, or through accessories, and let softer neutrals give the room breathing space,’ she explains.

As well as turning to some of the best colour combinations to make your space work, incorporating natural materials and textures will also help to balance out the statement shades. ‘Matt finishes and layered textures also help bold colours feel richer and more welcoming. That way, you get all the personality and warmth, without the room feeling like it’s shouting at you,’ Marianne says.

There’s also something to be said for the shade of the said colour you choose – if you opt for a deeper, darker tone or a more earthy hue of red or orange, they don’t come across as intense as the bold primary version of the colours.

Colour combination inspiration

So whether you’re looking for fresh paint ideas to give your home a refresh in the new year or you’re worried a statement sofa colour that you like will be ‘too much’ for your home to handle, as long as you follow these simple guidelines then you can go all out. Make your home your own!

While January has so far given us some bright blue sky days, it can also feel like a particularly dreary month after the fun of the festive period. The kitchen is where we spend the most time in our homes, so focusing on a design that sparks joy even through the gloomy months is essential.

Whether you're looking to repaint your kitchen cabinetry, walls, or simply inject some fresh pops of colour via your decorative accessories, starting with the best three mood-boosting colours is a recipe for success.

These kitchen colour schemes take inspiration from nature (when the weather is much nicer) and are worth trying out to create a sunnier design - no matter the time of year.

1. Luscious green shades

In the months that feel more grey than any other colour, inviting the lush green tones we see in the spring into your kitchen is a great way to boost your mood.

'Earthy-green colours are emerging as the new neutrals. Rooted in nature, they pair effortlessly with other natural looking materials including wood and stone, bringing quiet sophistication and longevity to any space,' says Isabel Fernandez, director of Quorn Stone.

In terms of green kitchen ideas, green cabinetry will stand the test of time, but if you're looking for other ways to incorporate this shade, Isabel suggests to 'Opt for a moodier, softened olive or moss-toned hue to create an enveloping, timeless oasis. Think pistachio, sage or moss. And of course, a simple but effective way to introduce green into living spaces is with floor or wall tiles.'

2. Sunny yellow hues

Butter yellow has become a big colour trend in the last few years, and while it feels very much like a fashionable colour to choose, the pastel hue also has a timeless element. So don't be put off from trying out this sunny shade - it's the perfect way to turn a dark and gloomy kitchen into a joyful space.

'The reason people are moving towards warmer tones - for example yellows, greens, warm whites - is that they have a much more inviting feel to them,' explains Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick.

'Now, a colour that’s really having a moment (and honestly, I think it’s here to stay) is Butter Yellow. Our Yellow 07 kitchen is such a great example - it feels happy, uplifting, and full of positive energy. It’s the kind of colour that brings people together, which is exactly what you want in a kitchen,' she adds.

3. Sky blue shades

Sensing a theme? The quickest way to boost your mood in the winter months is to replicate the weather we see in the spring and summer.

Shades with cooler undertones often feel like they might make a kitchen feel dreary, but certain blue kitchen ideas can actually help to lift a space, making it feel brighter and bigger.

'Sky blue is a wonderful choice for the kitchen as it instantly lifts the space and creates a fresh, inviting atmosphere - perfect for the heart of the home, where we so often gather, cook, and unwind,' explains David and Sarah Ross, co-founders of Addison Ross.

'Sky blue is especially well-suited to the kitchen because of its incredible versatility; it pairs effortlessly with both warm and cool tones, making it a shade you’re unlikely to tire of. Its timeless quality means it can evolve with your space, whether your style leans more classic or contemporary.

Whether you have scope to repaint your kitchen or you just want to try some new accessories - this mood-boosting kitchen colour shopping edit is a fantastic place to start.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for a reset, especially of our homes. The Christmas period tends to be the busiest time of the year, so a little calm in January is a welcome change. And what better way to inject a little sense of relaxation and calm into your space than with a soothing paint shade? That’s why I asked Farrow & Ball’s colour expert to recommend the most calming Farrow & Ball paint colours.

These paint ideas are the perfect tools to create a relaxing home, especially now as we find ourselves at the start of a new year. Farrow & Ball is an authority in the world of interiors, paint and colour, so what better brand to turn to for a new soothing shade for your abode?

‘Colour psychology can offer a fascinating insight into how particular colour families and shades can impact our mood or emotional response,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball brand ambassador. ‘There are several groups that colour psychologists always suggest to imbue calm – greens and blues chief among them with their affinity to the natural world.’

So it’s no surprise that this list includes both blue and green shades among others. And incidentally enough, blue shades are also one of the biggest colour trends of 2026.

1. Light Blue

Not all Farrow & Ball paint colours come with quirky names like Charlotte’s Locks or Raw Tomatillo. Some simply describe exactly what they are, as is the case with Light Blue which Patrick at Farrow & Ball chose as one of the most calming paint shades.

‘Light blue is our most nuanced of blues that hovers between blue, green and grey, depending on the light. This lends an elegant and incredibly restful backdrop to every room, from tranquil living spaces through to a calming bedroom scheme. For an easy, traditional look, team with Slipper Satin on your woodwork, or to add a more modern approach, consider pairing with our dark Studio Green, to bring out the subtle colour notes in Light Blue,’ he explains.

2. Pink Ground

It’s not just blue and green shades that can create a calming atmosphere in a space. Soft, earthy pinks like Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground are very much up there, too.

‘The delicate, ethereal notes of earthy pinks are beautifully calming, none more so than the soft tones of Pink Ground for relaxation and serenity. This shade will work in any room, from the most flattering wall colour of your bathroom to an elegant living room or warm-blushed hallway,’ Patrick says.

Setting Plaster, one of Farrow & Ball’s most popular shades in 2025, is another one of the brand’s colours that can create this effect, only a shade darker than Pink Ground.

3. Mizzle

As for the aforementioned greens, Patrick highlights the soft Mizzle shade as one of the best choices for a soothing space. It’s a very light shade of green with a grey undertone, a lighter version of the more popular Pigeon shade, named after a mix of mist and drizzle often seen in the West Country evening sky.

‘Mizzle is a calming pale mint that feels incredibly soothing, but thoroughly modern. It will team really well with stronger colours such as our bolder Pigeon or even the charcoal notes of Off-Black on kitchen cabinetry with Mizzle as your wall colour to temper the boldness of your kitchen units,’ Patrick suggests.

4. Sap Green

‘Although calming colours tend to lean towards more muted, soft tones that are gentle on the eye, they can also encompass deeper, darker shades that will create a cocooning and comforting feel,’ Patrick starts.

That’s one of the reasons he recommends Sap Green, one of Farrow & Ball’s 12 new shades launched last year, as the perfect calming colour to use in your home.

‘Not only will a rich, earthy green like Sap Green help impart the mood of relaxation, but it will create a lovely link to the outdoors. Use in a sitting room used at night for a cosy, protective feel. Try decorating on both the walls and the ceiling for a fully immersive experience, this will help blur the boundaries of a room with limited space, too,’ Patrick says.

Are you looking to give your home a more calming and relaxing feel in 2026? If so, what Farrow & Ball colour would you choose to help you do that?

Finding the ultimate kitchen paint colour is no simple task. Whether it's for your walls or your cabinets, you want it to strike the right balance between trendy and timeless, so you aren't faced with repainting in a few years. For 2026, this decision couldn't be simpler. Enter: Plaster pink.

Neutral paint shades like white and cream feel like natural avenues for a kitchen colour scheme, largely because they won't date and thus will give you much more longevity out of an investment purchase. However, recent kitchen trends are all about creating warm and inviting spaces at the heart of our home, and stark neutral shades won't help to achieve this.

Instead, plaster pink is the new neutral replacing these hues. For colour-averse folk, this might seem daunting, but trust us, it will be an enduring neutral shade you won't tire of.

How to use plaster pink in a kitchen

This colour first entered our radars when Farrow & Ball's aptly named 'Setting Plaster' began appearing on our social media feeds. As the brand writes, it's a dusty pink inspired by freshly plastered walls, and in fact, it hardly looks like a typical pink shade at all.

Pink kitchens are gaining in popularity, but it can still be a daunting shade to use in a communal space where design decisions are expensive to alter. Opting for a less saccharine shade and instead choosing a more earthy hue, akin to plastered walls, feels a lot more accessible and leans further towards a neutral scheme, as opposed to a pastel one.

'Pink plaster walls have quietly earned their place as a new neutral because they do the job we once relied on white or grey to do, while offering far more warmth and nuance. Soft, chalky pinks behave almost like a skin tone within a room, responding gently to light throughout the day and bringing a sense of calm that does not flatten the space,' explains Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

Whether you use a plaster-like pink hue on your walls, cabinets (or both, if you're into colour drenching), or even through your kitchen tile ideas, the colour palette will instantly create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

'This shift reflects a wider move away from colour as decoration and towards colour as atmosphere, where subtle tonal variation and surface depth create rooms that feel lived-in and quietly expressive without shouting for attention,' Grazzie adds.

Plaster pinks work just as well in small kitchens as they do in larger spaces. In a compact room, you want to create a light-enhancing space as much as possible, without it looking stark and clinical. Plaster pink is perfect for this - it will add warmth and dimension without making the space feel too enclosed.

'Colours can be neutrals too, especially our classic Setting Plaster, the warmest of earthy pinks. This colour is brilliant at bringing delicate warmth to a poorly lit space. Additionally, it ‘bleaches’ out rather beautifully in a bright and sunny room, so has true versatility in its uses!', adds Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

Shop plaster pink paint

If you're feeling unsure which direction to take your kitchen colour scheme in in 2026, give plaster pink a go.

A New Year means an abundance of fresh inspiration for our kitchen colour schemes, and with that, comes a burning desire to refresh an existing design.

Repainting your kitchen is one of the easiest ways to make this happen. If your cabinetry is still in good knick then all you might need to make your cooking space feel brand new again is a lick of paint. However, there's a lot of factors that impact the likelihood of this project happening, the biggest being how much it costs to paint a kitchen.

But the answer to how much does it cost to paint a kitchen can vary a lot from house to house; things like your kitchen size, the type of paint you want, and of course whether you decide to DIY or hire a professional will see the cost go up or down dramatically. We've spoken to experts to break down exactly how much it costs, and where that money goes.

How much does it cost to paint a kitchen?

'On average, the cost of painting a kitchen DIY might range from anywhere between £150 - £700,' says Fiona Davies, Research Director, Kosy Co Living. 'But you should expect to pay out more if you're hiring a professional or painting additional features such as acrylic kitchen cabinets.'

The range in final prices is wide, which is why it's helpful to break down the cost of the project into separate components. We'll take a look at all the factors influencing how much does it cost to paint a kitchen so you can make an informed decision about what to budget for this project.

1. Size of the kitchen

The size of your kitchen will have the biggest impact on how much paint you need to use, and whether it's a job you can tackle yourself or you'll need to call in a professional for.

'A small kitchen with walls only can be painted for around £100–£200, while a medium-sized kitchen typically ranges from £150–£700, depending on paint quality and preparation. Larger kitchens can exceed £500, particularly if multiple coats or specialist finishes are required,' adds Louis Vanderman, Woodmere’s head kitchen designer.

2. Paint

The paint itself will be one of your biggest expenses when it comes to painting your kitchen - and you don't want to scrimp, it needs to be durable so that your efforts stand the test of time.

Ideal Home's Editor, Rebecca Knight, tackled her relatively small galley kitchen herself for just under £200.

'I painted my kitchen cabinets and walls myself on a budget, in total the paint and supplies cost me in the ballpark of £170 using 3 tins of Frenchic alfresco paint, a decorator's varnish, primer and two tins of Lust Home paint for the walls. I did use more paint than I needed trying to get a neat finish on the cabinets, but I managed to get the look of a whole new kitchen for that price,' she explains.

'For wet areas like kitchens, I'd recommend using a more durable oil-based paint - which is going to run the price up a little more', adds Fiona. 'You might be looking at anywhere between £15-£30 per litre.'

3. Other materials

Don't forget to factor in other materials you'll need as these can quickly add up. Cutting corners won't serve you well in the long run, so make sure you invest in supplies that will do the job properly.

• Painting tools - good brushes and rollers will range in price from £5 - £25, Amazon
• Paint trays - from £3 - £10, Amazon
• Painter's tape - anywhere between £2 - £10 per roll. Our favourite is Frog Tape, £6,99, Amazon
• Drop cloth to protect your floor and furniture - £5 - £10
• Tray liners if you're using multiple colours - £5 - £10, Amazon
• Primer - if your walls are in poor condition, it's wise to use a separate primer before painting. Primer costs around £15 - £25 per litre
• Sandpaper - to smooth down rough spots, if there are any. £1 - £5 per sheet

How much does it cost to paint a kitchen with a professional?

Hiring a professional to hand paint or spray your kitchen is a tempting option - it saves the hassle of undergoing rigorous prep and means it will be finished faster, but this of course comes at a price.

'Standard brush or roller painting typically costs £200–£550 for a full kitchen, or £80–£100 per cabinet when carried out professionally. While this approach is more affordable, the finish can vary depending on skill and preparation,' Louis explains.

'For a more refined result, spray-painted cabinets are increasingly popular. A full kitchen respray usually costs between £800–£1,600, while premium services, often including factory-level finishes, colour matching and warranties, can range from £1,500 to £7,000, depending on kitchen size and complexity.'

There are of course many factors that will impact the cost of working with a professional. The condition of your cabinets and how much prep is required might easily add a couple of hundred pounds onto the labour costs. Equally, if you live in a city like London, you can expect to pay a premium.

You could also source a professional to paint the cabinets and do the walls yourself to save money. Having your kitchen sprayed ensures an even finish and takes between 1-3 days, which is perfect if you're on a time crunch.

However, hand painting is an increasingly popular option, creating a more handcrafted feel with organic brush strokes that give a kitchen a high-end look.

Everything you need to paint a kitchen

Kitchen cabinetry is built to stand the test of time, so a paint refresh might be all you need to make it feel brand new again.

If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t be afraid to use colour in unexpected and experimental ways. Whether you drenched your room in a brave shade, or gave colour capping a go, bold paint ideas dominated this year. But now, the end of the year is almost here and it’s time to start thinking about the colour trends that will define our homes in 2026.

While earthy, bold shades are still enjoying their moment, it seems as though 2026 is set to be a toned-down year, with paler, muted shades stepping into the spotlight. But if you want to approach the year of neutrals in a way that still feels elevated and refined, then you’re in luck. Gold and champagne are trending, and experts say it’s set to be the new neutral for 2026.

Is gold the new neutral?

That’s right – the sparkling shade that was once reserved as an accent colour has now taken centre stage in our homes. ‘Champagne has shifted from a luxe accent to a staple neutral for 2026 because it captures the cultural desire for spaces that feel both uplifting and restorative,’ says Daniel Smith, founder of Danetti.

‘After several years dominated by darker hues, people are gravitating toward colours that offer warmth without heaviness. Champagne delivers exactly that: a soft neutrality that feels contemporary yet luxurious,’ he adds.

There’s no denying that gold has always had a place within the home, be it through hardware in the kitchen or accessories in your living room. But, in 2026, it’s going to give us more, bringing a sense of rich warmth into our homes.

‘There is a redefinition of luxury in the home, moving away from statement pieces and towards subtle, everyday pleasures,’ explains James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO and Creative Director at Bobbi Beck. ‘Champagne and gold bring a sense of quiet sophistication, creating palettes that feel lived-in and welcoming rather than formal or showy.’

With its cosy undertones and sophisticated edge, gold provides the perfect antidote to the more sterile neutrals of years gone by, like white, beige and grey. And what’s more, it also effortlessly complements other trending colours for 2026, like blue and charcoal. This is because, as Kirsty Barton, Brand Manager at Alternative Flooring explains, ‘golden hues offer a subtle warmth that works effortlessly alongside richer colours, creating a balanced look without the harsh contrasts of traditional neutrals.’

How to use gold as a neutral

Like with many bold shades, when using gold in the home there is a risk that your scheme could become kitsch, rather than chic. ‘Introducing gold tones through both soft furnishings and hardware can elevate the overall look of a space,’ says James, ‘but the key is subtlety.’

To help you achieve a look that is sophisticated and stylish, I asked the experts for their top tips.

1. Focus on texture, not shine

Whether you add accented gold wallpaper to your walls, or simply coat your space with a soft ochre paint, remember that texture is everything when it comes to using gold. It not only softens the shade, but it also helps to keep your space feeling balanced and cosy.

‘Champagne looks most elevated when paired with tactile, matte or softly lustrous materials like velvet, boucle, brushed metals or natural marble,’ says Daniel. ‘So avoid glossy finishes, which can push the look toward overly glam or outdated.’

2. Embrace natural materials

‘Surround gold with natural materials and warm neutrals to keep the look grounded. Linen, wood and stone allow gold to sit comfortably within the palette and prevent it from feeling overly decorative,’ suggests James.

Dark wood and gold are a perfect pairing to help you achieve a look that feels calming and chic.

3. Keep lighting soft

For a look like this, lighting can make or break the overall feel. ‘Use warm, diffused lighting to enhance champagne’s soft radiance,’ says Daniel. ‘A combination of wall lights, lamps and subtle gold accents will create a serene glow that feels expensive, not excessive.’

Warm lightbulbs are ideal for a finish that feels snug, rather than stark. A soft light bulb, like this one from Amazon, should do the trick for a cosy glow.

4. Create visual interest

Gold might be an inherently characterful shade, but that doesn't mean you should shy away from adding extra decorative elements to your space. After all, when using gold as a neutral, these finish touches can stop the space from falling flat.

‘Minimalist lines ensure the warmth of champagne reads as elegant and current rather than ornate, says Daniel, ‘so choose furniture and accessories with simple, sculptural shapes.’

Or, add a cosy touch with tactile accents. ‘To add depth, introduce a patterned rug,’ suggests Kirsty. ‘A stripe works well to add visual interest, and a contrasting border in a warm shade can subtly define different tones.’

Will you be trying out the gold trend?

It’s officially December which means we're nearly at the end of the year with the start of a new one right ahead of us. In anticipation of 2026, I’m looking ahead to the new year. And it’s not just the year number that we’ll be changing – there are also paint colours to leave in 2025.

According to paint and colour pros, there are certain paint trends that are best to be left behind – some of these won’t be any surprise to you as we’ve all been slowly falling out of love with these previously popular colours. Meanwhile, some of the other hues on this list might be a bit of a shock. But don’t worry, the experts also reveal what tones to opt for instead as you welcome 2026 in your home.

‘Together, these tones are replacing the cooler neutrals because they bring warmth, character and emotional resonance – everything people are craving in their homes right now,’ says Victoria Yardley, founder of Victory Colours.

1. Grey

As Victoria of Victory Colours just revealed, cool neutrals are out – and what’s a colder neutral than grey? Grey used to be everybody’s go-to colour in neutrals. But in the last couple of years, it’s been a shade slowly being removed from everybody’s home.

At the end of last year, grey was named the sofa colour going out of style in 2025. Clearly, the eradication of grey is set to continue in 2026.

‘The biggest trend that is fading from popularity is the dominance of greys,’ says Caroline Thornborough, design director of Thorndown. ‘For years greys featured highly in interiors with all shades of grey wall paint, grey furniture and grey soft furnishings, appearing very heavily on social media in particular.’

2. Pure white

What?! No more white walls in 2026?! That’s absolutely not the case, don’t worry. Getting the best white paint for your home will never go out of style, it’s a timeless interior choice as Pantone's colour of the year for 2026, Cloud Dancer just confirmed. But stark whites are certainly fading in popularity as they’re being replaced with off-whites and white with warmer undertones.

‘For much of the past decade, interiors were dominated by icy greys and clinical whites,’ says Lucy Steele at V&CO Paint. ‘These shades promised a clean, modern backdrop and offered the flexibility to pair with virtually any accent colour.'

'But what once felt fresh is now being criticised as overly sterile and flat. As a result, cool whites are falling rapidly out of favour.’

3. Primary colours

Primary colours have been one of the biggest tools of the dopamine decor trend that dominated most of this and last year. But in 2026, child-like primary colours are being swapped out for more grown-up, sophisticated shades instead.

‘Flat primary shades, like bright reds, sunny yellows and pure blues, are increasingly being seen as too simplistic for modern interiors,' says Lucy from V&CO Paint. While these hues once made a playful, punchy statement, they are now being criticised for feeling one-dimensional.'

4. Cool navy blue

Similarly to cool greys and whites, cold navy blues are also going out of style. I know what you’re thinking (or at least might be) – Dulux just announced a navy blue as one of its colours of the year for 2026, so how come that navy is going out of style? Blue is set to be one of the biggest colour trends in 2026, but it’s blue shades with warm undertones rather than cold blue shades.

‘Deep navy has long been celebrated for its ability to bring drama and elegance to a room, acting as a bold alternative to black while still feeling timeless. Cooler, inky blues that lack warmth or depth are increasingly being seen as too stark and uninviting, edging them out of trend lists,' explains paint expert Lucy.

'The focus instead is shifting toward atmospheric blues that have warmth and character. A navy with subtle undertones of green or plum can feel grounding and reassuring rather than cold or severe.'

What’s replacing them

1. Earthy tones

The popularity of earthy tones is not anything new for 2026 as shades of brown, terracotta, nature-inspired greens and reds have all been big home decor trends this year. But it’s a trend that’s only getting bigger and stronger.

‘Warmer neutrals and richer earthy undertones are taking centre stage,’ Lucy at V&CO Paint says.

‘In the last year, earthy tones have ascended in popularity with colours influenced by the land,' continues Caroline from Thorndown. 'We see the natural world continuing to influence design with home consumers wanting to be surrounded by the beautiful colours and tones from nature.’

2. Deep moody colours

Dark reds, burgundy and aubergine shades have been identified as some of the biggest colour trends for 2026. And it’s colours like these that are set to replace the more simplistic primary shades.

‘Instead of a stark primary red, think about warm burgundies that bring depth and intrigue,' Lucy advises. 'By softening and layering these foundational shades, interiors gain the richness and moodiness that make them feel intentional rather than accidental.'

3. Light but warm shades

Butter yellow has been a major colour trend in the last couple of years. And it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. On the contrary, it’s replacing brighter sunny yellows.

‘Warm undertones are leading the shift. Soft butter yellows are gaining real momentum – they brighten a room without overwhelming it,’ Victoria at Victory Colours explains.

My top picks for 2026-worthy paint colours

Victoria concludes, ‘Homeowners are moving away from schemes that feel flat or cold, and instead gravitating toward palettes that bring warmth, comfort and a sense of optimism back into their spaces.’

As we find ourselves at the tail end of the year, it feels only fitting to look to the new year and wonder what looks and styles will define 2026 and what we’ll be obsessed with. And where better to turn to than Farrow & Ball, pretty much everybody’s favourite paint brand and a leader in the interiors space? That’s exactly why I’ve asked the experts what Farrow & Ball shades will be big in 2026.

Farrow & Ball’s unique colours often become standalone paint trends in their own right, much like the almost black Railings shade that’s still one of the go-to Farrow & Ball colours for many interior designers. Meanwhile, others reflect the more general colour trends of the year that you’re going to soon see everywhere.

So if you are planning on redecorating your home next year or even now, at the very end of the year, these are the Farrow & Ball shades that experts recommend and predict will reflect the mood and colour palette of the next 12 months or so.

1. Scallop

Scallop is one of the 12 new Farrow & Ball shades released earlier this year, which was a huge event in and of itself as the brand rarely ever introduces new colours to its highly curated range. This soft pink shade was an instant hit as it is so easy to use Scallop in your home, it’s so versatile. And Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, predicts that its popularity will only continue rising in 2026.

‘We are seeing soft pinks growing in popularity as people turn to comforting, liveable shades. It also makes a great choice for those nervous of using an overtly bold pink. They can be clean without feeling too sharp, creating a wonderful and gentler alternative to a white wall. Our recently launched shade, Scallop, has been immensely popular for this reason,’ he says.

2. Hay

Dulux named the sunny yellow shade called True Joy its colour of the year for 2025, but it’s butter yellow that’s been the major colour trend since last year, both in fashion and interiors. And it’s set to continue well into 2026, as colour experts predict that the pairing of butter yellows and dark reds will be the winning combo. And, of course, Farrow & Ball has an answer for the butter yellow trend that everyone’s craving in the form of its Hay shade.

‘Soft yellows are becoming popular choices for those nervous of committing fully to yellow. Hay is rapidly growing in popularity. It is not as brash as some yellows can be, and it is dirty enough to effectively serve as a neutral. It gives warmth without feeling overwhelming and, unlike many yellows, it will feel incredibly at home in a contemporary interior, especially when paired with warm oak furnishings,’ Patrick at Farrow & Ball says.

3. Brinjal

Speaking of dark reds, Farrow & Ball has a whole host of them. But one that I’ve admittedly never come across before is Brinjal, even though it's perhaps more in the deep plum and aubergine purples territory. And yet, that’s the one that Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, predicts will be the one to go for. And sure enough, it's proving to be one of the most popular Farrow & Ball shades of 2026 thus far.

‘Maximalism isn’t going anywhere, but it is maturing. Instead of relying on loud primary colours, people will experiment with richer, moodier shades, russet reds and purples like Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal. Texture will play a bigger role too, with wall panelling, trim work, and wainscoting being used to add dimension and elevate these bolder colours. It’s less about chaos and more about curating,’ he explains.

4. Sardine

Blue shades of all kinds are set to be big in 2026. But according to Michael at The Paint Shed, it’s largely mineral-inspired blues like Sardine from Farrow & Ball and similar hues that will be all the rage.

‘Mineral-inspired tones are set to define 2026, and Farrow & Ball’s palette is perfectly positioned for this shift. Shades like Sardine by Farrow & Ball, in particular, fit this colour palette. They have a muted, subtle mineral quality that creates a kind of cool-toned earthiness. As we move further away from the dominance of all-white minimalism, these gentler, nature-driven colours offer a more styled, intimate alternative,’ he says.

Hopefully, this will give you some inspiration for your next paint project. Which direction do you reckon you’ll go – Scallop, Hay, Brinjal or Sardine?

The days are growing shorter and the light has officially taken on a consistent grey undertone, which of course means that winter is here. As a result, the kitchen has become a cosy point of refuge, one that deserves some special decorating for the season.

While festive decor is a given, kitchen paint ideas are less associated with seasonal changes. It's easy to see why - it requires more commitment and costs more, but if these Farrow & Ball paint shades are anything to go by, you would gain plenty by taking the plunge.

'I would never encourage decorating for a seasonal shift but out of necessity only,' echoes Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball. However, 'when it comes to reviving a space, always think creatively. Painting units is often a good way to make a tired kitchen feel ‘new.’

If you're due a paint refresh this winter and want to make the most out of the cosy colours of the season, these are paint shades recommended by the experts at Farrow & Ball.

1. Cola

It's safe to say chocolate brown is the colour of the season. It's made a serious case for sticking around in our wardrobes, and adding it to our homes is a great way to tap into the kitchen trend and invoke a sense of warmth. Farrow & Ball's 'Cola' is the ultimate dark brown shade,

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so opting for shades with warm undertones will further those feelings of cosiness, encouraging everyone in the house to gather and socialise in this central spot. This is even more crucial in the winter months when a homely, inviting atmosphere is even more desired as an escape from the cold, dark evenings.

Colour is an underrated way of decorating for the seasons, and it can have a huge effect on mood, particularly if you struggle with SAD. Kitchen trends for 2026 are centered around creating warmth and a lived-in appeal through colour and texture, particularly earthy tones, and Farrow & Ball's 'Cola' fits this brief.

2. Preference Red

Understandably, chocolate brown might feel like committing too much to a trend. While Farrow & Ball has an abundance of paint shades that are perfect for winter, there is one other colour that particularly stands out.

'Don’t be afraid to go dark on your cabinetry, especially when paired with a good mid-neutral on the walls. Deep wine reds, such as Preference Red, are another classic choice and will add an elegant contrast to soft, plaster pinks,' explains Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

Red might feel like a scary shade to decorate with, but if the unexpected red theory has taught us anything, it's that it might be the missing piece to a stylish scheme. While red is inherently festive, incorporating red paint doesn't feel like an obvious seasonal nod. Instead, it feels cocooning yet sophisticated and carefully curated.

3. Setting Plaster

While the rich, dark shades make a kitchen feel cosy and enveloping in the winter months, sometimes a lighter colour is needed to lift the scheme. Pink once felt like an 'out-there' choice but is now considered much more of a neutral, as it works so well with an abundance of other colours.

'Utilising more nuanced, earthy pinks such as Setting Plaster or Templeton Pink will surround the room with a warm glow and bring nostalgic comfort,' Patrick adds.

Shop Farrow & Ball paint

Even if painting your kitchen walls and cabinetry isn't on the cards pre-Christmas, there are so many ways to incorporate these shades. Whether it's through painting a door frame or even accessorising in rich chocolate brown and red hues, it's guaranteed to add a seasonal touch.

When it comes to colour trends for the home, sometimes the comparison between one year and the next is as stark as can be, abandoning one style or shade we’d been obsessed with for one that’s the complete polar opposite. But the transitioning from 2025 to 2026 colour trends doesn’t feel or look like that at all – it’s more of a harmonious evolution or, in some cases, even just a continuation.

Over the course of the last few months, I’ve been talking to colour, paint and interior experts to give me the lowdown on the colour and paint trends set to define this year as most brands revealed their chosen colours of the year (also known as COTYs) for 2026, including perhaps the most important one, the Pantone colour of the year 2026 which was revealed to be a white shade called Cloud Dancer. It’s also the perfect time to think about what you’d like your home’s colour palette for 2026 to look like and how you'd like to use the current home decor trends.

‘Designers are loving colours with plenty of depth and warmth that bring intrigue and sophistication to the home,’ says Lucy Steele, paint and interiors expert from Valspar Paint. ‘By softening and layering these multi-dimensional shades, interiors gain the richness and moodiness that make them feel intentional rather than accidental. So, we can expect to see shades like rusty reds, atmospheric blues, and herbal greens that feel expressive and inviting.’

1. Dark reds

Pinterest called it first by naming cherry red its colour of the year for 2025. And sure enough, dark, deep reds are the shades everyone’d been obsessed throughout last year. So much so that we’re not ready to let go and are bringing dark reds and burgundy shades into 2026 with us and they are replacing other living room colours going out of style – as are several paint brands, from Lick’s colour edit 2026 to Graham & Brown’s new COTY. Not to mention that they look great in the on-trend glossier paint finishes.

Last September, Graham & Brown named Divine Damson its colour of the year 2026. ‘Dark reds and burgundy shades are set to continue being one of the biggest colour trends in 2026,’ says Paula Taylor, stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown.

‘Reds will be popular for 2026 in all different shades. Our colour of the year, Divine Damson, is a dark cherry red colour which feels bold and polished, making a strong visual statement in any room it is used in. Its depth brings an instant sense of sophistication, making it a striking choice for more dramatic spaces. Yet it’s equally at home in transitional areas like hallways, where it introduces warmth and character without overpowering.’

Heritage paint brand Little Greene announced its first-ever colour of the year, naming Adventurer, a shade somewhere between burgundy red and plum aubergine, as its COTY for 2026.

‘For 2026, we will see a natural progression in the use of burgundy in interior design, with shades of red, pink and purple all becoming more popular as customers continue to demonstrate more colour confidence in their homes,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. ‘Regal, reassuring plum aubergine hues like Adventurer are historically associated with opulence, providing the perfect shades to combine luxury with tranquillity, intimacy and restfulness in bedrooms, dining rooms and bathrooms.’

And if you want to create an on-trend colour palette in your home, pair these dark red tones with butter yellow – another colour trend that’s had us in a chokehold throughout 2025. Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick and author of Master the Art of Colour, available at Amazon, has been seeing this colour combo everywhere which is why it’s ultimately a solid part of the Lick’s colour edit for 2026.

‘Red 06 draws on red from the primary colour palette but presents it in a timeless way through a rich wine tone that works beautifully with buttery yellows – a colour combination we’re seeing everywhere from fashion to interiors,’ Tash says.

2. Blues

Blue is apparently the world’s favourite colour which is why it’s one that we keep coming back to. The thing that does change from year to year is what shade of blue we might gravitate towards. In 2026, it’s largely about softer blues with warm undertones.

‘It’s a colour that feels safe, familiar, and calming – and in a world that can feel chaotic, people are leaning into colours that bring clarity and peace. But what’s interesting is that blues in 2026 aren’t cold or coastal feeling; they’re more grounded, more thoughtful. People want blues that anchor a space without overwhelming it – something that still feels timeless but emotionally steady,’ Tash at Lick says. So it makes sense for shades like Blue 03 and Blue 18 to be part of Lick’s new colour edit.

And it’s not just Lick that opted for multiple shades of blue as the year-defining colours. For the first time ever, Dulux introduced not one but three colours of the year for 2026 – all different shades of blue.

‘The versatility that blue offers is much of the reason it continues to be the world’s favourite colour to decorate with – not to mention the fact we are surrounded by blue outdoors in our everyday lives, so it has become a very familiar and comforting colour to us all,’ explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

‘Our colours of the year, Rhythm of Blues, showcase the best of blue’s many talents. From the zingy and sprightly Free Groove, to the soft and grounding Mellow Flow, to the inky and all-encompassing Slow Swing, we’ve shown that there truly is a blue for every person and every mood. I think it’s exactly what we need right now – a colour that feels familiar yet reenergising, steady yet adaptable. That’s why blue will be such a strong colour trend in 2026.’

3. Earthy shades

The year-defining colour palette for 2025 introduced the newly found popularity of earthy shades in our homes as we found ourselves craving maximum levels of comfort and cosiness in our spaces. And this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Benjamin Moore reveals a deep brown shade with charcoal undertones called Silhouette as its COTY, Sherwin-Williams opts for a warming neutral named Universal Khaki and Earthborn introduces Freckle, a naturally occurring clay/terracotta colour which is one of the shades replacing beige as the go-to neutral in 2026.

‘Earthy interiors will define 2026 interiors as they help to create an atmosphere that feels grounded, warm and restorative – and using paint thoughtfully can make a huge impact,’ says Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn. ‘Soft, earthy and inviting, Freckle is a versatile shade that brings a grounding presence of comfort and connection to any space.’

‘Chosen for its visual warmth, Freckle in Earthborn’s signature Claypaint finish is a naturally occurring clay colour and completely free from colourants – a true expression of the brand’s eco-friendly roots. The versatility of this colour is one of its greatest strengths. Whether chosen for an accent wall, adding a pop of colour to ceilings or introducing personality to kitchen cabinets, Freckle works beautifully alongside bold shades and neutral schemes.’

4. Greens

Green, along with brown, has earned the title of the new go-to neutral that replaced beige in interiors last year. But this nature-inspired colour is not going anywhere anytime soon. So it’s no surprise that green is making its appearances in the colour palette for 2026, whether that’s the matcha Green 18 shade and olive Green 05, both part of Lick’s colour edit, or Valspar’s COTY for 2026 called Warm Eucalyptus.

‘In 2026, we’ll see green continue its evolution as the colour of balance, nature, and restoration, but with more warmth and versatility than before,’ Lucy at Valspar says.

'People are craving a connection to nature, but also individuality, so we’ll see richer, moodier greens like moss, laurel, and eucalyptus making their way into living spaces, cabinetry, and even ceilings. Compared to 2025’s cooler, more traditional greens, 2026 will lean into these warmer, herbal tones that pair beautifully with both natural materials and contemporary finishes. It’s a reminder that green isn’t just a trend, it’s becoming a timeless neutral that helps every space feel more connected and alive.'

She also points out that green shades like these are the perfect ones to incorporate into a colour capping scheme which is one of the biggest paint trends coming out of 2025, staying very much relevant for this year. ‘We’re also seeing a rise in the use of colour capping with green. This is where walls are painted up to a certain height in green and finished with a lighter tone above to add subtle architectural interest and make spaces feel more cocooning.’

My top picks

Tash at Lick concludes, ‘2026 is all about feeling confident to play with colour and create homes that feel unapologetically you. After years of cooler, minimalist interiors, people are craving depth, personality and feeling.’

If you live in East London or near enough to be able to come down to The Mix by Bert & May, I recommend you do so. Tile brand Bert & May just opened The Mix, a permanent collaborative retail space this month, featuring a host of other brands which including a beautiful Farrow & Ball pop-up. If you're looking for paint ideas that don't cost a fortune to make a big impact, then this is the place to go.

I visited The Mix this week, located in a warehouse building at 67 Vyner Street in East London’s Bethnal Green area. It might look dark and industrial on the outside, but inside it’s a cosy, warm and super stylish space.

The colour scheme for the whole space was chosen by Farrow & Ball’s colour curator, Joa Studholme. When I spoke to her, she said that she was going for a cosy look, but she also wanted to reflect the creative and youthful edge that East London is known for. That involved including paint inspiration for anyone working on a tight budget.

‘I spend quite a lot of time in people's houses, helping them choose colors,’ Joa says. ‘And I have lots of very young clients, and they can't afford to paint their whole house. So here it shows you how to paint just one feature - like the door, for example, just paint something - to add a little twist. The pillars are only half painted across the space, and all these little quirks.’

While the space uses a combination of paint all over. All the ideas can be taken in isolation as inspiration for how you can stretch one tin of paint to add colour throughout the whole house as your red thread. Like Joa says, not all of us have the time or the money to redecorate our whole home in Farrow and Ball paint.

If you're only picking one shade to decorate your home, the space also offers plenty of bold suggestions. There are quite a few different Farrow & Ball paint shades used here including some of the most popular Farrow & Ball colours and this year’s newly launched shades.

Starting with the brand’s pop-up space, the main wall is painted half in the new Marmelo shade on the top and Broccoli Brown on the bottom with a stripe in Reduced Green running through the middle, separating the two block colours.

An organic-shaped table in the middle of the space is painted in the more vibrant Bancha green shade, while a moodier green tone called Douter was used on the screen separating the Farrow & Ball pop-up from the rest of the space.

But the real statement was created in the centre of The Mix using a fiery orange Bamboozle shade where it was perfectly paired with tiles from Bert & May and fabrics from Ottoline used on ottomans and a banquette bench.

While you can’t purchase Farrow & Ball paint and wallpapers directly from The Mix, it’s a perfect place to go and explore the range of colours and wallpapers on offer.

You can also order paint sample pots and book colour consultations with the Farrow & Ball team at the venue. It’s the perfect place to pop by and remind yourself that even with just a tester pot or a small tin of paint you can completely change the look and feel of a room.

As a beginner when it comes to home renovations, last week marked my first attempt at painting my walls, and it was a real learning experience.

Despite spending ages researching how to paint a wall, I still didn't achieve the professional finish I was hoping for, as I didn't know about picture framing or, more specifically, how to avoid it.

'Picture framing is an effect where the outer edges of the wall appear different to the rolled inner section, creating the look of a frame on the wall,' explains Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook.

This means that when the sun hits the wall, the edges of my room – where I meticulously cut in – are darker than the rest of the wall. It's also the case around my light switches and plug sockets, too. However, with one simple change, it is easily avoidable.

How to avoid picture framing

The secret to avoiding picture framing is to work with speed and precision.

'We recommend starting by cutting in around the edges with a brush, then using a roller to fill in the main wall area. It is essential to work in small sections and maintain a wet edge to ensure a smooth, seamless finish,' says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands.

Maintaining a wet edge means not allowing the paint to dry between cutting in and painting that section of the wall. Letting the cut in sections dry before painting the rest of the wall means you have an extra coat of paint over the join, making it appear as though there is a darker border around the edge of the room.

The wet edge allows you to blend the cut-in section with the rest of the wall to achieve a seamless finish.

Never cut in the whole room in one go – unless you have someone else coming behind you are paint the rest of the wall. Ian West, technical manager at Lakeland Paints advises ‘moving from top to bottom in a metre-wide strip going left to right (for a right-handed person), always keeping a wet edge for a perfect finish.' Keeping a wet edge also applies if painting kitchen cabinetry, as these two can be victims of picture-framing.

If you haven’t been able to maintain the wet edge, feathering can help correct this paint problem. Roll a nearly empty roller – like these Harris ones from Amazon – in various directions across the dry edge of a section, then start painting the larger part of the wall.

Choosing rollers and brushes to reduce the effect of picture-framing on walls

The right equipment makes all the difference when painting a room.

‘A brush allows for greater control, and is useful for smaller spaces, detailed work or areas with edges, corners or trim,' says Edward Bulmer, founder of Edward Bulmer Paints. ‘A roller, on the other hand, is better suited for large, expansive walls, providing a faster and more even application.’ Harris Essentials Walls & Ceilings Paint Brush Set, available on Amazon, has a size for every job.

However, not all rollers are equal. Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene explains: ‘Unless you’re a professional, rollers wider than nine inches are unwieldy. Also, select the right roller nap for the surface – rough (¾in), medium (½in), smooth (⅜in) or very smooth (¼in) – and avoid overloading. As a test, the roller should spin easily and smoothly in the air, without dripping paint.’ This 10-piece roller set, from Amazon, features 9" roller for larger areas and 4" roller for more intricate sections – both with a 12mm nap. Also, make sure you know how to use a paint roller for a streak-free finish.

Your paint choice will also influence whether you use a roller or a brush. ‘Most modern matt emulsions are designed to be applied with a medium-pile roller,’ says Ian West, technical manager at Lakeland Paints. ‘While glosses are best applied with a narrow flag-tipped brush.’ Lick's 1.5 inch flag-tipped paint brush from B&Q would be perfect for the job.

How to cut in properly

Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook, describes cutting-in as ‘getting as close as possible to the adjoining surface without overlapping’. It needs a steady hand, but masking tape helps. Frog tape, available from Amazon, promises sharp lines and no paint bleed – as can sometimes be the case with traditional masking tape.

‘To cut-in, dip bristles of a one or two-inch straight-edge brush halfway into the paint, clearing excess paint from the sides by dragging lightly over the lip of the container,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. ‘Work from the ceiling down, painting a three-inch frame around all the edges of the wall. Paint corners, edges of the skirting board and around windows, doors, light fixtures, sockets and switch plate.’

'A one-and-a-half to two-inch paintbrush is fairly standard for cutting in, but a feature of a good brush is its ability to 'hold an edge' and you can get more accuracy from a decent four-inch brush than a lesser quality smaller one,' adds Andy Greenall, Paint and Paper Library.

Harris Trade's 2 inch short handle cutting-in brush available on Amazon would set you up for success.

I've dreamt of owning a green kitchen for most of my adult life, so when I bought my first home 6 months ago, nothing was going to stop me from swapping out the grey kitchen cabinets as soon as possible.

A new kitchen will easily cost £1000s, and buying a house had drained my savings so I embarked on a mission to get my dream green kitchen for under £100 by painting the kitchen cabinets myself. I've written about home decor for 6 years, upcycled furniture, and watched every series of Interior Design Masters, so I thought I was well-prepared for the easy DIY project of transforming my kitchen with a pot of paint.

I was very naive. While I have managed to save £1000s and created a kitchen I now love, it was not what I'd call an easy process. I might have saved money, but it cost me time and took over most of my house for the best part of two months.

If you are thinking about painting your own kitchen cabinets, these are the three things I wish I'd known before I started.

1. Is it achievable in a weekend?

In short – no, it's not a weekend project, and this was my first huge mistake. I honestly believed I could finish painting all my kitchen cabinets over a bank holiday weekend. It's now been two months, and I still have the dishwasher door and kickboards to paint.

Painting kitchen cabinets takes time; just the prep work of washing and sanding the cabinet doors took me half a day. The painting itself is the fastest part; most of the time you'll spend will just be waiting for the paint to dry between coats. I made the mistake of trying to paint a second coat after just 2 hours. I've learnt the hard way that you want to wait a few more hours than this for a more durable finish.

Finally, when you think you're done, you need to leave the cabinets time to cure, 'I would give them at least 24 hrs cure time before reattaching,' recommends Kayleigh Sherbourne, Frenchic Paint’s DIY Specialist and more seasoned kitchen cabinet painter than me.

My particular project took longer than it should have for three reasons: I decided to paint both sides of the cabinet doors, I had a small floor area to work with, so I had to work in batches, and I didn't time the project well. Rather than blocking out the proper time to finish it, I was trying to fit the odd coat of paint in around family visits and summer holidays.

If I were to do the project again, I'd block out every evening and weekend for two weeks to work only on the cabinets. Or I'd get a professional to paint the kitchen in a weekend....

2. Will you know how much paint to use?

Unless you really do your maths properly, you may find yourself short of paint. I opted to use a gorgeous olive green paint called Constance Moss from Frenchic on my kitchen cabinet doors. I measured up the area I was painting and ordered one tin to cover the whole thing. I'm sure you can see where this is going...

The secret to a durable paint finish is lots of thin coats of paint. I'd very wrongly based my paint calculations on two coats of paint and completely forgotten I needed to paint both sides of each door. I'd run out of paint by the end of day two.

Yes, I could buy more, but the tricky thing with paint is that you often get colour variances between batches. These are very minor, but if you are after that uniform finish, you ideally want to be using paint from the same batch.

I'd realised my mistake quickly when I started painting. I ordered two more tins and did a final coat of paint on all the cabinet doors with those tins for the best possible finish. Even if I hadn't been bothered about the finish, I could have saved myself alot of anxiety by ordering an extra tin in the first place.

3. Do you need to use a top coat?

A top coats, for me, at least, was a necessity. Originally, I didn't plan to use a top coat on my cabinets; it was the main reason I'd opted for the Frenchic Al Fresco range, as it is self-priming, self-sealing and tough with a chalk matte finish.

However, as soon as I hung a couple of my beautifully matte green doors, I immediately imagined my nephew running at them with his greasy hands. I knew they'd never look clean again unless I went over them with a satin top coat, which I found is the best paint finish for dark colours in a kitchen.

I had to go through the faff of taking the doors back off, recleaning them, and in a couple of cases, repainting before finally applying a top coat. I bought Polyvine Decorators Varnish in satin from Amazon, which I highly recommend.

Opting to do two more coats on both sides of each cabinet was an extra faff, but the result was so worth it. It has made the gorgeous green paint look richer, bounced more light around the kitchen and most importantly, it shows zero finger marks.

You can pick up the varnish in flat matt and gloss if you are looking for a different finish. However, my advice stays the same; even if the paint you're using says you don't need a sealant or top coat, I'd still consider one. You'll never be as aware of how bashed kitchen cabinets get as after you've painted them yourself. I'd plan for those extra two coats of security from the start to help protect all your hard work.

I don't regret painting my kitchen myself, as it was the only way I could afford to completely transform it. However, it is far from a quick fix.

I'd recommend you make sure you're fully prepared with more than enough time to do the job well before committing to this project yourself.

Last night, the Benjamin Moore colour of the year 2026 was announced, naming the dark and rich Silhouette shade as the new year-defining shade. I was there to experience it first hand and I’m glad I was because it’s an interesting in-between colour that dramatically changes and shifts depending on the light.

Is it brown? Or is it grey? The answer is that it’s somewhere in between, but the brand describes it as a brown with charcoal undertones – or more specifically a colour that ‘combines rich espresso hues with refined notes of charcoal’. Benjamin Moore started this paint trend of in-between shades last year already with its colour of the year for 2025, Cinnamon Slate.

‘It’s an evolution rather than a revolution from last year,’ says Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘Last year, we had this idea of in-between colours – colours that we couldn't necessarily place in one colour family, because they've got really strong undertones of one or the other. And so to describe a colour, you have to say, it's a greeny blue, or it's a pinky red and so on.’ And that’s the case with Benjamin Moore's Silhouette, too.

Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young was also there to see the new COTY (colour of the year) up close and personal – and she loved the cosiness of Silhouette, ‘I love the richness of this, and I think it will feel really velvety and encompassing in our homes. What I like about it is that it would work well in a smaller room to make it feel really cosy, but I can see it in a light-filled room as well.’

Why is Silhouette the colour of the year 2026?

The world of fashion and interiors is closely linked as fashion trends often make their way into home decor trends soon after. And that’s exactly where the inspiration for the Benjamin Moore Silhouette shade comes from – fashion, referencing sleek tailoring and suiting.

‘What the Benjamin Moore colour team do is they shop for colour for about six months without any filters. They just see what they're seeing, basically. And then they bring it all together, look for themes and see what comes out. And this idea of a deconstructed suit came out really strongly this year,' says Helen at Benjamin Moore.

'In fashion, the suit’s kind of come back, but it's much softer, more fluid. And people are wearing suits that are much more relaxed, rather than structured. I think the fashion industry always informs the interiors industry, but I think this year, it just really popped out more strongly.'

How to use Silhouette in your home

Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette shade is a dark and rich shade and as Ideal Home’s Heather already suggested, it’s perfect for making spaces more cosy because it has warmth and softness to it which is where it differs from the traditional but now outdated grey.

‘It doesn't have the coldness that grey does. And I think the reason grey is going out is because it does feel quite cold, whereas colours like this feel a lot softer,’ Helen at Benjamin Moore says.

She adds that Silhouette is a shade that’s the perfect alternative to stark colours like black or even grey. ‘Black and grey are quite stark. And so when you get this mid tone which is definitely a brown, but it's got this charcoal undertone, it feels a lot softer. A lot of people have black doors in their home, they might have a neutral on the walls and then black on the door. It always looks really striking, but quite cold. Whereas if you did a colour like Silhouette in that design idea, it would feel a lot softer.’

Alternatively, it makes for a great kitchen colour idea, ‘I think this would look really gorgeous as well on kitchen cabinets,’ Helen says.

Alongside the colour of the year, Benjamin Moore also revealed seven other shades that are part of its 2026 colour trends palette, named ‘Tailored Classics’, in keeping with the fashion, suiting and tailoring theme – it includes everything from a blush pink called Batik to a deep teal named Narragansett Green. And they all, of course, work perfectly with Silhouette.

Alternatively, you can inject the dark coffee shade into your home through smalller pieces like these.

What are your thoughts on this espresso shade with a charcoal undertone?

I don’t know about you, but as the nights are drawing in and the weather is getting colder, I’m doing everything I can to make my home feel cosy and warm. I’ve layered soft throws and sumptuous cushions on the sofa, and turned to candles and lamps for a golden glow. However, accessories can only go so far in providing the real warmth you need; to achieve that, you need to turn to colours that will make your home feel cosy for autumn.

If you want to transform a space, paint ideas are one of the most effective ways to do it. Whether you embrace dreamy bedroom colour ideas, or decide to rethink your living room colour scheme, a fresh lick of paint is a guaranteed way to change the feel of a space. And, in the case of the autumn months, the right paint choices can turn your home into a warm and cosy haven.

As the cold snap approaches, 58% of Brits are determined to make their homes feel cosier, according to a study from Lust Home. ‘To do this, many of us naturally turn to colours that wrap us in warmth and comfort,’ explains Karen Haller, colour and design psychology expert working with Lust Home.

‘Colour can have a huge impact on how our homes feel,’ adds Abbas Youssefi, Managing Director of Porcelain Superstore, and ‘choosing homewares in the right shades can give homes a more cosy and inviting impression.’ But finding the perfect colour can feel like an impossible task. So, I asked the experts to share the best colours to create a cosy space this autumn.

1. Terracotta

‘This season’s cosy interiors are embracing all things pumpkin spice - a palette of rich, warming tones inspired by autumn leaves, firelight and the comforting glow of golden hour,’ says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore. And there’s no better way to evoke this feeling than with a coat of deep terracotta paint.

Terracotta is an earthy shade that has a welcome place in the home all year round, but its russet undertones come to life in the autumn months, especially when the leaves begin to change. ‘If you’re a lover of the autumn colour palette, this is your season with its rich, earthy hues of terracotta and cinnamon… they instantly bring that snug, cocooning feeling into a room,’ says Karen.

For a cosy approach, drench your living room walls in a deep terracotta, like Farrow & Ball’s new Marmelo, to establish a cosy backdrop for neutral cushions, accent lamps and lush greenery to tap into the naturally grounding properties of the colour.

2. Burgundy

It’s undoubtedly become the colour of the season, and for good reason. ‘There is a real indulgence when it comes to burgundy interiors. It’s bold, opulent and commands attention. It is perfect for those who want to create a sophisticated, yet welcoming, home,’ explains Abbas.

Burgundy is a rich shade of red that pairs beautifully with luxe accents of velvet, dark wood and brushed brass. Use the colour on your kitchen cabinets for a subtle approach, or drench a smaller room, like a snug or home office, in the shade for a cocooning feel.

Or, simply add burgundy accessories into an existing neutral scheme for an easy way to uplift your space when the seasons change.

3. Soft pink

When we think of autumn colours, deep shades likely spring to mind. But, it's possible to make a lighter palette work in the cosy season. ‘Colours typically reserved for spring-summer are being reinterpreted for cooler seasons. Soft pinks reappear with greater saturation and contrast, lending a fresh energy and delicate cosiness to autumnal pairings,’ explains Helen.

Take a subtle shade of pink and pair it with a rich red or warm orange to give the shade a new lease of life that taps into the colours of the season. Or, pair it with a mossy green for a more natural approach.

‘For some, a sense of cosiness might come from softer colours like earthy pinks, moss green, and peach. These gentler colours still give that grounding, comforting energy, just in a calmer way,’ says Karen.

4. Teal

A slightly cooler colour, but just as cosy, teal is a great choice if you’re looking for a dramatic and bold approach to autumn. ‘Teal has it all. It’s interesting, looks great in any space and will really complement other warming hues such as walnut and mustard yellows,’ says Abbas.

What’s more, teal is a very effective sleep colour, thanks to its naturally soothing properties. Use the colour in your bedroom to create a space that is not only cosy and calming, but will also help you to rest easier. Layer tactile fabrics in the space to further the snug feel.

5. Brown

At the start of the year, Pantone named Mocha Mousse as its colour of the year. And now that the autumn months are here, the shade has finally come into its own. Mocha Mousse is a light spin on brown, perfect if you prefer a more neutral approach.

However, dark browns have their place too, creating an undeniably cosy atmosphere. ‘Dark brown has a strong connection to the natural world, offering a sense of security, comfort and peace. Its earthy richness is also associated with being grounded, giving good reason for its popularity when designing a cosy space,’ says Helen.

Whether you opt for light or dark, it's important to draw out the warm undertones of your chosen brown. Do this with soft lighting and tactile textures, before pairing with soft neutrals and brassy accents.

Which shade will you use in your home this autumn?

The cosy season has officially begun – and if you’re looking to add some warm, cosy and autumnal touches to your space, colour is one of the best ways to do this. Perhaps that’s why Farrow & Ball’s Marmelo paint shade was a breakout term on Google a few weeks ago, with searches for the colour rising by more than 5000%. But since it is a colour that’s a bit out there, I’ve asked the experts how to use the Farrow & Ball Marmelo paint shade.

This latest paint trend is a deep, earthy shade of orange matching the shade of autumn leaves or quince which it’s named after. ‘Marmelo, named after the quince that inspired marmalade, is one of my favourite new colours,’ says Joa Studholme, colour curator at Farrow & Ball. ‘Who could fail to be comforted by that familiar orange reminiscent of warm, buttered toast and conversations around the breakfast table?’

Ever since Farrow & Ball launched 12 new shades earlier this year, the buzz has been largely about the soft, neutral Scallop shade. But perhaps due to the change of seasons, Farrow & Ball’s Marmelo colour - also part of the latest drop - has been enjoying a lot more popularity lately.

‘Marmelo is a burnt orange toffee colour that was inspired by the colour of quince,’ says Michael Rolland, managing director of The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘It’s a really beautiful syrupy, earthy colour that feels grounded and autumnal. As we move into autumn, people naturally gravitate towards orange shades, and Marmelo is the perfect gateway thanks to its brown undertone, which reduces its “noise” and consumers’ fear of anything too brash or garish.’

What rooms to use Marmelo in – and how

Marmelo can be used pretty much in any room of the house but it makes an especially lovely hallway or kitchen colour scheme. Vibrant colours like orange or yellow make for a great hallway colour idea, which is why another one of Farrow & Ball’s orange shades, Charlotte’s Locks, has been one of the most popular Farrow & Ball hallway shades lately. But Marmelo with its earthy undertones makes an orange hallway or kitchen even more accessible.

‘Where you use Marmelo depends on the style you want at home. In the kitchen, it suits a retro 70s look, so pair it with vintage statement finds and bold colour blocking. I’d suggest taking Marmelo onto the cabinetry and setting it against a warmer neutral wall shade,’ Michael says.

Lastly, a living room covered in Marmelo will also look incredibly cosy and warm. ‘In the living room, paired with other burnt oranges, reds and charcoals, the palette opens up design options like Moroccan influences or a more eclectic, country-home feel. For this look, try taking Marmelo across all four walls, with a lighter contrasting ceiling, and then bring in the warmer tones and charcoals through furniture, artwork, fixtures and rugs,’ Michael advises.

What shades to use with Marmelo

As Marmelo is a statement shade, it looks great paired with neutral shades, such as the super popular Farrow & Ball Scallop.

‘Marmelo is a bold, poached quince,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. ‘Try using on your walls with the incredibly flexible Scallop as a trim or ceiling colour.’

Alternatively, you can really lean into the autumnal colour palette - which will look just as stylish throughout the seasons though - and pair it with red shades, as already mentioned. ‘For a more autumnal, forest-inspired feel, shades like Eating Room Red or Book Room Red are perfect for bringing a warm glow. This shade combination, in particular, is perfect for reminiscing on everything earthy, cosy, and charming,’ Michael says.

What to pair with Marmelo

Are you considering using Farrow & Ball’s Marmelo in your home?