PAINTING & DECORATING
C
rown Trade has shared the significant colour trends it expects to see in client briefs throughout 2026, as homeowners increasingly move away
from neutral-only schemes.
Burnt orange and retro greens The company claims that, rather than traditional feature walls, homeowners are requesting bold ceiling statements in shades like green and orange. It’s a straightforward addition that delivers real visual interest, with products like Crown Trade’s Vinyl Matt proving ideal thanks to their high opacity, making it simple to transform white ceilings with confident colour. Softer, earthier orange tones are appearing more frequently in client moodboards, with shades like Saison proving especially popular in living and dining spaces. These warmer hues pair effectively with natural wood and neutral elements.
The decorator also claims period properties and contemporary homes alike are embracing 70s-inspired greens, with Glass Green and In The Willows among the shades gaining traction. These nature-inspired tones offer visual interest without being overly bold, making them an easier recommendation when homeowners know they want something different but are struggling to articulate their vision.
Contrast trim work Crown claims that Decorators can also expect more requests for contrasting skirting, architrave and detailed trim work, with rich colours paired against neutral walls to create depth and architectural interest. Crown Trade Fastflow can be mixed into thousands of shades to support these specifications whilst delivering a flawless finish on woodwork. Kathryn Lloyd, colour specialist at Crown Trade said: “We’re seeing much more adventurous colour choices coming through, but in considered, practical applications. Clients want impact without overwhelming their spaces, which creates excellent opportunities for decorators to guide decisions and deliver higher-value work. Understanding what’s gaining traction helps decorators spot opportunities and guide clients with authority.
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2026 IN AN EGGSHELL?
BMJ explores the key colour trends set to shape decorator workbooks in 2026
and House & Garden, and was highlighted as an emerging trend in 2026 according to Pinterest’s Autumn Report last year.” Burns also explained the importance of staying aware of current design trends, sharing his thoughts on how merchants and suppliers can support all types of decorator. “For merchants, it provides an opportunity to upsell and cross market. Professional painters, decorators and artists will be discussing trends with their corporate and consumer customers and looking at ways in which they can ensure they provide a professional service -including one that delivers on-trend results. This is where we can all step in – to harness the trends and support the customer.
Visual impact
These aren’t fleeting trends – they represent a genuine shift in how people approach colour in their homes.”
Tapping into trends
These colour trends also reflect across the wider decorating field.
Managing director of Shurtape, Jason Burns commented “This year, we are seeing the opposite of minimalism: maximalism. Bright palettes, interesting textures and larger than life furniture and designs will aim to bring warmth, character and confidence to homes across the UK. That means colourful wallpaper, bold furniture, and rich, contrasting textures - along with expressive, eye-catching paint effects. “Two such paint effects that have been referenced several times in 2026 decorating predictions are bold stripes and circus-inspired décor across large spaces: this is known as “Stripe-drenching”. Stripe-drenching will be the go-to trend of 2026 according to Ideal Home
“Creating displays that look at these trends is visually impactful and ensuring the right tools are sold together to encourage product uplift. Masking tape, measuring devices, rollers, protective sheets and spirit levels are all vital pieces of kit when it comes to stripes. A few timely videos on social media or images on-site can help encourage this. Special offers tapping intro trends is a tried and tested approach and real people creating real results makes brilliant content - we’re always delighted to share examples of how our tape has helped create new interiors, as it helps inspire others. “There is clear evidence that homeowners will continue to want to experiment with bold paint choices and decorative effects throughout 2026. We’re excited to see this stripe trend evolve, bringing fresh creativity and personality to every space, while supporting our merchant customers along the way.
“By working closely together, merchants and suppliers can help painting and decorating professionals stay ahead of the curve and deliver the most effective on-trend results, with the tricks and tools they need.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2026
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