If you are planning a high impact interior in 2026, there is one colour that truly defines the year and I could not be happier about it. Blue is everywhere right now. From deep indigos to moody teals, designers and homeowners are embracing expressive shades that bring drama, heritage and emotion into a space.
Dulux has confirmed that is all about Blue, by naming an entire trio of blues as its official Colours of the Year for 2026. Their Rhythm of Blues palette brings together three distinct moods: the soft and airy Mellow Flow, the bright and energetic Free Groove and the velvety, meditative Slow Swing.
Deadly Nightshade Midnight Wallpaper
Dulux describes these blues as “calming, fluid and creative”, which makes them perfect for homes that are meant to feel like sanctuaries rather than showrooms.
The wider design world is right there with them. House & Garden has already noted that “blue is very much the colour for 2026”, especially when it is used in deeper, more enigmatic tones that can shift the whole mood of a room.
These richer blues speak to a growing desire for emotion, individuality and expression. People are stepping away from the predictable greys of the past decade and are instead choosing colours with weight and meaning.
Why Dramatic Blues Feel So Right Now
There is something wonderfully powerful about dark blues and blue greens. They have a slightly decadent quality that feels both comforting and bold. They pair beautifully with heritage patterns, intricate botanical prints and interiors that lean towards the romantic or a little bit gothic. At the same time, these colours feel modern and confident, which is ideal if you want a home that feels truly distinctive.
Deeper blues work effortlessly with metallic finishes, natural woods and aged textures. They create atmosphere the moment they go on the wall. In small rooms they feel cocooning and intimate, while in larger rooms they offer presence and a sense of quiet grandeur.
Perfect Pairings: Blues and Poisonous Botanicals
I LOVE blue and if you enjoy dramatic florals with a whisper of danger, blue is the perfect backdrop. Many of my bolder designs come alive against these deeper tones and create the kind of impact my clients love.
Bloomsbury Moth Wallpaper in client's powder room
Here are a few of my favourite ways to use them.
Deep blue walls as a theatrical stage
A rich shades of blue combined with the orange creates in my Caustic Chrysanthemum Oripment Orange wallpaper, created a really striking juxtaposition. The sharp botanical forms and the hint of peril in the design feel even more striking combined with Dulux's Slow Swing or Free Groove.
Teal as an opulent, seductive neutral
Teal is also a major trend for 2026. Homes & Gardens has listed tranquil teals as a top colour for next year, describing them as having “jewel toned opulence” and a grounded, natural calm. These blues and teals work together beautifully with my Caustic Chrysanthemum Blue Vitriol Wallpaper and fabric, creating a layered, immersive space that feels rich and atmospheric.
Mix blues for layered mood
I love combining Dulux’s lighter Mellow Flow with bolder, more intricate patterns. The lighter shade lifts the space while my designs add depth and personality. My Bloomsbury Moth wallpaper and fabric sit particularly well within a layered blue scheme, especially when you want a mysterious, modern heritage feel.
A Home That Feels Dramatic Yet Considered
My clients tend to be people who love interiors with a story to tell. They enjoy something a little unexpected and they refuse to decorate like everyone else. The colour trends for 2026 are perfect for this mindset. Deep blues and teal greens support expressive interiors with real presence, adding gravitas without overwhelming a room.
As Dulux’s creative director said about their Blue Trio, these colours can “soothe, steady or excite, depending on how you play it” (independent.co.uk). For anyone who enjoys the tension between beauty and danger that appears in many botanical forms, this is a wonderful colour moment.
Use these blues to create spaces that feel alive and rich with personality. Build rooms where every design choice feels intentional and where your most extraordinary pieces can take centre stage.
This is the year to embrace boldness, depth and storytelling through colour and I am ready for it.