Moving Past Beige & White, This Creamy Color Is Taking Over Interiors

Are you looking to update your living room with a new couch or a fresh coat of paint? If so, neutral colors like white, beige, and gray are probably on your radar already. These hues are popular for a reason: They're polished, timeless, and super versatile, offering a blank canvas for interior decorating.

If you're curious about going the trendier route, caramel is one color to consider. This warm, creamy color can work as a neutral in your home, which is why it's such a great alternative to white walls for a timeless living room. "On the color scale, it lies among the lighter browns, with influence of yellows and oranges," color expert Madison Hughes said in an interview with Livingetc. It was on-trend in 2025, and some interior design experts predict that its popularity will continue to rise in 2026. Since caramel walls and upholstered items are far less ubiquitous than white or gray ones, decorating with this color is a simple home design swap that stands to give your space a lot of character. This rich hue would even work as a calming color for an accent wall that won't look outdated (and won't require you to replace all of your existing furniture).

Caramel is one home decor trend that can stand the test of time. This color's beauty lies in its flexibility: Like most neutrals, it's simple enough to style with items from virtually any home design era or aesthetic. Since caramel is such a warm and welcoming hue, you might opt to play those qualities up with other warm-toned, cozy-feeling pieces, such as a rustic wood dining table, a vintage brass floor lamp, or a cream bouclé sofa.

Alternatively, you could bring some cool-toned items into your space to offset its warmth. Color theory tells us that yellow- and orange-adjacent hues like caramel are complementary to purples and blues. When styled together, these colors make for a vibrant look that's balanced and pleasing to the eye. Find subtle ways to incorporate cooler hues, like placing a cobalt blue throw pillow on a caramel sofa, and you'll be golden — or should we say, caramel. You can even double up on trends by pairing this color with vintage-inspired butter yellow, another trendy shade for 2026.