Interior designers are moving beyond traditional neutral colors like white, gray, and beige as they prepare their 2026 design schemes. From soothing sage greens to rich dark browns, design professionals are embracing more colorful tones as the foundation for their projects while maintaining an overall calming aesthetic that feels livable and sophisticated.

These evolved neutral palettes represent a shift toward more design-forward spaces that step away from conventional approaches. The four trending shades offer homeowners stylish alternatives that provide all the versatility of classic neutrals while adding fresh visual interest and depth to interior spaces.

Soft greens have emerged as a particularly popular choice among designers seeking warm, nature-inspired alternatives to traditional neutrals. "For me, the new neutral for the year ahead is soft green — from gentle sage to fresher mint shades," observes Simone Gordon, co-founder of Owl Design, a London-based interior design studio. These delicate green tones, demonstrated beautifully in contemporary bedroom designs, create a more interesting backdrop than typical whites or creams while maintaining a pared-back aesthetic.

Gordon emphasizes the practical benefits of incorporating green as a neutral color. "These tones pair beautifully with natural textures and warm timbers, offering subtle color without overwhelming the design," she explains. "They also work in harmony with brighter accents, creating a layered backdrop with greater depth than whiter neutral tones alone can provide." Interior designer Jessica Whitley specifically recommends Benjamin Moore's October Mist 1495 for those seeking "a hint of color while staying neutral" through muted sage greens that "add a soft, nature-inspired warmth."

Delicate blues represent another compelling option for designers looking to create tranquil yet elevated backdrops in their projects. The key to successfully implementing blue as a neutral lies in embracing color-drenching techniques throughout the space. "When decorating with soft blues, I like to experiment with color-drenching schemes, layering different shades to create a truly stunning, deep effect," says Marcelina Janiszewska, interior designer at Project London.

To maximize the impact of blue neutral schemes, Janiszewska recommends incorporating warmer contrasting elements. "Pops of color, such as red or pink, add energy and warmth. Don't be afraid to use these contrasting tones, as they create a scheme full of depth and character," she advises. The designer also suggests completing blue-based schemes with metallic finishes ranging from stainless steel and chrome to brass, antique brass, bronze, or black, which "help to elevate the scheme and add visual interest." For newcomers to color-forward neutrals, Farrow & Ball's Borrowed Light No. 235 offers an incredibly delicate blue that maintains a light and airy feeling.

Pale pink has gained recognition as a sophisticated alternative to stark white paints, offering warmth and visual interest without overwhelming a space. "It's essentially the latest take on a warm white," explains Kristina Khersonsky, founder and principal designer at STUDIO KEETA. "It takes the neutrality a step forward and not only provides warmth to the room, but also visual interest." Designer Birdie Fortescue appreciates pale pink's versatility, noting that it "has a gentle quality that brings softness without feeling overly sweet. I often use it as a grounding color, which works particularly well when layered with natural textures like linen or jute." For those interested in experimenting with pink neutrals, Lick's Pink 01 provides a safe introduction with its grounding and mellow gray undertones.

Rich brown tones are making a significant impact as designers embrace warm-toned dark neutrals for 2026 schemes. These moody and sumptuous browns offer depth while nodding to modern retro design trends. "There's a quiet depth to warm brown tones that people find comforting, and I think it speaks to a deeper desire for interiors that feel authentic, timeless, and grounded," explains Alicia Meireles of OWN LONDON.

Meireles provides specific guidance for incorporating warm browns effectively into interior schemes. "When decorating with warm brown tones, focus on incorporating rich textures like raw linen, clay, or natural wood to enhance their earthy warmth," she recommends. "For contrast and balance, pair them with cooler hues like sage green, dusty blue, or charcoal." Little Greene's Elysian Ground 320 exemplifies this trend with its muddy brown hue that makes a statement while creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, particularly effective when applied to all four walls in smaller rooms for maximum impact.

These evolved neutral palettes, ranging from mellow blues to earthy pinks, offer homeowners and designers simple yet effective methods for creating more visually interesting spaces. Once these foundational neutral tones are established, incorporating bolder accent colors can create even more dynamic and exciting interior schemes that reflect current design trends while maintaining timeless appeal.