Why We Choose Colours of the Year
- Gateway Colours
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
With the start of the new year, our social media channels and news feeds will be (and have been) filled with the upcoming colours and trends for 2026. With leading brands like Pantone, Benjamin Moore, and more recently, Annie Sloan providing a colour of the year, we can get a sense of where the design world is headed.
But why do we even choose colours for the year? What should be the real intention behind them?
Colour as a Mirror of Human Desire
Choosing a colour is rarely just about what looks "pretty," it's a response to what's happening in the world. Design trends act like a mirror, reflecting our collective feelings and what we feel is missing from our lives.
Think back to 2020, during a time of global uncertainty, our style choices shifted. We looked for clean whites and simple greys. These choices weren't accidental, they were a psychological need for safety and a "blank slate" in a world that felt cluttered.
The Shift: From "Clean" to "Meaningful"
As we move toward 2026, we are seeing a major shift. People are tired of "safe" neutrals. Instead of sterile and clean, we are craving spaces that have character, history, and emotional depth. We are moving away from the grey, white, and black palette, and are embracing colours that feel substantial.
The 2026 trends show that we are ready to feel grounded again. We are seeing a return to:
Rich Burgundies and Plums: Signalling a return to confidence and comfort. They provide a physical warmth that makes a house feel like a sanctuary.
Saturated Forest Greens: Representing a need to connect with nature. They offer a sense of permanence and strength.
Moody Earth Tones: Proving we craving spaces that feel private, cozy, and personal, by using dark charcoals and deep espresso browns.
When Trends Lose the Connection
However, choosing a "Colour of the Year" requires more than just looking at a palette, it needs to involve the people who will be using and living within these colours. This year, Pantone faced significant backlash when they announced their 2026 selection: Cloud Dancer. (White)
While Pantone describes it as a "symbol of calm," many in the design community felt it was completely disconnected from the current world. Critics called the choice "uninspired" and "clinical," arguing that after years of sterile neutrals, the world is actually crying out for vibrance and substance. It served as a powerful reminder that for a brand to remain relevant, it must focus on what the audience is actually telling them. We don't want another blank canvas; we want a story.
A Richer Response: The Annie Sloan 2026 Palette
Thankfully, in an indirect response to Pantone’s "colourless" choice, Annie Sloan released a stunning 2026 palette that perfectly mirrors the current mood of the design world. Instead of one safe neutral, she presented a trio of stunningly rich, purposeful colours:
Tyrian Plum (for Creativity): A sophisticated, deep reddish-purple that encourages bold expression.
Napoleonic Blue (for Wellbeing): A warm, deep cobalt that provides a sense of peace without feeling cold or distant.
Primer Red (for Community): An earthy, grounding red inspired by the universal pigments found in soils around the world.
Choosing with Intention
At Gateway Colours, we believe the best designs are the ones that consider the human being behind the hue. Whether you are drawn to the drama of a rich plum or the steady calm of a deep blue, your environment should reflect your actual needs, not just a trend on a screen. In 2026, the real trend isn't just a paint colour, it’s the decision to live with more intention and soul.
Reach out today at info@gatewaycolours.ca
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