It’s true, beige doesn’t enjoy the kind of popularity it once did, and it’s fast disappearing from our homes. But I would argue that the shades that are taking over are better in many ways – so what is replacing beige in 2026?
Already last year, beige was on its way as one color trendsslowly are replaced by brown and green – Both clay colors. And while brown and green aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, as they still enjoy a lot of popularity, this year, there are two new neutral options that are popping up in some of the most stylish homes. And those are earthy, dusky pink and warm terracotta shades.
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‘What we’re seeing now is a shift,’ confirms Tash Bradley, director of interior design. to lick. ‘People want their homes to tell their story, grow with them and reflect who they are. With that comes growing confidence: a willingness to move beyond “safe” choices and embrace colors they really connect with. This is where the idea of ”new neutrals” comes in.’
Dusky pink
(Image credit: Future plc/Chris Snook)
‘Dusky likes pink Tapa 03, Pink 01 And Pink 07 The warmth, softness and incredible versatility work beautifully in any room,’ continues Tash at Lick.
Earthy and dusky pink living room ideas Especially in 2026 the popularity is increasing Ideal homeof Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight Painted her lounge pink earlier this year. But these soothing and grounding shades of pink work wonderfully in any room, from the kitchen to the bedroom.
(Image credit: Future plc/Christy Noble)
‘Like earth and evening pink Terra Cotta Blush from Valspar, available at B&QThese are the perfect shades to soften homes this summer while adding sophisticated character,’ adds Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident color expert. A choice couple.
Farrow and ball
Sulking Room Pink Estate Emulsion Paint 2.5L
Sulking Room Pink is a dusky pink shade and one of Farrow & Ball’s best sellers. It’s also the paint shade seen on the walls of both the living room and kitchen pictured above.
Pottery Barn
Preston Swivel Armchair
Swivel chairs A popular style for many living rooms because of their flexibility. And if you don’t want to or can’t paint your walls, a sofa or chair in pink upholstery is a great option to incorporate color into your space.
Lillian
Extra long and wide decorative curtain single panel
If you’re thinking of a color-drenched scheme, you can even extend it to your curtains by matching the color of the drapes to your paint. These ones from Wayfair would be perfect.
Terracotta shades
(Image credit: Future plc/Matthew Heritage)
Terracotta shades can be very similar to earthy pinks, depending on what undertones you go for – like natural fired clay, terracotta shades can have orange, red or really pink undertones, depending on what you prefer. I personally love them all and for the past few years, I have been seriously considering Painting My house (or part of it) in a terracotta shade – but for now, I’m sticking to small accents.
‘This year, I’ve seen a shift towards earthy, rich neutrals like terracotta, which offer a moodier, nature-inspired alternative to the minimalist interiors that have been popular for so long. Like sun-baked shades Valspar’s Caramelised Peach Or Storybook SundownBoth available at B&Q, are really coming into their own, tapping into the Mediterranean trend and helping to create beautifully styled interiors that feel warmer and more deliberately designed,’ says Lucy at Valspar.
(Image credit: Future plc/B Homes)
Rachel Green and Alex Kirby, founders of Pickleson PaintAgree, ‘like a warm, grounding tone palm soil A good example is Matthew Williamson’s series with Pickleson. Although inspired by the buildings of Mallorca, it reads like a wonderfully comfortable, cocooning shed in a British home. Colors like these are increasingly replacing traditional beige, offering the same sense of calm neutrality but with more depth and warmth. It’s also a great alternative to the blushing pink neutrals that many people gravitate towards when creating a cozy living space.’
Dulux Heritage
Red Sand Velvet Matte Paint 5L
Described as a baked earth tone, Red Sand from Dulux Heritage – a more luxurious range of Dulux paints – is one of my all-time favorite terracotta shades.
Piglet in bed
Warm Clay Linen Blend Duvet Cover
Piglet in Bed is a cult favorite brand when it comes to stylish bed linen. While patterned styles (likes stripes and gingham) are what the brand is known for, solid-colored designs are just as good—especially when they’re as chic as this warm clay set.
Rugable x Matthew Williamson
Serpent Border Coral Flatwoven Rug
Don’t forget about the floor – this large canvas provides the ideal opportunity to introduce your chosen color (in this case terracotta) into your space. And this rug design, created in collaboration with Matthew Williamson, doesn’t just come in warm shades, the serpentine trim also creates a playful detail.
2026 is all about expressing yourself through your home, while also creating a comfortable and relaxing space for you to spend time in – and color is the perfect tool for this. So whether you’re thinking of incorporating pink, terracotta or a whole other shade into your home, interior experts and I say go for it!
