As Canadians look ahead to refreshing their living spaces, a clear trend is emerging from the nation's top paint companies for 2026. The annual "Colour of the Year" announcements reveal a strong pull towards nature, with shades of green taking centre stage in many palettes, offering a sense of calm and grounding inspiration for home decor.
The 2026 Colour Palette: From Muse to Boreal Forest
Homeowners and designers are presented with a rich selection of hues for the coming year. BeautiTone has selected "Muse," a deep, earthy green described as moody and grounding. It is joined by several other green-centric choices: Behr's "Hidden Gem" is a smoky jade blending blue and green, Dulux's "Pine Forest" evokes evergreen tones, and Sico's "Boreal Forest" captures similar woodland pigments.
Not all selections are variations of green, however, providing diversity for different tastes. Benjamin Moore's "Silhouette" is a rich mix of espresso and charcoal, while Sherwin Williams offers "Universal Khaki," a mid-tone tan with a subtle yellow undertone. This collective shift towards organic, calming colours reflects a broader desire to create sanctuaries within the home, particularly relevant during long Canadian winters.
The Emotional Impact of Colour in Your Home
Choosing the right shade involves more than just aesthetics. Georgia Fullerton, a Jamaican Canadian multi-disciplinary artist and expressive arts therapist who collaborated with BeautiTone, emphasizes the dual role of colour. "Colour serves two key purposes in the home: design and emotion," Fullerton stated in an interview with Postmedia. She advises that the colours we surround ourselves with can directly influence our mood and energy.
"To foster a positive and healthy environment, I suggest choosing colours that reflect the emotions you want to evoke in each room," Fullerton explained. For example, deep blues in a bedroom can promote better sleep, while warm, bright colours in a kitchen can boost alertness and positivity. She notes that many people underestimate colour's powerful effect on their overall well-being.
Applying the 2026 Trends
Regarding the popular green tones like BeautiTone's Muse, Fullerton highlights their connection to nature, symbolizing balance, growth, and renewal. "It promotes emotional steadiness and mindfulness, making it ideal for spaces dedicated to rest or reflection," she said. This makes such shades perfect for creating a cocoon-like atmosphere in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, offering comfort and focus.
Fullerton's work extends beyond consultation; in 2026 she will launch the Art Expression Program, a community-based expressive arts partnership as part of the Insight Clinic in Whitby, Ontario. Her mission is to help individuals build self-awareness by noticing how different colours shift their energy or enhance calm.
With these insights and a palette dominated by restorative, natural hues, Canadian homeowners have a wealth of inspired options to transform their spaces in the year ahead. The 2026 colours of the year are not just about style—they're a tool for crafting a home that supports emotional balance and connection to the natural world.
