Dulux Colour Forecast 2026: Three Palettes to Inspire Your Home

The Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 has landed, and this year it’s all about warmth, comfort and individuality. Gone are the days of stark whites and high-contrast schemes dominating interiors. Instead, Dulux invites us to embrace colour in softer, more intentional ways – creating homes that feel personal, calming and expressive.

Each year, Dulux colour experts research and curate the forecast, drawing on global design movements, cultural shifts and lifestyle changes. The 2026 palettes – Ethereal, Elemental and Evoke – reflect our need for spaces that nurture and ground us, while still offering room for play and creativity. Together, they span everything from delicate pastels to bold, retro hues.

Ethereal palette

Whimsical and lighthearted, Ethereal is dreamlike in feel. It blends gentle greens, mauves and blush pinks, including Kindness and Mask, with airy teals, such as Soft Fresco and Tiamo. The result is uplifting and romantic, perfect for rooms that feel like a retreat from the everyday.

Picture a bedroom with walls in Mask, paired with sheer white curtains, bleached oak furniture and velvet scatter cushions. Or a living area washed in Kindness, layered with plush rugs and chrome accents to reflect the light. Ethereal works beautifully where softness and serenity are the goal – bedrooms, nurseries or a cosy living space.

Elemental palette

Grounded and architectural, Elemental takes its cues from enduring natural materials. Built on a base of warm whites and neutrals such as Blended Cream and Hog Bristle Quarter, it deepens with golden browns like Caramel Sundae and Coffee Dust. Cool greys and charcoal shades add definition, striking a balance between minimalism and warmth.

Think of a kitchen with walls in Blended Cream, timber cabinetry and a stone island bench veined with hints of grey. Or a living room layered with Coffee Dust walls, leather armchairs, woollen throws and textured ceramics. Elemental is timeless – a palette that suits spaces designed for daily living, where durability and style go hand in hand.

Evoke palette

The boldest of the three, Evoke embraces nostalgia and character. Blush pinks, earthy oranges and deep berry tones are layered with burnt reds, brought to life by standout shades such as Succulent, a zingy yellow-green, Magic Melon, a radiant orange, and Deep Aqua, a sophisticated, calming blue.

This palette is made for personality-filled interiors. A rumpus room with Succulent cabinetry and burnt red walls instantly feels energetic and fun. In a dining room, berry tones on the walls set a dramatic mood, while velvet seating, vintage glassware and brass lighting complete the retro-meets-modern finish. Evoke is about layering colours, textures and eras to create a home brimming with charm.

How to bring it home

The beauty of the Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 lies in its flexibility. Each palette has been designed for versatility, allowing homeowners to personalise spaces with ease. Start with one or two anchor shades on the walls, then carry the palette through joinery, textiles and accent decor. For those hesitant to commit, smaller applications – like a painted door, cabinetry detail or statement wall – can deliver just as much impact.

It’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Carlisle’s interior schemes. Autumnal Ambience and Organic Escape capture the grounded warmth of Elemental with golden tones, timber cabinetry and textural stone.

Coastal and Laid-back Contemporary reflect Ethereal’s gentle greens and pinks, balancing fresh walls with light oak flooring and breezy linens.

For those drawn to Evoke’s drama, Luxe Noir provides the perfect match, combining deep tones, metallic accents and luxurious finishes to deliver bold, character-driven interiors.

The takeaway for 2026

Colour is well and truly back – not in a loud, overwhelming way, but in layers that invite comfort, joy and personality. Whether it’s the softness of Ethereal, the grounded warmth of Elemental or the nostalgic energy of Evoke, the 2026 palettes offer endless inspiration to shape a home that feels both of-the-moment and timeless.