We may only be halfway through 2025, but interior designers already have their eyes on what’s to come in 2026. With paint companies gearing up to reveal their 2026 Color of the Year picks over the coming months, paint colors are especially top of mind at the moment.

While the color you paint your home is a deeply personal choice, if you’re looking to keep your home feeling fresh and on-trend, here are six paint colors designers recommend avoiding in 2026.

Stark White

The past few years have been characterized by warm, off-white tones, and in 2026, designers agree that this trend is not set to change. Stark, cool-toned whites remain on designers’ no-go list.

“Icy whites often read as clinical,” says Lauren Saab, founder and principal designer of Saab Studios. “They reflect light but don’t interact with it. A sharp white can leave a room feeling unfinished,”

In contrast, warmer whites with depth create a softer, more dimensional look. Saab recommends ivory or plaster finishes, such as Benjamin Moore’s ever-popular shade, Swiss Coffee.

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Bold Primary Colors

Bold primary colors feel too one-dimensional and visually chaotic for interiors in 2026, says Sabah Mansoor, founder and principal designer of Sabah Mansoor Design. That’s blue, red, and yellow, for those who need a little refresher.

But you don’t need to shy away from these foundational hues altogether. Designers love using these colors throughout their interiors. The key is finding the right shade. 

“Rich, lush colors and soft, muted shades are the ones I will continue to turn to,” Mansoor says.

Neon Brights

Similarly, designers agree that they don’t want to see bright, neon interior paint colors next year. These high-voltage colors can feel like visual noise, lending feelings of chaos and agitation in interiors.

If you’re craving some bold color in your space, Saab recommends opting for richer, dimensional hues.

“Swap shock value for saturation with substance,” she says. “A deep ochre, oxblood, or moody sage can energize a room without overwhelming it.”

Cool Grays

It’s fair to say that designers are still recovering from the millennial gray trend, and they’re not ready to welcome cool gray tones back anytime soon.

However, gray isn’t out entirely. The key to welcoming gray into your space in 2026 is to opt for warm, layered tones that add depth and dimension.

Think: greige, mushroom, taupe, and other soft, earthy neutrals, says Tehilla Bennett, founder and principal designer of Teela Bennett Design. 

“Out with the stiff, cold tones, and in with the colors that say ‘Come sit on the couch, grab a book, and enjoy your coffee,’” she says.

Powder Blue

Powder blue paint sounds like a cottagecore dream, but in reality, this hue often falls flat in interiors. 

“It can feel nostalgic without substance,” Saab says. 

However, there are many gorgeous blue paint colors that designers love, so don’t stray away from blue entirely if you’re a fan of this calming hue.

Instead of powder blue, Saab recommends going bolder with a matte lapis or deep, inky navy blue. Alternatively, light, muted blue paint colors with gray undertones are also super on-trend right now.

Chalky Light Pink

Similarly, Saab cautions against chalky light pink paint. Ever-popular for nurseries and little girls’ rooms, it is often used as a shortcut to softness, but ends up feeling washed out and sentimental without substance, she says. 

In 2026, pink paint with structure and depth is the way to go. Think: muted rose; warm, earthy pinks and dusky pinky beiges.