Colour is deeply personal. It has the power to shape how a space feels and to lift our mood. With colour forecasters and paint brands offering varied predictions for 2026, we asked leading flooring manufacturers for their take on what is set to influence interiors in the year ahead.
World-leading colour forecaster Pantone has selected Cloud Dancer as its 2026 colour of the year. This ethereal white was chosen to symbolise calm in an increasingly busy world. Soft and weightless, it reflects a quiet sense of optimism and provides a fresh canvas for designers.
Johnstone’s Paint shares the view that we are seeking balance, selecting Secret Safari as its colour of the year. This gentle olive brings a grounded, natural quality to the home. Dulux has also taken a soulful approach through its palette of three rhythmic blues: Free Groove, Slow Swing and Mellow Flow, designed to create spaces where you slow down, cosy up, or fly free.
At the richer end of the spectrum, Little Greene has announced Adventurer as its 2026 colour of the year. This rich plum-aubergine reflects a move toward burgundy and jewel tones as homeowners embrace deeper, more confident colour. Graham & Brown supports this direction with Divine Damson, a luxurious shade inspired by ripe damson and fig, evoking a sense of elegance and sophistication.
So, what did key flooring brands say?
Versatility is a key theme for 2026, and this works perfectly with the New Neutrals from Ulster Carpets.
Wonderfully adaptable, Ulster have already added a host of warmer shades to Habitüs and Open Spaces, with Grange Wilton and a new Tufted Loop collection set to be launched in Spring.
The addition of over 30 new colours under Ulster Carpets New Neutrals initiative allows homeowners to effortlessly coordinate these warmer hues with patterns and fabrics. The wool-rich nature of all their carpets enhances the continuing focus on natural materials.
The latest addition to New Neutrals is 10 colours in Open Spaces. Made from 100% New Zealand wool for the pile yarn, the 6 new Queenstown and 4 Auckland colours build on the organic colours already found in this collection.
Queenstown’s two-colour tonal texture and Auckland’s clean, contemporary plain style add another level of versatility to this carefully crafted range.
Available in 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m and 1m multi-widths, the Open Spaces range of Tufted Loop carpets is suitable for heavy wear applications.
Lorna Haigh, Creative & Marketing Director at Alternative Flooring, shared their trend predications, “This year, earthy shades are set to dominate, with browns, wine reds, and warm neutrals continuing to take centre stage. Designers and homeowners are seeking unexpected pairings and striking contrasts, moving towards a richer and more inviting colour palette that feels meaningful and lived in”.
Lorna adds, “Expect to see bold reds paired with moss greens and deep navy tones, while pops of mustard yellow add vibrancy, complemented by soft dusty blues”.
This expressive interior style can be achieved through thoughtful layering with the use of pattern and texture. Alternative Flooring’s Wool Candy Pinwheel carpet in Apple offers the perfect foundation, combining bold and pencil stripes to anchor a room with both structure and playfulness.
To add further depth and cosy texture, explore the ‘Make Me a Rug’ service to design a bespoke rug, tailored to an exact space. Lorna explains, “Embrace contrast by layering confident colours and textures. The Wool Candy Cane in Floss carpet is warm and welcoming, bringing a nostalgic pop of colour that enriches the overall scheme. Finish with a bold navy border to bring further contrast and broaden the palette. As we begin 2026, the focus is on embracing colours that feel personal, expressive, and full of character, celebrating individuality and warmth”.
Richard Allen, Sales Director at Karndean Designflooring, also shared his thoughts as we move into 2026: “Home design is about creating spaces that feel restorative, purposeful and adaptable.
Once a subtle backdrop, today flooring design can shape the emotional tone of a home. We’ve identified three trends set to define this year.
“Our first trend is restorative, nature-inspired spaces. A desire for calm, grounding interiors continues to influence colour choices. Warm, natural wood tones dominate, supported by earthy neutrals that create harmony across living spaces. Textural detail is key, with wood and stone effects offering a sense of authenticity”.
Darker woods are also gaining momentum, reflecting a move towards sophistication and longevity. LVT’s natural-looking finishes and durability make it a strong fit for these restorative schemes.
Richard then picks up outlining their second trend: “Homes that take care of our wellbeing. Health-conscious design involves considering everyday materials. Flooring is central to this shift, with many households turning to hard surfaces that can contribute to cleaner air and easier maintenance. LVT’s non-porous construction prevents allergens from gathering, offering a practical, hygienic solution without compromising on style”.
He concludes: “Our final trend identifies adaptable floors for bold and eclectic homes. Individuality is shaping interiors, with colour-drenched spaces and global influences growing in popularity. Floors are now part of these expressive palettes, helping tie together layered, eclectic looks. Warmer stone effects including options like Karndean’s Cotswold Stone are trending as cooler greys fade. With a broad spectrum of tones and textures, LVT gives homeowners the freedom to experiment confidently”.
As 2026 unfolds, one thing is clear, flooring has the ability to set the tone, define the flow and influence the mood of our homes.
by Rita Bancroft
Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 30 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.
For more information contact:
Alternative Flooring • 01264 335111 • alternativeflooring.com
Karndean Designflooring • 01386 820100 • karndean.com/newfloors
Ulster Carpets • 028 3833 4433 • ulstercarpets.com