Oh My Styled Life

Our designer-approved recommendations to the best bold, neutral, and earthy shades for your home

Every year, design enthusiasts look forward to the announcement of the proclaimed “Color of The Year,” or the trending paint colors announced by leading brands like Pantone or Benjamin Moore. Like many interior designers, we love being part of the discussion about what those predictions signify about the direction of design. This year, we’re seeing subtle, yet significant shifts in homeowners’ favorite hues.  

In 2025, homeowners gravitated toward jewel tones, burgundies, and eggplants; that will most likely still be true, but now preferences are also leaning softer, lighter, and more natural. In 2026, paint color choices can be relaxing; instead of making a statement, they’re creating an intentional atmosphere in the home. 

How To Choose Paint Colors in 2026 

With an overwhelming amount of paint color options, working with an interior designer simplifies the entire process. As homeowners’ confidence with color continues to grow, we’re guiding them toward nuanced shades with the right undertones and finishes to harmonize within the holistic design vision. To inform our recommendations, we consider the design style that resonates with you most, the architecture and location of your home, lighting, and the tried-and-true selections that our clients have loved for years. In 2026, we’re eyeing hues that pair well with natural stone, darker wood stains, and layered mixed metals, creating interiors that are personal, curated, and timeless.  

Here are the six paint colors O’Hara Interiors is recommending for homes in 2026:  

Benjamin Moore – Tate Olive 

The design world often employs greens and blues as neutral paint colors, but with so many options, selecting the perfect shade for your space can be challenging. That’s why we love Tate Olive, a warm green that feels moody and enveloping at night, then softens into something fresher and more botanical in daylight. Here, senior designer Gabby Laboy used the color to add character to the entry room of her Fall Artisan Home, a showcase of the top design and build talent in the Twin Cities. 

Sherwin Williams – Pink Shadow 

Pink Shadow reads more like an elevated neutral than a traditional pink, offering softness without overt sweetness. Its muted, dusty quality makes it an elegant alternative to a classic white or beige, and it works well alongside light woods, plaster finishes, and layered textiles. This paint color is beautiful for quieter, private spaces like bedrooms, sitting rooms, or transitional spaces.  

Lead designer Tatum Madden selected Pink Shadow for a laundry room in her Dallas clients’ lake home. View the full house on our new construction portfolio here.

Benjamin Moore – Lafayette Green 

Lafayette Green has a richness that feels almost storybook, like something pulled from a fantasy forest. Appropriate for both traditional and modern interiors, this color shines when paired with paneled walls, tailored upholstery, and heirloom pieces. It is particularly striking in kitchens, studies, dining rooms, and powder rooms where homeowners want an immersive design aesthetic. 

This gorgeous green is featured prominently in our first project reveal of 2026. See the Shorewood Kitchen Remodel on our portfolio here.

Benjamin Moore – Decanter Buff 

For homeowners who find butter yellow too bright or dairy-esque, Decanter Buff is a nuanced alternative that leans more sophisticated than sunny in tone. It works beautifully with natural stone, warm metals, and soft whites, making it a strong option for kitchens and open living areas. Here, our designers used this paint color in a guest house on Balsam Lake in Wisconsin. Follow along on our Instagram to view more images from this home! 

Sherwin Williams – Bora Bora Shore 

Bora Bora Shore is playful and tropical, a turquoise that echoes the movement and color of South Pacific waters. When balanced with crisp whites, light woods, and clean-lined finishes, it feels fresh and transportive, reminding us of our favorite beachside vacation spots. It is especially effective in laundry rooms, secondary baths, creative spaces, and vacation homes where homeowners often find inspiration in coastal colors and feel free to make more expressive choices. We’re especially excited to use shades like this along the Gulf Coast, in vacation estates along the beaches of Port Aransas and South Padre Island.  

Senior designer Heather Chadwick shared her insights on bold color usage with Martha Stewart Living. Read her expert advice here.  

Farrow & Ball – Down Pipe 

This deep charcoal gray has enough complexity to avoid feeling flat, especially in spaces designed for focus and quiet. It pairs well with dark wood, leather, and minimalist furnishings, and we love seeing it in home offices, libraries, and media rooms. 

Love this office? Read Midwest Design’s cover story on Gabby’s Modern Homestead project here.

Our Interior Designers’ Favorite Neutral Paint Colors 

We’re embracing the use of soft blues and greens as the new neutrals. For those who want a more evocative neutral, we’d also suggest a white with purple or blue undertone, like Benjamin Moore’s Mirage White or Farrow & Ball’s Blackened. And, as lovers of truly timeless design, we have our favorite creamy whites and pure whites that work in homes that range from traditional to modern.  

As we look ahead to 2026, many families are considering embarking on new home construction or moving forward with remodels. If you are in need of an experienced interior designer, please reach out via our inquiry form or give us a call and let us know how we can guide you in the design of your home. Our team would love to talk with you about your design dreams for the new year!