Pantone Colour of the Year 2026. What Do You Think?
Setting the tone for the year ahead
Each year the design world looks to Pantone’s Colour of the Year announcement to set a tone for creative projects, interiors, branding and fashion. For 2026, Pantone has chosen a hue that’s sparked conversation across creative communities, not just for its aesthetic, but for what it symbolises in a world looking for calm, clarity and optimism.
A clean slate for creativity
Pantone describes the 2026 Colour of the Year as a shade that embodies simplicity, warmth and tranquillity — a colour that can act like a clean slate for creativity. Its softness makes it versatile in design, yet its understated nature also raises the question: should we be embracing bold and daring colours instead, or does this serene choice reflect where design and culture are heading?
Mixed reactions from the design world
As with every Pantone pick, reactions in the design world have been mixed. Some welcome the shade as a welcome break from saturated palettes and loud visuals; others see it as too subtle or “neutral” for a year when bold, statement-making colour might feel more inspiring or energising. Comments we’ve seen from designers touch on everything from its usefulness as a background tone in minimalist branding, to debates about whether it should be more expressive or intense to match the world’s creative energy.
There’s no right or wrong
There’s no right or wrong reaction, and that’s part of what makes the Pantone announcement interesting. Colour means different things in different contexts, and your interpretation matters.
So… what do you think?
So we want to know: do you see this shade as the perfect backdrop for creative expression, or does it feel a little too quiet and understated for 2026? Is it a colour you can imagine embracing in your own work, or are you leaning towards something bolder, more vibrant and expressive?
Whether it feels plain and understated or calm, confident and quietly brave, it’s a colour that’s certainly sparked conversation.
