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Why the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year is NOT right for your interiors

  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Pantone’s Color of the Year began in 1999 with the purpose of connecting color trends with culture and global mood and since its’ start only 4% of the Colors of the Year have been White. So, what does the surprising selection of Cloud Dancer mean? 


According to Pantone, this lofty white “serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection” and “encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.” 


Okay, that actually sounds completely lovely, but perhaps more culturally aspirational than reflective of what we’re seeing in interior design.


We suggest forgetting Cloud Dancer, as it is completely unmemorable and choosing earth tones like Benjamin Moore Espresso Bean, Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki, Farrow & Balls Brinjal No. 22 Burgundy, deep reds, olive greens, asparagus, and caramel for your interiors. Here’s why;



photo credit: alexandre__deshayes, workstead, copelandandco, Jc Maya, Connie Barton, dezeen


  1. Color trends should follow design intent.


On a good year, Pantone Color of the Year can be reflective of trends or highlight cultural significance; we must first consider the design intent. When designing for residential interiors, you want to create a space that is balanced between the owners taste, longevity of living in the space and the potential for re-sale. "Is this their forever home?" or "Are we renting this out for a younger market?" 


The answers to these questions influence the design direction, and ultimately color choices. 

Color trend can lead design intent when designing for hospitality. Think restaurants and retail. These spaces are built with a seven-year lifespan before they become dated. You want to shop and eat at the latest and greatest spots! This is a totally different attitude to residential design.



photo credit: @iheartgigis


  1. Color selection should fit the desired mood of your space.


Color talks to us, makes us feel and can even elicit a certain behaviour. We associate certain colors with brands, emotions and important cultural movements;  I’ll name a few. Everyone wants a little blue box and knows the power Tiffany has over this color. Yellow means happy. Charlie XCX made Brat Green an entire movement. Mattel’s use of Barbie Pink has us questioning if the new flexible plastics’ bins are part of a collaboration or just RecycleBC having some fun. And the Pride Rainbow encompasses gender diversity in those 6 lines of color. 


When we look specifically at color in interior design; the same is true. Color sets the emotional tone, guides behavior and can be used to alter perception of the room.


photo credit: diverge sneakers, recyclebc, tiffany&co


  1. Cloud Dancer is not actually on trend and fashion retailers agree with us.


We are seeing the equivalent of color-draping (painting your baseboards, walls and ceilings the same color) in interiors in clothing with monochromatic dressing. Hello, Canadian Tuxedos and matching sweatsuits. Birkenstock, Lululemon and Aritzia all agree that warm reds, greens and browns are what 2026 will be made of. 



photo credit: @yoyokulala, architectural digest


  1. Color selection should consider flooring, furniture and artwork.


Consider your flooring color. Whether you like it or not, your flooring is a colour. It may be a neutral color, but it will have undertones like orange, grey or caramel. This is a driver for choosing colors that complement the rest of the space, as they need to work together. You also need to consider existing furniture or artwork. If there are elements in a space that will continue to exist after your renovation, or are special to you, we want to work with these pieces to ensure that they are highlighted within the space and not fighting it.



photo credit: James Han


If Pantone Color of The Year is your go-to source for interior inspiration; in 2018 your bathroom might have been Ultra Violet, in 2022 your bedroom Very Peri, but please, please, opt out of painting your kitchen with Cloud Dancer this year.


 
 
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