2026 colour of the year announced! Cloud Dancer.... a beautiful soft neutral.

Pantone has officially announced its 2026 colour of the year.

It's a neutral shade, making it incredibly versatile for those less colour adventurous. Whilst Pantone is known for a bolder stroke of colour to set annual trends for the fashion markets, both interior and couture. This colour is elegant and timeless.

This soft, luxe white offers warmth rather than stark, crisp whites. Teaming beautifully with natural fibres such as linen, velvets and knits. Pairing with brushed brass and antique finishes on handles and tapware. Timber is stunning against it too, by accentuating the grains and warmth of the wood. Black equally pairs well as a contrast for a more modern take on things.

Opaque glass light fixtures look dreamy. Hand-turned pottery becomes the focal point as this colour works quietly in the background, highlighting textures and contrasts.

Effortlessly working in with the earthy tones that we saw heavily in 2025, with terracotta, mocha and beige, to the bolder peach tones of 2024.

Looking ahead to 2026, Resene colour consultant Meryl Southey has indicated that their black white and sea fog shades are Resene's nod to Cloud Dancer.

Here you can download Resene's colour trend pdf to take you through emerging trends for 2026 and see Resene's top 20 neutral shades here:

Just look how beautiful this combination is of the marble, brushed copper inlay and fixtures. See more of this wonderful arts and crafts renovation project here.

Colour drenching

This trend has been a feature on the Block Australia with its dramatic impact of bold, warm colours being placed not just on the walls but also on the in-built shelves, ceiling, vents, doors, etc. It's not everyone's cup of tea and requires a huge commitment to the process. This warm colour-drenched rumpus room has received mixed reviews for Sonny and Alicia. Some LOVE it, some LOATHE it. One thing you can't deny is that it has an energy to it. Whether it's your type of style or not. Here are some pointers on colour drenching

Here are practical, designer-approved pointers to get it right (and avoid the common “painted-in-a-hurry” look):

Choose the right colour first - Do you have a special piece of treasured art, a collection of books, a duvet or headboard that you just LOVE. Perhaps select a key colour from something you treasure to start your journey. Test pots are a must for this, painting an A3 sheet so you have a larger section to colour check by moving it around the room at different times of the day. A low or matte sheen paint is recommended as colour-drenched gloss would be a whole different experience.
What colours work well? Soft complex neutrals are great, warm whites, stone, clay, muted greens work beautifully for colour drenching. Of course, if bold is your style, then inky, smoky and earthy are great too.
Commit fully - You must paint everything in the same tone. The ceiling, the skirtings, walls, doors and shelves even radiators and grills should be matched.
Honour the architecture - Villa and bungalow features such as cornicing, panelled doors and ceiling roses will be enhanced by colour drenching. Don't be tempted to wash them in crisp white.
Let texture do the talking - Natural materials stop drenched rooms from feeling sterile. So think, linen curtains, wool rugs, leather couches, aged brass, pottery vases.
Lighting is non-negotiable - Lighting needs to be layered and thought out, with wall sconces, pendants and lamps. They all add layers and texture, breaking up the colour blocking.
Think room by room, not the entire house - colour drenching works best in bedrooms, studies, hallways and dining spaces. Bathrooms and kitchens can still work, but tiles, cabinetry and hardware will matter more in these spaces.
Trust the pause - A freshly colour drenched room can feel too much for the first week before it is dressed and adorned with all the hero pieces and texture of furniture, artwork, rugs, cushions, etc. Dress the room before you make your final decision.

If colour drenching is not on your design hit list that's totally fine. There are so many beautiful ways to make your home reflect you and to give you a warm hug when you return home.

You can use panelling, wallpaper, textured or patterned. Art pieces, a mural and plants. Tile choices, lighting features, and flooring. It all reflects who you are and how you want your home to feel.

Keen to make your home truly yours? Get in touch, we would love to help you with your customised renovation planning. As renovation specialists and award winners, you can trust us with your home and your budget.

The Batemans - Alpha 1 Builders

"Craftsmanship that wins awards - Renovations that respect your budget"