The Outdated Paint Color That's Coming Back In A Major Way In 2026

With every paint company under the sun unveiling its color of the year for 2026, one thing is certain: Some hues are in, and others are on their way out. There is one trending paint color we've got our eye on that may surprise you. You probably noticed it in a retro café or even at your grandmother's house — that's right, we're talking about brown. 

This once-hated paint color that's now a cozy staple initially experienced a bump in popularity when Pantone named Mocha Mousse, a soft brown, its 2025 color of the year. Some interior design pros expect that momentum to continue into the next year. "Our studio loves to incorporate the warmth of brown for how well it contrasts with other colors," designer Liz Hoekzema of KLH Homes said in a recent interview with Real Simple. "It also just feels inherently grounded." Rest assured, these aren't your grandma's boring brown walls. To counteract any dated or stuffy vibes, designers like Hoekzema will often pair brown with pops of brighter, more cheerful colors. 

For the walls of your home, you can't go wrong with paint in pale, creamy shades of brown, such as mocha or khaki. They offer a softer take on a rich color that feels cozy and inviting. It's a lovely option for bedrooms, living rooms, and any other gathering space in your home. Aiming for a slightly bolder look? We're also fans of deeper shades of brown– think chocolate, tobacco, or Warm Mahogany, Glidden's 2026 color of the year. These colors bring instant warmth and richness into a room and look exquisite alongside hardwood floors, warm wood furniture, or brass accents. You could drench an entire room in mahogany paint for maximum drama or use it for an accent wall.

Brown paint is also making a comeback in the bathroom. As tile designer Grazzie Wilson of Ca' Pietra recently told Homes and Gardens, brown bathrooms "were first seen in the '70s" but are now having a resurgence driven by our collective "obsession with nature and bringing it into our homes." Since it's earthy, this paint color is functionally neutral; however, it's more interesting than the generic whites, creams, and grays that typically adorn bathroom walls. Style it with a patterned or bright-colored shower curtain, bathmat, or set of bath towels for a fun contrast. It's a great way to use bold colors in your home without going overboard. The predominance of brown will keep your space feeling polished and grounded.