As we step into a New Year, the world of Interior Design is buzzing with Pantone’s color choice for 2026. 

Every year, Pantone’s Color of the Year is meant to set up the tone for design and culture, so when that color fades quietly into the background, it’s worth asking what story it’s really telling. A Color of the Year should feel like a hint of where we are going, not just something that blends in and disappears. This CBC article mentions; “On social media, some are calling the choice “dystopian,”and “pretentious.” I can’t say that I disagree! 

 On the positive side, Pantone’s choice of Cloud Dancer as soft, airy, and off white can be seen as a thoughtful response to an overstimulated world. Pantone presents Cloud Dancer as a “blank canvas” and a hue that promotes calmness, clarity, and introspection. It’s extremely versatile and paired with almost every palette, making it easy to integrate into fashion, interiors, graphic design, and branding without clashing. This is the strongest point unlike a trendy bold hue that only works in certain contexts; Cloud Dancer functions almost like a foundational building block or pairing.  

 However, the same strength is also its biggest downfall. Many designers and commentors have pointed out that choosing a near white shade feels anticlimactic or uninspired compared to the previous year’s choices. The most neutral color can come off as bland or devoid of character and literally the absence of color. People in the creative communities have noted that Cloud Dancer doesn’t have a distinct voice of its own and is more of a backdrop; it doesn’t draw attention or spark emotional engagement in the way a more vibrant color would.  

A final point of reflection is the symbolic meaning across cultures – purity, peace, mourning, sterility, so the choice can evoke alternative interpretations when the narrative is shaped to “blankness”.  

We met as a Design team to discuss all things Pantone and the outrage we were seeing online. We decided to come up with our own, 2026 Colour of the Year…..Enter Benjamin Moore color Jack Pine 692. Jack Pine is one of those rare colors that feels both grounded and quietly luxurious. It sits in a beautiful in between space where green, charcoal, and deep forest tones meet, creating a shade that feels natural, moody, and incredibly sophisticated without feeling heavy.  

As a designer at La-Z-Boy, Jack Pine by Benjamin Moore stands out as a color that effortlessly elevates a space while remaining approachable for everyday living. It’s a deep earthy green without being harsh or overly dramatic. I love that it connects so naturally to the outdoors while still reading as polished and intentional.  

 What makes Jack Pine especially appealing for my clients is the atmosphere created. It brings depth and coziness to living rooms, dining spaces, and dens or any space that comfort and style is important. It pairs beautifully with warm woods, soft leathers, and layered textiles we often use at La-Z-Boy, and it works just as well with brass accents for a classic look or black finishes for something more modern.  

I also appreciate how versatile it is. Jack Pine can be a full room color for clients to embrace a moodier palette, or it can be used on accent walls, built – ins, or cabinetry to add character without overwhelming the space. It balances well with warm whites, and light neutrals, which helps keep the rooms feeling inviting and livable.  

Overall, Jack Pine is a color I’d confidently recommend to clients who want something timeless, cozy, and design forward. It feels sophisticated yet comfortable, exactly the kind of balance we aim for when creating beautiful, functional homes at La-Z-Boy.

As a designer at La-Z-Boy, I’ve always been fascinated by how color can transform a space. This year, alongside Jack Pine, Deep Purple has truly captured my imagination and become a favorite in our design palette for 2026.  

Deep Purple, with its deep, luxurious undertones, brings a unique blend of elegance and creativity to our furniture and accessory collections. It’s a color that feels both timeless and contemporary, bridging the gap between bold statement pieces and subtle elegance. Marth Stewart is even going so far as to call it the “new neutral”! Read more about her ideas on how to incorporate it into your space. 

In my work at La-Z-Boy, I love incorporating Deep Purple into accent pieces. Imagine a plush, Deep Purple armchair that stands out in a living room or a subtle, Deep Purple throw on a neutral toned sofa. It’s amazing how it can elevate the overall ambiance of a room.  

What I find the most exciting about Deep Purple is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with earth tones like Jack Pine, and also with metallics, adding a touch of glamour and modernity. It’s not just a color; it’s an experience that invites creativity and inspires comfort.  

 In the world of furniture and interior design, Deep purple in 2026 is a celebration of bold choices and timeless elegance. I’m thrilled to bring this color to life at La-Z-Boy and see how it transforms our spaces.

If you’re feeling inspired to refresh your space or planning a move in 2026, I’d love to help bring your ideas to life. You can find me at La–Z–Boy Furniture Galleries in Richmond, where I offer personalized design consultations tailored to your style, your space, and the way you live. Stop by the showroom or book a consultation to explore how colors like Deep Purple or Black Pine can transform your home into something truly special.  

Nicole Fiddler

In- Home Designer – Richmond

La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor 

Greater Vancouver