With an endless array of paint colors to choose from and trends changing every year, choosing the right color for your dining room can be difficult. Design fans had major issues with Pantone’s 2026 Color of the YearA boring white that doesn’t look less trendy if it tries. Fortunately, most major paint brands had their finger on the proverbial pulse. Sherwin-Williams nailed it with their “Universal Khaki.” Glidden’s “Warm Mahogany” is bold yet grounded. And Benjamin Moore’s “Silhouette” is a masterclass in moody. According to Sara Malek Barney, founder and principal BANDD/DesignThis year we will see many more of these rich colors used in the dining room.
“We’re seeing a clear move toward cooler, more atmospheric colors like olive greens, warm charcoal, and rich, earthy browns. These tones create a sense of intimacy that works especially well in dining rooms,” Barney said during an exclusive interview with Hunker about dining room remodel trends for 2026 home interior design. More intentional than ever in their dining room. “Instead of feeling like an extension of the kitchen, they’re becoming more defined, mood-driven rooms that are meant to be experienced,” she explained.
Try soft rich hues and drenched colors to avoid overwhelming your space
From taping to cleaning, Painting the room is a major undertaking. If your family uses the dining room for sharing meals, doing homework, or as a home office hub, getting the wrong color is a recipe for disaster. Not only is it time consuming to prepare, it is also expensive to repaint. During her exclusive interview with Hunkar, Sara Malek Barney suggested choosing light colors that enrich the space without running too much of a risk. “Softer, layered neutrals are a great option. Warm taupes, muted clay tones and deep off-whites look just as elevated when paired with the right materials,” she said. Mushrooms are neutrals Paint color trend in 2026 instead of grayAnd hues like Magnolia’s “Drawing Room” or Farrow & Ball’s “Jitney” are a rich but subtle way to capture this soft look in your dining room.
Along with choosing a rich color, Barney suggests another way to make a major statement. “I see more color soaking into the room, creating a harmonious, understated background. It’s a subtle way to make a space feel more substantial without relying on contrast,” she explained. For anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of painstakingly painting tons of trim or molding a picture a different color than the walls, or who wants to host a gathering where guests feel completely overwhelmed, color drenching is a great way to relax a space.
Finish the look with sculptural lighting and intentional decor
When you’re planning to upgrade your dining room, there’s more to it than just choosing the right paint color. Sara Malek Barney told Hunker during her exclusive interview, “Start with a strong focal point…my favorite is lighting.” “A sculpture or oversized fixture can set the tone for an entire room.” Don’t forget to choose the right color bulbs, as they can radically change the look of even the richest paint colors.
According to Barney, choosing the right furniture and accessories is also more important than you might think. “It’s about layering stuff and avoiding overly matching sets,” she told us. She’s not the only interior expert to suggest pieces with more personality. Super formal and sterile are among minimalist furniture Dated dining room trends designers are set to bed in 2026. “Mixing wood, metal and upholstery adds depth, and varied seating can bring together space more than style,” Barney added. So, how do you know if you’ve perfected the affluent 2026 dining room trend? “The most successful dining rooms feel intentional but not overwhelming,” explained Barney. She recommends “fewer pieces, better choices, and at least one element that brings a little personality or surprise.”
