Sustainability, wellness, connectivity, and biophilic design trends are influencing color preferences for the built environment.
“A desire for more authentic color stories and nature-inspired motifs will see our paint selections shifting toward greens, blues, and browns accented by little pops of cheerful color like yellow,” say Lauren Hoferkamp, trends and color marketing manager, and Debbie Perkins, color marketing specialist at Dunn-Edwards. “We are seeking more color in our spaces to help create visual diversity and a connection to the natural world.”
For 2026 and beyond, the Dunn-Edwards marketing executives share there’s been a continuing shift from the cool grays and blues of the past toward warmer earth tones in both interiors and exteriors on multifamily developments.
“Rich browns paired with creamy whites and soft beiges will be prominent, while deep greens and burgundy tones offer a nice visual contrast when used to highlight elements such as doors and trim,” they say.
Dunn-Edwards’ 2026 Color of the Year, Midnight Garden, is a deep earthy green that reflects the elegance of nature.
“Use Midnight Garden in common areas, like a fitness center or clubhouse, on walls or cabinetry to promote relaxation and bring a bit of the outdoors inside,” they add. “Midnight Garden is also a great color to feature on doors and window trim, adding a splash of color to a neutral palette without overpowering the space.”
Alyson Ferrari, assistant color marketing manager at The Pittsburgh Paints Co., says warm, bold tones will dominate the color space for multifamily interiors and exteriors this year.
“Grays were prevalent since the mid- to late 2000s, and just as quiet luxury brought us years of warm neutrals, our spaces now require a color that can feel both calming and adventurous,” she notes. “We’re seeing more vibrant and bold colors making a comeback.”
The Pittsburgh Paints Co. 2026 Color of the Year, Warm Mahogany, shifts to the warmer red side—bold enough to blend in, yet reserved enough to be a timeless statement.
“Warm Mahogany has the adaptability to fit any style, space, and mood,” Ferrari shares. “Its versatility makes it well-suited for indoor and exterior multifamily, hospitality, and commercial spaces.”
While color trends can shift year over year, the experts say there are ways for multifamily designers to future-proof their paint choices.
“Using soft, warm neutrals alongside rich jewel tones will help to balance a more contemporary look with lasting appeal,” say Hoferkamp and Perkins. “Lean into nature-inspired tones for highlighting unique features, especially in spaces promoting indoor-outdoor harmony. When building a color palette for a multifamily property, let the undertones of existing natural materials and textures inform your color selections.”
Ferrari echoes the advice, suggesting timeless, warm neutrals that can fit with any style for a wider appeal.
“It’s much easier to replace furniture and décor than to repaint a room, so we suggest choosing earthy, grounded colors like Warm Mahogany that are versatile and can stand the test of time,” she adds. “When selecting the paint, it’s also important to choose a long-lasting, durable product and finish that reduces upkeep and the need to frequently repaint. … For high-traffic areas, such as hallways and lobbies, we also recommend selecting glossier paint finishes that can withstand daily wear and use, further prolonging its appearance.”