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Pantone 2026 Colours: 'Sustainability' - A Fresh, Earth-Toned Green for 2026

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 5:37 GMT by Daily Mail

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Pantone 2026 Colours and the Inside Scoop from a Leading Interior Designer

When Pantone rolls out its Colour of the Year each January, the world of interiors—along with fashion, automotive, and even technology—takes notice. For 2026 the global trend‑setting agency unveiled a green that looks both fresh and familiar, a hue that has already begun to appear in paint swatches, wallpapers and product palettes across the globe. The colour, dubbed “Sustainability” (Pantone 16‑0113), is a muted, earthy green that evokes the calm of a forest in early spring. According to Pantone’s website, the shade was chosen to reflect a collective shift toward environmental consciousness, sustainability and a desire for the “grounded, regenerative mindset” that has become so prominent in 2024‑2025.

But colours don’t exist in a vacuum. In an article that ran in the Daily Mail’s home‑and‑living section, an experienced British interior designer—known for her work with high‑profile clients and her keen eye for colour psychology—laid out which shades are already making houses feel dated, and how she plans to steer homeowners away from those pitfalls. Here’s what she shared, along with some useful context from Pantone and other design sources.

1. The “Dated” Palette: What to Avoid

In the piece, the designer highlights several hues that have fallen out of favour in recent years because they feel “stuck in a different decade.” The list, which was sourced from a mix of market research and her own experience working in the industry, includes:

The designer stressed that “a dated colour isn’t just about a single shade; it’s about how it’s used in context.” For example, a pastel yellow kitchen might still feel fresh if paired with crisp white cabinetry and high‑gloss finishes, but if the walls are also pastel yellow, the whole space can appear stuck in a nostalgic era.

2. Pantone 2026: The Green That’s Going Everywhere

After painting her way through the dated palette, the designer turned to the 2026 Colour of the Year. She noted that “Sustainability” is a natural, earthy green that can be described as “soft but rich.” The colour’s hex code—#A5B68D—is a muted olive that sits comfortably between the calming blues of classic winter palettes and the vibrant greens of summer. Pantone describes the hue as “evoking the quietness of a well‑tended garden at dawn” and suggests that it can be paired with neutrals to create a soothing, modern atmosphere.

The designer pointed out that because this green is so versatile, it has already begun to appear in paint samples from big manufacturers such as Sherwin‑Williams, Benjamin Moore and Dulux. She noted that “Sustainability” is also showing up in the world of textiles, with many manufacturers launching linen and cotton ranges that feature this green as a base tone. In her own portfolio, the designer has used the colour for a statement wall in a London townhouse, as well as in the upholstery of a contemporary sofa.

3. How to Use the 2026 Colour for a Modern, Timeless Look

The article offered practical advice on how homeowners can incorporate Pantone’s 2026 shade while avoiding the dated palette. Here are the key take‑aways:

• Base + Accent: Use “Sustainability” as the main wall or floor colour, then add accent pieces (e.g., throw pillows, artwork, rugs) in complementary shades such as warm taupe, soft ivory, or dusty rose. This layering creates depth without feeling “past‑present.”
• Neutral Balance: Pair the green with neutral tones—think greys, creams, or muted blues. Pantone’s guide for the 2026 Colour of the Year recommends these neutrals to keep the palette grounded.
• Textural Contrast: Incorporate natural textures such as reclaimed wood, jute rugs, or stone tiles. The green’s earthy vibe pairs well with these materials, creating a cohesive, nature‑inspired look.
• Smart Accent Colours: Use “Sustainability” in conjunction with subtle accents in metallics (e.g., brushed gold, soft bronze) or even a muted coral for a pop that remains understated.
• Avoid Over‑Use: While the green can be the centerpiece, using it in 100 % of the space can feel heavy. Keep it in strategic places—an accent wall, a feature piece of furniture, or a carefully curated collection of décor items.

The designer also mentioned that Pantone’s own Colour of the Year “influences the palette of paint brands, wallpaper manufacturers and even product designers.” She gave the example of a recent partnership between Pantone and a UK-based paint brand that released a limited‑edition line featuring “Sustainability” alongside a range of complementary shades.

4. The Wider Context: Pantone’s Role in Design

The article linked to Pantone’s official “Colour of the Year 2026” page, which offers an in‑depth look at the colour’s inspiration, its hex and RGB values, and how it can be applied across different industries. Pantone notes that the green was selected in part to reflect a global shift towards sustainability, and that it’s meant to be a “soft, comforting green that brings the outdoors inside.”

Beyond the paint industry, Pantone’s colour is also being adopted by the fashion and automotive sectors. The designer cited a recent trend report from a major car manufacturer that uses the green in the interior upholstery of their new electric vehicle. She also noted that a popular clothing line has launched a collection featuring the colour as a signature base, further illustrating how cross‑industry trends can reinforce interior design choices.

5. Bottom Line

For homeowners looking to refresh their space without looking stuck in a bygone era, the 2026 Colour of the Year offers a safe, versatile anchor: “Sustainability.” Avoid the bright, neon, and past‑century palettes that can feel dated, and instead focus on earthy greens, muted neutrals, and natural textures. The designer’s advice—use the green sparingly, pair it with complementary hues, and let the space breathe—provides a simple but effective roadmap to a modern, timeless home.

Whether you’re painting a single wall, choosing a sofa, or planning a complete redesign, the Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 gives you a fresh, environmentally‑conscious colour to anchor the project, while the designer’s guidance helps keep your home looking current and chic.