Designers' Top 6 Paint Colors to Avoid Next Year!

We're already halfway through 2025, and if you're like us, you're probably starting to think about refreshing your home's look. When it comes to interior design, staying current can feel like a moving target, especially with new trends emerging all the time. While your personal preference is always paramount, if you’re aiming for a fresh and modern feel in 2026, some colors might be worth steering clear of.

Based on insights from top interior design experts, here are the paint colors designers have decided to move away from next year.

Harsh, Cool Whites

For the past few years, the design world has embraced warm, inviting off-whites. This trend isn't going anywhere in 2026. Designers are united in their desire to move away from stark, cool-toned whites.

According to Lauren Saab, founder and principal designer of Saab Studios, "Icy whites often read as clinical. They reflect light but don’t interact with it. A sharp white can leave a room feeling unfinished."

Instead, consider warmer whites with subtle undertones that create a softer, more layered look. Think creamy ivories or plaster-like finishes that add dimension and warmth to your space.

Overly Bright Primary Colors

While primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—are foundational, using them in their pure, boldest forms on your walls can feel visually overwhelming and one-dimensional. Sabah Mansoor, founder and principal designer of Sabah Mansoor Design, suggests they can create a chaotic atmosphere indoors.

This doesn't mean you have to abandon these colors entirely! The trick is to opt for richer, more nuanced versions. Mansoor advises, "Rich, lush colors and soft, muted shades are the ones I will continue to turn to." Explore deeper, more complex shades that add sophistication rather than visual noise.

Blaring Neon Hues

Just like bold primaries, high-voltage neon colors can be jarring when used as a dominant interior paint. Designers agree these intense shades can contribute to feelings of agitation and visual clutter within a space.

If you're drawn to vibrant colors, consider saturated, dimensional hues instead of electric brights. Saab suggests, "Swap shock value for saturation with substance. A deep ochre, oxblood, or moody sage can energize a room without overwhelming it." These colors offer impact without the visual overload.

Chilly Grays

Many designers are still recovering from the "millennial gray" era, and cool, icy grays aren't making a comeback anytime soon. These colors can leave a room feeling cold and uninviting.

However, gray isn't completely off-limits! The key to incorporating gray in 2026 is to choose warm, layered tones that bring depth and coziness. Tehilla Bennett, founder and principal designer of Teela Bennett Design, recommends greige, mushroom, taupe, and other soft, earthy neutrals. She eloquently puts it: "Out with the stiff, cold tones, and in with the colors that say 'Come sit on the couch, grab a book, and enjoy your coffee.'"

Flat Powder Blue

Powder blue might evoke a charming, nostalgic feeling, but in practice, designers find this hue often falls flat in interiors. "It can feel nostalgic without substance," explains Saab.

If you love blue, don't despair! There are many beautiful blue shades that designers adore. Instead of powder blue, consider bolder options like a matte lapis or a deep, inky navy. Alternatively, light, muted blues with subtle gray undertones are also very much in vogue and can create a serene atmosphere without feeling washed out.

Wishy-Washy Light Pink

Often chosen for its perceived softness, chalky light pink paint can end up looking washed out and overly sentimental without much character. While popular for nurseries, designers advise caution when using it elsewhere.

For 2026, gravitate towards pinks with more structure and depth. Think muted rose, warm earthy pinks, or dusky pinky beiges. These shades offer the softness of pink but with a more sophisticated and contemporary feel.

What are your thoughts on these trending colors? Are there any paint colors you're ready to say goodbye to in your home?