Avoid Falling Into One Popular Paint Color Trend That Won't Be Booming In 2026
Following home design trends can be tricky. On one hand, hopping on a popular design style can give you that in-vogue look, but there's no promise that it'll have the same charm in a year. In the case of choosing an appropriate paint color for your home, you want to make sure that it doesn't just fit what's trendy, but also reflects your personal style. Since trends are constantly changing, it's a good idea to look ahead to which paint colors are projected to be popular, and which ones are already passing their prime. And according to some experts, light baby pink is one shade that will be out of style by 2026.
Soft, luscious pinks (or "millennial pink" as they're lovingly called by designers) rose to popularity around the mid-2010s. In some ways, it's been the color of the generation thanks to social media and sites like Pinterest spearheading minimalist interior styles with "Scandinavian Pink" interiors. Even Pantone recognized the pinky Rose Quartz as the 2016 shade of the year. But like design trends tend to do, light baby pink hues have already started to fizzle out, and using this once-trendy paint color is one way to date your home.
Why you should avoid light baby pink paint colors
Muted shades are often used in interiors to evoke a sense of calm and softness, and lighter shades can expand the perceived space of a room, making your house look larger than it is. Light dusty pink in particular can bring understated sophistication and a soft, feminine touch, while also adding a splash of playfulness. But it's the oversaturation of this previously loved shade and the shift toward richer hues that are contributing to the trendy color losing its sparkle in 2026.
If you're a light baby pink devotee, don't take it personally. It's not just the baby pinks that are becoming outdated, according to design experts. Minty greens, powdery blues, and other hues in the pale pastel color family are also on the outs. There's a collective yearning for deeper, warmer, and earthier hues that give spaces added depth and visual intrigue. Dark, saturated colors, like navy blues and deep greens, are on the rise, and it's evident with popular designers like Shea McGee and Joanna Gaines incorporating moody color palettes in their projects to give spaces an intimate and cozy makeover.
Alternative shades to use instead
The good news is, you don't have to ditch your beloved pink altogether to stay in with the times. If you're set on incorporating pink into your home decor, consider similar gradients within the color family. Subtle and warm peachy tones, for example, can still give your rooms a lively essence and add to a contemporary space, compared to the youthful, nostalgic vibe that light pinks often convey. Blush-toned peach or orange-honey shades can also give you this effect; they're great for spaces where you want to build a warm and fresh vibe.
In keeping with the aesthetic shift toward richer hues, you may consider pinks with earthy undertones. For instance, salmony and sandy pinks are two muted orangey-pink options that can satisfy your hunger for bright and romantic hues that also feel soft and elegant. Alternatively, you can make a splash with vibrant pinks, like Benjamin Moore's Raspberry Blush, to create a space that's playful yet more modern.