Exploring the Latest Painting Trends for 2026 and How They Can Elevate Your Home
Wondering what paint companies are choosing as their Colour of the Year in 2026? We’ve got you - below is a quick look at what’s trending.
The painting industry is constantly evolving and in 2026, we’re seeing bold colour directions, natural palettes, and smarter paint options shaping how spaces feel and function. Whether you’re refreshing a living room or planning a full-home repaint in Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview or beyond, understanding the latest trends helps you make stylish choices that stand the test of time.
In this post, we break down what’s trending now, explain why these trends matter, and show how the professional painters at Luxe Paintworks Inc. can help bring them to life.
1. Nature-Inspired Colour Palettes Are Dominating
In 2026, designers and homeowners alike are gravitating toward warm, earthy hues that evoke calm and connection to nature. Shades like muted greens, warm terracotta, and soft blues are shaping interior spaces. These tones promote comfort and well-being—perfect for busy families and relaxing living spaces. StartUs Insights+1
Why it matters to you:
Creates a calming, inviting atmosphere
Works with wood accents and natural light
Great for open-concept living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens
How Luxe Paintworks can help:
We offer colour consultations tailored to your home’s lighting and style. We give you an array of choices that are personalized to you and your space. You get to choose colours that look great in person — not just on a paint chip.
2. Rich, Moody Colours and Colour Drenching
While soft tones remain popular, rich and moody shades—like deep espresso, charcoal, or jewel tones—are also trending. Some designers are even embracing colour drenching, where an entire room (walls, trim, and ceilings) is painted in one immersive shade. Vogue
Design tip:
Colour drenching works especially well in cozy spaces like dining rooms or dens, creating a dramatic yet refined look.
Pro tip:
Pair moody colours with lighter furniture and warm accents to balance depth without making a room feel small.
3. Eco-Friendly and Health-Conscious Paint Choices
Today’s homeowners care about more than just how paint looks — they care about what’s in it. Low-VOC and eco-friendly paints are rising in popularity because they improve indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact.
Benefits for your home:
Better indoor air quality for families and pets
Safer for sensitive individuals (allergies, asthma)
Environmentally conscious finishes
Luxe Paintworks uses high-quality low and zero-VOC paints whenever possible, so your home not only looks beautiful but feels healthier too.
4. Smart and Functional Paint Technologies
Innovation in paint isn’t just aesthetic—there’s a growing interest in functional paints.
These include features like:
Anti-bacterial or air-purifying coatings
Self-cleaning and stain-resistant paints
Temperature-responsive colour shifts
While these technologies may be more common in commercial settings, they’re starting to make their way into residential spaces where durability and air quality matter most.
5. Statement Surfaces: Ceiling & Accent Features
Gone are the days when ceilings were always white. Painting your ceiling a bold or complementary colour adds depth and draws the eye upward, enhancing the sense of space and character.
Accent wall ideas we’re seeing:
Deep blues or greens as a focal backdrop
Two-tone designs with balancing neutrals
Subtle texture or specialty finishes
These details make rooms feel custom-designed and uniquely yours.
6. The Local Advantage: Painting Trends in New Brunswick
Trends matter—but how a colour feels in Moncton’s cool, Atlantic light may differ from other regions. That’s why we always recommend in-home colour testing before choosing your final palette. Luxe Paintworks brings samples to your space so you can see how light, furniture, and flooring interact with your paint choices.
Sherwin-Williams 2026 Colour of the Year: Universal Khaki
Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki is described as a classic neutral: it is warm, earthy – but I am not sure I would say it’s timeless. Looking at it in different light, it has the potential to create a sophisticated, calm and soothing room with minimal complementary colour. It can also create a wonderful backdrop to introduce rich, dark and moody colours that will create a more dramatic look. However, many reviews include green undertones that can date the colour under specific light so testing the colour first is likely your best bet.
As mentioned above, designers are following a trend of nature-inspire colours, looking to bring the outdoor inside our homes. Clear to say that Universal Khaki in on-trend. Personally, I am always looking for timeless colours, hues that will ensure the test of time. When you chose to repaint your home, you are making a financial investment that will require time and efforts so choosing the right colour is important. I like to walk the delicate balance between trend and classic with our clients, ensuring they get the result they want without getting tired of their paint colour within a year. Looking at SW Universal Khaki, it has a ton of potential to be a great option in the right environment. SW did a deep dive on their website so if this colour speaks to you, take the time to learn more.
Benjamin Moore 2026 Colour of the Year: Silhouette
This year again, Benjamin Moore opted for a deep colour that can be moody, sophisticated and inspire creativity. In the footstep of last year’s colour of the year (cinnamon – which is absolutely gorgeous), Silhouette is once again a rich colour that is grounding and can stabilize a space.
When we look at Silhouette, the instinct would be to use it as an accent colour. However, as the trend grows towards drenched space that are darker and rich, it’s exciting to look beyond the accent and see how it can bring warmth in your home. With its deep espresso base and charcoal undertones, it is a great colour to create a moody and sophisticated room if you decide to go all in. Paired with lighter colours and a creamy white on baseboards, it can transform your space into a welcoming and charming room. Add some plants and pair with natural wood and boom- you may never want to leave your home again.
Behr 2026 Colour of the Year: Hidden Gem
Going in a different direction than the two previous brands but aligning with market trend, Behr has picked Hidden Gem as their colour of the year. Described as a blend of blue and green, it is described as a sophisticated colour. However, at first glance, I would also say it looks like a playful colour that I would be tempted to apply on kitchen cabinet, bathrooms or study. It seems like a colour that can match many different styles: Victorian, Classic, Modern. It is not a minimalistic colour – it is rich and respond differently under different light, making it a good contender for a splash of colour that will bring your room to life. While drenching is also a big trend these days, I am still not 100% convinced I would take that path with Hidden Gem. However, sign me up for cabinets and study room – or even paired with a beautiful wallpaper!
Some final thoughts on trends in the industry
Finally, as we talk about trends, I notice an increasing demand for eco-friendly and low-VOC paints. Consumers and professionals alike are seeking products that not only look good but also contribute to healthier indoor air quality and a more sustainable future. This focus on environmental responsibility is pushing manufacturers to innovate and expand their green offerings – something everyone will benefit from.
As you can see, the painting industry is embracing soothing, nature-inspired colors, with a recognition of the importance of comfort, sustainability, and personal expression in their choices. Whether you're planning a home refresh or a commercial project, you can count on us to help you stay informed about these trends so that you make stylish and thoughtful decisions for your home.
Trends can elevate your home—but the best results balance what’s current with what you’ll still love years from now. Warm neutrals, nature-inspired palettes, and thoughtful accent features give you timeless style with fresh appeal. When paired with professional application and expert advice, you get results that are both beautiful and long-lasting.
Ready to update your space with confidence? Contact Luxe Paintworks for a free consultation and let’s bring your vision to life.