23 Jan Color Pairings Designers Are Loving for 2026

Color pairings set the tone of the aesthetic for your home. Whether your current home needs an update or you’re building that custom dream home you’ve always wanted, the colors you choose make your space uniquely you. Trendy and classic color pairings designers are loving for 2026 are bridging the gap between safe, subdued shades and bold, deep, statement colors of the last few years. And the results? Simply perfect!

Want Perfect Color Pairings? Where to Begin

Pantone, the color gurus who set the trend in everything from fashion to printing, to interior design, and product development, selected a wintry white “cloud dancer” as their color of the year for 2026. This color is neither warm nor cool, but remains a neutral white that works well with any design theme. 

Color pairings in any arena, such as interior design, fashion, graphics, and more, are, first and foremost, subjective. After all, you have to live with it, wear it, or look at it, so why not choose what you like, rather than what the trendsetters tell you? 

But the beauty of these color pairings for 2026 is that there are so many options. Here we offer a look at the top color pairings designers are loving for 2026. You’re sure to find an eye-pleasing match among them. 

Colors Pairings for 2026 Are All About Nature

The natural world helps ground us when we feel adrift. After a stressful day away, coming home to find soothing colors and textures found in nature is a balm for the senses. But don’t think for a minute earth tones are all subdued and muted. Mother Nature explodes with natural colors that are vibrant and bold, as well as those that whisper their hue into the room. Here are some examples of color pairings drawn from the natural world.

Rust and Blue

Think of the rusty autumn leaves as they look against a blue sky, or red clay and muddy lake water. Rich and traditional, Quad Cities homeowners can expect to see this color combination in well-appointed homes throughout the area. 

Eggplant and Mossy Green

Take a stroll through the forest and see the richly colored berries and leaves as they land upon the moss-covered ground. Among the popular color pairings, this duo evokes an air of elegance.

Red Clay and Rose Pink

Once considered a clash of colors, red clay and rose tones mimic the colors of the desert. This warm pairing calms and soothes, making it ideal for casual spaces. Playful, grounded, and pleasing to the eye, this pairing of earth’s colors works its magic in family spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.  

Eucalyptus and Terra Cotta/Sand

Anytime you pair the calming hue of eucalyptus with the earthy contrast of sandy beige, linen, or terra cotta, you immediately create an earthy contrast that’s serene and soul-soothing. Color pairings like this one work just as well in a formal living area as in a kitchen or bedroom. 

Teal and Terra Cotta

Terra cotta, as a warm accent color, pairs well with a Mediterranean-inspired teal. The blue-green of the sea is a naturally calming color, and when paired with terra cotta, it is at once soothing and provocative. Consider color pairings like this one for both formal areas, such as living and dining rooms, and casual spaces like sunrooms and kitchens.

Ochre and Sea Salt

Think sun-baked fields, seaside landscapes, and hilltop vineyards when you opt for this color pairing. The warm gold of ochre and the sea salt grey-green imbue a room with understated elegance and calm. Formal dining embraces this pair quite nicely. And any spa in your home benefits from the combination of ochre and sea salt. 

Leaf Green and Bark Brown

Color pairings that offer the balance of hues found in, well, our own backyard, are familiar, comforting, and easy. This pairing works well in any room and provides a sense of expansiveness to even the most confined areas of your Quad Cities home.

Where to Find Perfect Color Pairings for Your Home

When you’re updating your home or designing a custom home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But fear not! At Seiffert Home Design, we offer Quad Cities homeowners the benefit of our professional knowledge and experience. For more on how you can use these color pairings for 2026 to bring calm and beauty to your favorite space, contact Seiffert Home Design today. 

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