{"id":226751,"date":"2026-01-08T06:12:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T06:12:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/226751\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T06:12:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T06:12:23","slug":"5-outdated-colors-designers-dont-want-to-see-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/226751\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Outdated Colors Designers Don’t Want to See in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re eagerly planning a decorating project to kickstart the new year, you may be wondering what design experts have to say about what colors you should choose \u2014 and, more importantly, whether you’re accidentally reaching for a now-outdated color (trends move fast, people).<\/p>\n

For a lot of us, 2025 saw a bolder approach when it came to color trends<\/a>, especially when considering the years that came prior. But among the many viral shades that led to some heated online debate (looking at you, butter yellow), we’re now questioning how much longevity color really has \u2014 especially since Pantone named ‘Cloud Dancer’ its Color of the Year for 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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So, before you pick up the paint<\/a> brush, we asked interior designers and color experts which colors will date in 2026; the color trends they’re ready to call time on. These were the five they shared, along with subtle shifts you can make if you’ve already invested (don’t worry \u2014 it’s not too late). So, here’s what to avoid.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

1. Cold, Pure Whites <\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

DO INSTEAD: To create a light and airy scheme, use warming neutrals that feel soft rather than stark, such as Lick’s White 05<\/a>, which was used here. (Image credit: Lick)<\/p>\n

Despite Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 being revealed as Cloud Dancer, an airy white, many people aren’t convinced that it’s time to decorate with white<\/a> all over again \u2014 particularly stark, pure whites.<\/p>\n

“After Pantone\u2019s announcement, the reaction alone showed that white simply doesn\u2019t resonate the way it once did,” says color consultant Charlotte Cropper<\/a>. “While it works as a supporting color, white as the \u2018main act\u2019 is no longer enough. And while this color has only just launched, I wonder how much it will actually show up in our interiors next year, if at all.”<\/p>\n

Tash Bradley, color psychologist and director of interior design at Lick<\/a>, agrees that “True Brilliant whites” are still out in 2026. “They don\u2019t offer the warmth or comfort people now want from their homes,” she explains. “They can make a room feel stark, shadowy, and overly architectural. And unless you live in a sun-drenched space, they\u2019re rarely flattering.”<\/p>\n

Instead, she recommends warm-toned whites or creams that have enough undertones to bring coziness to a room, such as Lick’s White 06<\/a> or White 05<\/a>. “They\u2019re calming, elevating, and far kinder in UK lighting,” Tash shares. “They create a glow rather than a glare, which feels much more aligned with where interiors are moving for 2026.”<\/p>\n

The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what\u2019s shaping interiors now – and what\u2019s next. Discover trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.<\/p>\n


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\"warm\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Farrow & Ball<\/p>\n

No. 2003 Pointing <\/p>\n

2. Overly-Pretty Pastels<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

DO INSTEAD: Turn to plaster pinks which feel timeless and earthy, such as COAT’s Sybil<\/a>, which was used in this dining room. (Image credit: COAT Paints)<\/p>\n

2025 was a year full of color confidence, but some of the brighter shades may not still be the most favored for the year ahead. According to Tash Bradley, highly saturated pastels are already starting to feel outdated.<\/p>\n

“Pastel blues, lavenders, and sugary pinks had their moment in the dopamine decor<\/a> wave,” she says. “They were joyful, playful, and full of energy, but they were never going to be long-term players. Their saccharine quality can feel a little too whimsical now, especially as people design homes with longevity and emotional depth in mind.”<\/p>\n

For a more modern (and timeless) look, Tash points towards “dustier, chalkier, moodier pastels with gray or brown undertones,” such as Lick’s Taupe 03<\/a>. “These are grown-up pastels: still soft, still gentle, but so much more sophisticated and livable,” she notes.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n


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\"pink\n<\/p>\n

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Soho Home<\/p>\n

Margeaux Cushion<\/p>\n

Bring earthy, dusky pink into your home with this velvet cushion. Its fringed edges bring a retro touch to keep your space feeling fun. <\/p>\n

\"headshotTash Bradley<\/p>\n

Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n

<\/a>Director of Interior Design, Lick<\/p>\n

Tash Bradley is the curator of Lick\u2019s collection of 100 pigment-rich paint colors and has given color consultations on over 6,000 projects across the UK, EU, and US, giving homeowners the color confidence they need to transform their homes. Leveraging her expertise in color psychology and theory, Tash helps people find the colors that will positively impact not only their personal spaces but also their lifestyle and well-being, and has also authored a book, Master the Art of Colour<\/a>. <\/p>\n

3. Butter Yellow<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

DO INSTEAD: Bring warmth and depth to your scheme with rich ochres such as Mylands’ Freegrove Mustard<\/a>. (Image credit: Mylands x Siri Zanelli, Collective Works)<\/p>\n

Yes, we’ve all loved butter yellow decor<\/a> for the past couple of years, but is its appeal here to stay? “I think the butter yellow story may begin to soften,” admits Charlotte Cropper.<\/p>\n

“Yellow is a complex color both emotionally and visually, and while it had a moment in the spotlight these last couple of years, it\u2019s also a color that we tire of more easily in our homes,” she adds.<\/p>\n

Similar to the shift away from pastel tones, experts are favoring richer tones that can feel a bit more grown-up and timeless than butter yellow. “I can see this being replaced with deep ochres that carry notes of green or black,” says Charlotte. “Colors that nod to the warmth of yellow but feel much more timeless and grounding.”<\/p>\n


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\"ochre\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

This warming ochre-colored throw is a great way to bring these muddy and richer hues into your home \u2014 whether styled on your living room sofa or bed. <\/p>\n

4. Acidic Chartreuse<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

DO INSTEAD: Swap bright and artificial greens for those that feel inspired by the natural world, such as Lick’s Green 05<\/a>. (Image credit: Lick)<\/p>\n

Chartreuse<\/a> is one of the more niche color trends we’ve seen cropping up in interiors this year, but its vibrancy may mean it’s not here to stay. “For me, sour chartreuse<\/a> feels like it\u2019s destined to be short-lived,” admits Livingetc’s color expert Amy Moorea Wong<\/a>. “It so obviously goes against design convention, stinging the eyes in a way that feels playful, provocative, and rebellious, but not necessarily a sensation you want to live around long term.”<\/p>\n

And what’s replacing it? “I\u2019m feeling something organic, leafy, and earthy that speaks more of serenity, and might blur the lines between color and the neutral,” adds Amy.<\/p>\n

It’s apparent across most trending colors; it’s all about earthy tones that feel moody and timeless rather than artificial. “Try a green with a hint of brown, which represents the not-always-perfect nature we can see through the windows, such as Edward Bulmer\u2019s Drab Green<\/a>,” suggests Amy. “It feels grown up with a moody edge, creating depth and an inherent calm, and quietly bringing the outside in a way you almost don\u2019t notice.”<\/p>\n


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\"dark\n<\/p>\n

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Bed Threads<\/p>\n

Olive Stripe Duvet Cover<\/p>\n

Refresh your bedding for the new year with this olive green set. Its mossy and earthy hue feels more aligned with the latest trends than other shades of green. <\/p>\n

5. Sharp, Clean Blues<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

DO INSTEAD: Look to shades of blue that are nuanced with their undertones, such as Mylands’ Long Acre<\/a>, a darkened blue with yellow tones. (Image credit: Mylands)<\/p>\n

When it comes to decorating with blue<\/a> in 2026, experts are favoring muddy tones rather than clean and sharp blues. “Pale blue has had a real moment this year, and Dulux recently announced the comeback of stronger blues for 2026,” says Charlotte Cropper. “And while the nation\u2019s favorite color will always be a timeless option, I think the cooler, cleaner blues will be pushed aside in favor of warmer, muddier tones.”<\/p>\n

“We have been gravitating towards colors with more depth; colors that feel rich in personality and nuance, rather than sharp or saturated,” she adds. “Those brighter or primary blues look fantastic in small, high-impact doses, but most people don\u2019t actually want to live with them on their walls every day.”<\/p>\n


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\"light\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Little Greene<\/p>\n

Bone China Blue 107<\/p>\n

If you want to bring blue to your walls in 2026, look to colors such as Bone China Blue, which feel a bit more muddy than true blues. <\/p>\n

\"headshotCharlotte Cropper<\/p>\n

Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n

<\/a>Color Consultant<\/p>\n

Charlotte Cropper is a leading color consultant based in Milan, celebrated for her instinctive use of color and form. With a deep understanding of color psychology, her work explores how color shapes the way we feel, interact, and connect to the spaces we call home. Charlotte runs her own independent color studio and collaborates with Bauwerk Colour, specializing in natural limewash finishes.<\/p>\n

While these are the outdated colors designers are moving away from in 2026, keep in mind that color is subjective, and first and foremost, you should decorate with those that bring you joy.<\/p>\n

Or, to play it safe, and go for the most classic colors<\/a> that won’t date anytime soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you’re eagerly planning a decorating project to kickstart the new year, you may be wondering what design…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":226752,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[437,434,435,436,438,146,85,46],"class_list":{"0":"post-226751","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-arts-and-design","10":"tag-artsanddesign","11":"tag-artsdesign","12":"tag-design","13":"tag-entertainment","14":"tag-il","15":"tag-israel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=226751"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226751\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/226752"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=226751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=226751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=226751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}