As we like to keep everyone up to date with the latest trends in anything kitchen and design-related, we would be remiss not to take a closer look at Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, which of course, is Cloud Dancer. The reception was kind of mixed, but it has been growing on me over the past few weeks.

I think we all need a bit of a re-set and this colour, whilst unalarming and at first glance, so low-key that it’s hardly there, could be the way to do it. It’s about taking things down a notch and creating peaceful, calm colour schemes. Consequently, many of us may now have permission to feel rather smug about our less than exciting colour choices, but it’s as well to remember that Cloud Dancer can be paired with virtually any shade, from soft muted tones to vibrant brights.

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer

Pantone’s Colour of the Year Cloud Dancer is said to signify our desire for a fresh start

Laurie Pressman, Vice-President, Pantone Color Institute,  says ‘We are living in a transitional time where people are seeking truth, possibility and a new way of living. PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is an airy white hue that exemplifies our search for balance between our digital future and our primal need for human connection, a liminal space that is a launchpad for creative expression, as individuals and communities are experimenting beyond traditional boundaries, opening the door to increased imagination and innovation’.

Light & Shadow is just one of the seven secondary colour palettes presented alongside Cloud Dancer

The Color Palettes comprise Light & Shadow, as seen above, which includes a gorgeous Quiet Violet and a soft blue, Baltic Sea. The Powdered Pastels palette has even softer, more nuanced shades, including a delightful pale lemon, Lemon Icing, and a classic soft pink, Raindrops on Roses. For stronger colour choices, Atmospheric includes a brighter, clearer blue – Regatta, and a muted yellow, Dusky Citron. Comfort Zone is a warmer look, with a clear yet soft coral, Coral Haze and some accompanying browny-pinks. Tropical Tonalities is where you will find the brights, including a bold citrus green – Kiwi Colada, and a fierce orange – Bright Marigold. Take a Break is also a brighter palette, and features a couple of gorgeous warm brown shades, Iced Coffee and Caramel. The darkest themed palette is Glamour & Gleam, including a bold red, Scarlet Smile and black, Stretch Limo.

Tribeca White concrete effect porcelain by Quorn Stone

Isabel Fernandez, from Quorn Stone, has a positive view of Pantone’s Cloud Dancer. She comments ‘Cloud Dancer blends warm and cool undertones to create a calm, effortless feel. It’s a versatile neutral that brings a breath of fresh air to any room. From kitchens and bathrooms to hallways and living spaces. Natural stone and porcelain tiles in soft off-white shades work beautifully with this palette, pairing well with natural wood finishes for a modern, organic feel’. Above, Tribeca White Concrete Effect Porcelain Tiles

Parisian White tumbled marble tiles by Quorn Stone

Tumbled marble is a gorgeous, subtle choice for a bathroom. It’s a very traditional choice that will age well and never go out of style. Of course, the advantage is that it will accommodate future changes of colour scheme should brighter themes beckon! Parisian White Tumbled Marble Tiles from Quorn Stone have markings and veins in soft grey, enough to create a visible pattern but subtle enough not to take over a colour scheme.

Frome White Stone effect porcelain tiles by Quorn Stone

For a more contemporary setting, consider a stone-effect porcelain tile. This design, again by Quorn Stone, has a consistent colour throughout in off-white, featuring flecked detailing which is designed to replicate a concrete finish. Frome White Stone Effect Porcelain Tiles are available in two formats, 600mm x 600mm square and 1200mm x 600mm, highly effective in open plan spaces.

New looks from Caesarstone, this is 509 Onyxa

It’s always interesting to hear news of new porcelain designs available from Caesarstone and the first quarter of 2026 sees the launch of five new designs. There are also price realignments and more availability for 20mm products, no doubt welcome news for designers. Shown here, 509 Onyxa Porcelain surface, described as a white and beige layered honed porcelain accented by bright white highlights and golden rust deposits. Available within the Supernatural collection by Caesarstone.

536 Antikella from the newest selection of designs from Caesarstone

Another new and dramatic design for 2026 from Caesarstone; this is 536 Antikella, described as off-white gold veined honed porcelain. It’s very dramatic, and can be styled up or down so it’s either the centre of attention within the kitchen or perhaps part of a darker and more colourful scheme. Shown here with in a low-key setting, allowing the patterning to make a dramatic design statement.

Ultra-modern accessories to update a scheme… boucle texture from Cox & Cox

The occasional furniture landscape has changed quite dramatically in recent years. There’s an amazing choice of very desirable yet affordable pieces adding a serious splash of contemporary style to living spaces. We love this  Ribbed Boucle Ottoman from Cox & Cox. Use it to stash throws, remotes and chargers or pair it with a round tray to as a useful side table.

Nathalia sofa and footstool from Laura James

For a larger space try the very contemporary and curvy Nathalia Chaise Corner Sofa & Round Footstool set in boucle, available from Laura James. With curved, sculptural looks and in a prescient Chalk White, it can be ordered as a left or right handed corner, with various other options too, such as a two-seater.

Continuing the pale and interesting theme with a Bobbi Beck mural wallpaper

A mural or wallpaper is a definite option for a newly finished kitchen-dining-living space as there’s often a stretch of empty wall that needs a bit of added interest. This is a Bobbi Beck mural, Peony in Grey, although for a bit more colour, there are also pale pink, purple, blue and beige options.

Straight lines and tailored looks from Domkapa

The Edward Sofa from Domkapa has a neat, tailored look, which would look very at home as part of a newly designed super-modern kitchen-dining-living project. Available in various fabrics and formations, with moveable armrests and tables, corner modules and sling-over storage pockets.

New Frameless Classic range by Olive & Barr

Olive & Barr launched a new Frameless Classic kitchen range at the end of last year, with the intention of bringing their handmade, hand-painted designs to a wider audience. This new range features solid hardwood doors, now presented with a sleek lay-on design. Available in two options, Classic Shaker and Skinny Shaker.

The new Frameless Classic range by Olive & Bar retains solid oak dovetailed drawers

The new range is still individually made to order, and available in a variety of painted colours as well as oak and ash finishes. Al Bruce, Founder, Olive & Barr, says ‘We have seen demand for affordable, British-made Shaker kitchen grow year-on-year. Homeowners seek bespoke and handcrafter kitchens at an accessible price and we are offering that without compromising on style or quality. Our meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail is now available to a wider audience’.