Colour Forecast 2026 Colour of The Year
- Michelle Laughton
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 29
It is seemingly impossible to keep up to date with forthcoming colour trends and how they might be reflected in our clothing, cars, and homes. As I cast my eye to future Colour Trends, I am amazed at how we and our world are studied to predict what we might be thinking and feeling, and how the colours around us will influence our behaviours. I am always pleasantly surprised by the process of defining the colours and their application that we will see around us and that will influence us in the near future.
2026 will have us seeing colours that reflect the need for balance, excitement, and stability. How will these colours be utilised across industries, shaping trends and influencing decision-making? Think of colours that evoke a natural quality, bringing to mind natural elements, such as a dark and moody sea, deep space, and dark forest undergrowth.
After the moody magic of 2025’s Colour of the Year, Future Dusk, Transformative Teal is stepping into the spotlight for 2026. And no, we’re not talking Aussie politics here — this teal is all about a sense of calm, clarity, and fresh perspective.
Blending the depth of classic navy with the vibrance of aqua green, Transformative Teal feels like the perfect colour for a world in transition.
There’s something deeply grounding about this shade — a connection to nature, resilience, and that Earth-first mindset that’s becoming central to how we live. And it’s not just a vibe; the numbers back it up. Google searches for teal have jumped 9% year over year, signalling a real shift in what people are drawn to — and what they’re ready to embrace.
Where we’ll see it:
Fashion: Transformative Teal is a true all-rounder — gender-inclusive, seasonless, and ready for anything from rugged utility wear to elegant occasion looks.
Beauty: With its moody depth, Transformative Teal brings something bold and beautiful to colour cosmetics, nails, and even hair. It's dramatic without being loud — perfect for when you want to make a statement but keep it cool.
Keep an eye out for:
Wax Paper is one of those colours that feels like a gentle exhale — soft, creamy yellow with a touch of off-white, it sits quietly in the near-neutral family, radiating calm and warmth. It gives off major cozy vibes, like the glow of winter sunlight streaming through a window.
There’s something timeless and healing about this shade. It taps into nature and ancient dyeing traditions, bringing a sense of grounded serenity with it. Think of it as more than just a colour — it’s a feeling.
Wax Paper is delicate, yet rich, making it super versatile and appealing across generations. It’s minimalist without being cold, and it plays beautifully with other tones when you're going for that elevated, neutral aesthetic. Whether you're designing a space or styling a look, this hue brings a quiet sophistication that never tries too hard, especially in interiors, where its subtle charm truly shines. I'm wary that in some lighting, Wax Paper may appear a little on the Beige side, swatch testing is super important.
Fresh Purple isn’t just pretty — it’s packed with meaning. Tied to royalty, love, mystery, and spirituality, it’s one of those colours that’s always carried a certain weight. Now it’s getting a total remix. This is about seeing purple in a whole new light — bold, creative, and even a little futuristic.
With its high-energy vibe and deep connection to the world of AI, Fresh Purple has got that immersive, attention-grabbing quality that makes it perfect for marketing, and it’s making waves across fashion, from womenswear and menswear to activewear and even kidswear. Whether it’s a bold statement piece or a punchy accent, this colour definitely stands out.
And it’s not stopping at fashion. In home and interiors, Fresh Purple is bringing serious retro energy — think glossy or matte finishes, even resin, with a nod to those iconic '70s looks.
Imagine the rich scent of cacao, the earthy vibe of mushrooms, and the cozy feel of walking through forest undergrowth — that’s the essence of Cocoa Powder. It’s a deep chocolatey, mushroomy brown with just a touch of red, and it brings a bold, nostalgic energy.
In fashion, Cocoa Powder is stepping in as the new go-to dark shade. From shoes to accessories, across both menswear and womenswear, it’s showing off its versatility. But it’s not just about clothes — this colour plays just as well in tech, interiors, sports gear, and outdoor equipment, especially when paired with metallic finishes. It’s strong, grounded, and effortlessly elegant.
The Colour of the Year actually means a lot for brands. These days, most of us are feeling pretty burnt out from constant stimulation, endless bad news, and the overall weirdness of adjusting to life after the pandemic. With all that noise, brands really need to find ways to get noticed.
And colour? It matters—a lot. In fact, research shows that 98% of people say colour affects what they buy. It's a huge part of how we connect with brands and their products. More and more, brands are paying attention to how colour makes us feel—because those emotions can seriously influence what ends up in our shopping carts.
コメント