Painting Over White… Why We Need Colour More Than Ever in 2026

Designers draw inspiration from countless sources when forecasting the next big trends in fashion, beauty, and interior design. Since 1999, many have turned to Pantone’s Colour of the Year for direction — a hue meant to capture the global mood and influence creative industries for the year ahead.

For 2026, Pantone unveiled its latest pick: White — more precisely, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer. According to Pantone, this shade represents “a calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection.” In their view, it embodies our collective desire to slow down, reset, and find serenity after years of visual overload.

Yet not everyone agrees. Critics have argued that choosing white in today’s economic and social climate feels out of touch. Traditionally associated with wealth and purity, white can carry complex connotations. The BBC even suggested that “positioning white as aspirational risks racial undertones,” raising uncomfortable questions about representation and cultural context.

I find myself squarely in the critical camp. In challenging times, I believe optimism, joy, and hope are the antidotes to uncertainty — and colour is a direct line to those emotions. White, to me, lacks that energy. As designer Chris Beaumont noted, it may even amplify “a sense of bleakness,” the very opposite of Pantone’s stated intention.

Instead, I’m rooting for a year filled with vibrancy and expression — colours that spark happiness and reflect our individuality. Let’s fill our homes, wardrobes, and daily rituals with hues that make us smile and remind us that joy is still very much in season.

How will you bring more colour into your world this year? Share your favourite hues or colourful inspiration in the comments below — or explore my latest Sunset Patterns designs for ideas to brighten your home and heart.

photo credit: www.pantone.com