Fusing Cool With Cozy—the Color Combination Designers Predict Will Be Trending In 2026

Whether or not you're a fan of the color, it's hard to deny that green is a timeless shade that continues to defy fast-dying trends. Be it its association with nature and tranquility or how versatile the hue is, the different varieties make it a perfect color to incorporate in any palette. Earthy olive green cabinetry, for example, can make a kitchen feel sophisticated yet inviting, while mint can create a calming atmosphere in a bathroom. One specific color combo that will transform your home's interior in 2026, according to the predictions of interior designers, is gray-green, which can strike a balance between cool and cozy. 

Gray green is a cool, neutral tone. The combination is subtle, grounding, emphasizes natural elements to create a soothing environment, and can be paired well with a variety of different shades. For example, contrasting this shade with furnishings or fixtures with warm undertones, like red or orange sofas or lighting fixtures, can be a great way to add a colorful twist to the tame gray-green shade. Whether you're searching for the winning color combo for your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, the subtlety of gray-green can strike elegance and calm, and is the perfect backdrop to complement a variety of styles.

Thanks to its natural versatility, there are a variety of different ways to incorporate this color combination in your home. Consider a cool option for your living room, such as October Mist by Sherwin-Williams. You could contrast it with pops of more vivid decor, such as a muted yellow patterned accent chair and a bold sapphire blue pedestal decorative piece for a sophisticated look. A moody shade like Shutter Gray by Behr can give living rooms and bedrooms an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Bright statement pieces, like an oversized sienna-colored sofa, could offset the neutral green-gray tones. 

You can also use gray-green for kitchen cabinetry or paint as a neutral base. Combining this with bright accents can liven up dining and kitchens. For example, consider Soft Sage by Sherwin-Williams and Conifer Green by Behr. These are perfect for kitchen and dining areas, especially when paired with brass fixtures, like with a gold with aging patina, which looks especially darling in traditional or rustic decor for that natural, lived-in look.