At Johnstone’s Trade, colour is more than a finish — it’s a philosophy that shapes the way we design, build, and experience our world. We believe that colour has the power to influence mood, spark creativity, and set the tone for every environment, from bustling commercial spaces to tranquil homes.
Every year, our Colour of the Year is more than just a trend announcement; it’s a catalyst for new conversations and bold ideas across the industry. It inspires architects, designers, and specifiers to reimagine what’s possible, guiding the palettes that define our built environment. With each annual reveal, we invite you to explore not just a new shade, but a new perspective — one that reflects the evolving needs, values, and aspirations of our time.
Behind the Scenes: Global Expertise, Local Impact
Johnstone’s Trade is proud to be part of the PPG family — a global leader in paints, coatings, and colour innovation. This connection gives us access to a world-class network of colour specialists, researchers, and trend forecasters.
Each year, our Colour of the Year journey begins with the PPG Global Colour Forecasting Workshop. Here, 35 colour experts from 11 countries — spanning architecture, design, automotive, and consumer electronics — come together to share insights and debate the future of colour. Their expertise ensures our forecasts are not just on-trend, but ahead of the curve.
It’s this unique blend of global perspective and local understanding that allows Johnstone’s Trade to deliver colour guidance that’s both visionary and practical — helping specifiers, designers, and contractors create spaces that truly stand out.
Watch the Process Unfold:
Go behind the scenes with our global colour experts and discover how the Colour of the Year is chosen.
From Odyssey to Kinetic: A Decade of Colour Trends
Our Colour of the Year selections are more than just a palette—they’re a reflection of the world around us. Each year’s choice captures the evolving moods, values, and design priorities of its era, acting as a mirror to society’s hopes, challenges, and aspirations. These colours tell a story: they recall where we’ve been, marking moments of calm, optimism, resilience, or bold change, and they point to where we’re headed, signalling new directions in design and culture. With every hue, we invite you to see not just a colour, but a narrative—one that connects people, places, and ideas across time.
2016 – Paradise Found (PPG1135-5)
Our journey began with Paradise Found, a saturated, neutral billiard green with an azure undertone. Chosen as part of the Odyssey trends, it offered a sense of sanctuary and stability — a perfect backdrop for exteriors and a symbol of resilience in a changing world.
2017 – Violet Verbena (PPG1169-5)
Next came Violet Verbena, a shaded mulberry purple with a royal blue undertone. Part of the Pendulum trends, it brought elegant appeal and introspection, inviting us to pair it with deep plums and create spaces that balanced nostalgia with modernity.
2018 – Black Flame (PPG1043-7)
Black Flame made a bold statement as part of the Core/Relation trends. This dark, cool mulberry black with a royal blue undertone was all about drama and sophistication, perfect for making dining rooms unforgettable and encouraging us to embrace minimalism with emotional depth.
2019 – Night Watch (PPG1145-7)
With the We Are: Color trends, Night Watch emerged — a dark, jade aqua-green with a malachite undertone. It brought the outdoors in, reflecting our growing desire to reconnect with nature and create restorative, biophilic spaces.
2020 – Chinese Porcelain (PPG1160-6)
As part of the Flow trends, Chinese Porcelain offered a deep, orchid blue with a violet undertone. It brought calm and clarity to a digitally saturated world, pairing beautifully with brushed gold accents and providing a timeless sense of serenity.
2021 – Transcend (PPG1079-4)
Transcend, a shaded brown sugar beige with a gingerbread undertone, was chosen for its warmth and elegance. Under the Transcend trend, it reflected our collective pause, focusing on wellbeing, sustainability, and human connection — a colour for reflection and balance.
2022 – Olive Sprig (PPG1125-4)
Olive Sprig, a soft, lush grey-green, captured the Horizon theme of hope, reflection, and new beginnings. Reminiscent of soothing aloe vera, it brightened spaces with organic liveliness and embodied the spirit of renewal in a post-pandemic world.
2023 – Vining Ivy (PPG1148-6)
Vining Ivy, a robust and refined blue-green, was inspired by the Reflection trend. Its deep, muted tonality mirrored the depths of water and our desire to reflect on what matters most — our relationship with the planet and each other.
2024 – Limitless (PPG1091-3)
Limitless, a fresh, warm hue that blurs the line between neutral and primary, captured the spirit of explosive creativity and change. As we entered a new era, this colour stood strong as both a leading shade and a versatile supporting tone, ready for whatever the future holds.
2025 – Acai Berry (PPG1046-7)
This year, Acai Berry leads the way — a captivating hue balancing the calming qualities of blue with the energetic warmth of red. Part of the Kinetic trend, it celebrates individuality, adaptability, and the extraordinary possibilities of the decade ahead.
What Colour Will Define the Year Ahead?
Every Colour of the Year tells a story — not just about design, but about the world we live in and the mood of the moment. Will 2026 be defined by a soothing neutral that brings calm and clarity? Could it be a vibrant statement shade that energises and inspires? Or perhaps something entirely unexpected, capturing the spirit of innovation and change? Will it reflect a desire for comfort, a bold leap forward, or a new perspective altogether?
As our global colour experts prepare to unveil the next chapter, we invite you to join the conversation.
Stay tuned for the big reveal — and keep an eye out for ways to share your prediction and be part of the journey. The future of colour is almost here!