Step Aside Beige: The Neutral Paint Trend With More Warmth

With bold interior design styles like maximalism on the rise for 2026 (and "less is more" styles being replaced), it's probably safe to say that grays, beiges, and other bland, cool-toned paint colors are on their way out. But make no mistake, the right neutral can make a space feel warm, serene, and inviting. A prime example? Pale clay, which is an earthy paint color that designers and real estate professionals expect to see more of this year.

When speaking to The Spruce, Texas-based designer Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios, praised the versatility of this unsuspecting hue. She loves how it can "[add] warmth and life without reading bold or overpowering." In her opinion, pale clay paint contains just the right amount of reddish undertones to enliven dimly lit areas like entryways or bathrooms. It can be used to create subtle dimensions with an accent wall, or as a muted but cozy backdrop for an entire room. If you're looking to refresh your space, this color may provide a natural or desert-inspired vibe but be sure to use it in a way that suits your personal décor style. 

If you're thinking of implementing this trend, it shouldn't be too difficult. You can purchase interior paint in pale clay tones from most popular retailers, such as BEHR and Sherwin Williams. This paint color is light, so picking the right finish for your project is key. Semi-gloss or gloss paint would work best in those areas you really want to emphasize, while a matte or eggshell finish is more forgiving and ideal for larger walls or rooms.

Like most clay-inspired paint shades, pale clay works beautifully to give your home a natural look and feel. Rustic, boho, or organic home décor styles would pair well with this earthy neutral. And because it invokes the beauty of clay, a naturally forming material, the color complements other nature-inspired hues, such as chocolate brown, sage green, or deeper shades of terracotta. Beyond Saab's suggestions, a fresh coat of pale clay paint would look lovely on the walls of your bedroom, living room, or dining room, particularly if you want to add a touch of warmth or coziness to your space. You could also use it in an easy paint DIY that will give your home a pop of color, like enhancing an old wall shelf or refreshing a scuffed-up white doorframe. With this color, the world is your oyster — or rather, clay that's yours to mold.