7 colours that will define 2026, from rich gold to glacier blue

Color isn’t just decoration — it’s emotion, mood, and memory. In 2026, the way we use color in interiors is shifting in exciting ways. Designers and trend forecasters agree that this year isn’t about safe, predictable neutrals — it’s about rich moods, versatile shades, and expressive tones that make us feel.

If you’re thinking about selecting paintings for your home or recommending art to clients, understanding these trends can help you create spaces that feel both contemporary and deeply personal.

🌰 1. Chocolate Brown — Warm, Rich, Grounding

One of the biggest trends for 2026 is chocolate brown — a cosy, saturated neutral that feels timeless yet modern. This hue works beautifully as a backdrop or as part of a warm, layered palette. 

💡 Art Tip: Choose paintings with earthy browns, warm siennas, and deep umbers — especially texture-rich abstracts or landscapes emphasizing warm soil, tree bark, and sunlit earth. These tones anchor a room and pair well with wood furniture.

🍷 2. Burgundy — Dramatic, Romantic, Deep

Burgundy adds romance and drama without feeling overwhelming. It’s a jewel-like shade that brings warmth and depth. 

💡 Art Tip: Look for artworks that feature deep red tones — think wine-toned abstract swirls or classic figurative pieces with rich crimson accents. Burgundy can be an accent color in a cool room or the hero tone in a moody interior.

🌊 3. Deep Teal — Sophisticated and Soothing

A blend of blue and green, deep teal emphasizes serenity and connection to nature — perfect for spaces where you want calm yet impactful color. 

💡 Art Tip: Paintings with teal undertones — whether ocean-inspired scenes or modern abstracts — create a sense of balance. Teal looks incredible paired with warm neutrals and metallic accents.

❄️ 4. Glacier Blue — Cool, Refreshing, Elegant

Cooler palettes continue to have a place in 2026, especially glacier blue — a soft, icy hue that brings sophistication without feeling cold. 

💡 Art Tip: Choose pieces with frosty blues, pale aquas, or misty skies. These tones are ideal for minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired interiors and help visually open up smaller rooms.

✨ 5. Rich Gold — Bright and Unexpected

Rich gold — a strong, expressive yellow-gold — adds joy and uniqueness, especially when used as accent color. It’s bold yet versatile. 

💡 Art Tip: Paintings that incorporate gold leaf, golden highlights, or curry-yellow accents will instantly lift a room. Gold isn’t just luxurious — it draws the eye and energizes neutral or dark palettes.

🌿 6. Classic Khaki — Timeless and Easy to Live With

Khaki isn’t just a fashion hue — it’s a neutral trend that designers are embracing for interiors. This tone feels quiet but grounded. 

💡 Art Tip: Look for artwork that includes earthy tans, soft khaki backgrounds, or botanical details with olive elements. These pieces feel organic and harmonize with natural materials like linen and wood.

☁️ 7. Pillowy White — Calm, Clean and Balanced

Finally, the year’s softer neutral is pillowy white, inspired by Pantone’s Cloud Dancer. This shade balances cool and warm undertones, making it beautifully adaptable. 

💡 Art Tip: White space in art isn’t empty — it’s calm. Choose paintings with generous use of creamy white, off-white, or soft beige areas. These designs bring light and help other colors stand out without cluttering the eyes.

How to Mix These Hues in Art

Here’s a simple formula to curate art that feels on trend for 2026:

✅ Anchor Tone: Use chocolate brown or classic khaki as a base.
✅ Accent Pop: Add deep teal or rich gold for energy.
✅ Soft Balance: Introduce glacier blue or pillowy white to keep things serene.
✅ Depth & Drama: Burgundy brings emotional richness.

This layered palette creates interiors that are warm, grounded, and expressive — a perfect balance of mood and modernity.

Final Thoughts

2026’s colour trends show that interior design is moving beyond “safe” minimalism into emotion-driven atmospheres. Whether it’s a milestone artwork, a gallery wall, or a single statement canvas, embracing these colours can refresh your space and reflect your personal style.

When choosing art this year, think about how color feels, not just how it looks. The right palette can transform a room into an experience with Ridyart.