Interior Designer Reveals Trending Paint Colors for 2026

As 2026 approaches, homeowners are increasingly considering freshening up their living spaces. According to interior designer Patricia Wakely, paint offers an effective and affordable way to transform any room. In her recent insights, Wakely outlines the paint colors expected to dominate in the coming year, while also highlighting a key consideration for those looking to revamp their interiors.

Emerging Color Trends for 2026

Wakely emphasizes that deeper, more vibrant colors will capture attention in 2026. “Deeper colours like brick, lavender, and apricot will really come onto the scene in 2026,” she notes. While greens remain popular, the trend is shifting away from the neutrals of grey and white. Homeowners are opting for more dramatic choices to enhance their spaces.

The concept of Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is also gaining prominence. This measurement indicates the percentage of light that paint reflects back into a room. A higher LRV can significantly brighten a space, a crucial factor in regions like Ireland, where natural sunlight can be limited.

Innovative Techniques for Interior Design

Wakely introduces the technique of colour drenching, which involves painting most surfaces in a room the same color. The trend is evolving into double drenching, where different shades of the same color are used throughout the space. For instance, the Fleetwood Prestige collection offers variants such as Chalking, with original, mid, and deep options, as well as Marble, which presents light and mid selections.

To enhance the effect of these colors, Wakely advises applying a lighter version of the chosen color to the ceiling, creating an uplifting atmosphere. Darker tones can be used on woodwork and low trims, producing an ombré effect that blurs the lines between walls, ceilings, and doors, ultimately making rooms feel larger.

While many homeowners may still prefer complementary colors—those opposite each other on the color wheel—Wakely suggests that pastel colors are typically favored in these combinations.

For those looking to explore these trends further, the full article featuring Patricia Wakely’s insights is available in RSVP Home, now on shelves.