At a glance

Dulux has named 'Soulful Sage' as its colour of the year for 2027, highlighting a trend towards soft, earthy greens in interior design. Cari Bateman from Neville Johnson suggests that sage green, along with shades of white and pink, will be key in creating calming and versatile home environments. These colours are expected to dominate interiors, offering a balance of traditional and modern styles, and can be paired with various textures and accents to enhance living spaces.

Neville Johnson shares the colours that will define interiors, and how to master them

 

Dulux has officially announced ‘Soulful Sage’ as its colour of the year for 2027, setting the tone for the colour trends of the new year. Described as a ‘healing, mood-boosting colour’, the soft, earthy green shade embodies the warmth and tranquillity that is set to define interiors this year, as lighter colours come to the fore.

 

Cari Bateman, Senior Designer at Neville Johnson, the UK’s leading makers of bespoke fitted furniture, wardrobes, and staircases, shares the key colour trends to know for 2027, and how to incorporate them into the home.

 

Sage: Harnessing nature’s tranquillity

 

Cari Bateman, Senior Designer at Neville Johnson, shares, “Sage green is often favoured in interiors for its warm, calming effect, offering the versatility of a neutral, with a subtle touch of colour to create visual interest. Incredibly adaptable, sage can be paired with almost any shade to create a sophisticated colour scheme. I love to couple sage with natural wooden textures, and warm metallic accents to create a soulful, welcoming space with a subtle balance of traditional and modern style. Lighter shades can also make a room feel bigger by reflecting natural light and creating a bright, open space.”

 

Timeless elegance: finding the perfect shade of white

 

Cari Bateman states, “In recent years, designers have looked to soft neutrals as an alternative to white, but in 2027, it’s set return as a key trend.

 

Designing an elegant white interior is all about finding the right shade for your home, and a key factor in this is the lighting. For north facing rooms, which receive much colder light, look to warmer, off-white shades which reflect the limited sunlight and create a soft glow. South facing rooms on the other hand are naturally much brighter and can be paired with a broader range of shades. I recommend opting for cooler tones, which complement the warm sunlight to create a soft glow. The right shade of white is then the perfect base on which to build on with colourful accents, pattern, and texture.

 

Add some blush: Soft pinks make a comeback

 

Bateman shares, “Homeowners are increasingly looking to pink interiors as a more colourful alternative to white or cream, as it provides a soft palette, while also imbuing a sense of comfort and warmth. Pink is a grounding colour which feels familiar and soothing, but it is incredibly adaptable and can be used to achieve a range of different styles depending on the shade.

 

“Pink can transform the energy of a room. Pastel tones are vibrant substitute for neutrals while still feeling balanced and refined. Similarly, muted, coral shades can be used to achieve a calm, relaxed environment and imbue a sense of softness and tranquillity. These lighter shades are particularly suited for the bedroom, which should feel restful in order to maximise sleep and wellbeing. Richer shades like maroon or aubergine are also excellent variations for achieving a darker, more dramatic aesthetic. Deep tones can bring a cozy and inviting feel to home bars or living rooms to create an environment that is perfect for hosting or a place to relax.”

Editorial insight

With Dulux naming ‘Soulful Sage’ as its 2027 colour of the year, the focus on calming, nature-inspired palettes continues to shape interior design preferences in the UK. The trend towards softer, lighter tones reflects a broader consumer appetite for spaces that evoke comfort and wellbeing, aligning with ongoing interest in home environments that support mental health and relaxation.

For homeowners and design professionals, these evolving colour preferences offer practical guidance on creating inviting, flexible interiors. As highlighted by Neville Johnson’s design team, the versatility of sage and the renewed appeal of whites and blush pinks provide a foundation for both subtle and statement looks, catering to a range of tastes and room functions. The emphasis on adaptable shades also supports the growing demand for interiors that balance personal style with everyday usability.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Research/data

The Role of Colour Psychology in Interior Design Trends for 2027

Explore how colour psychology influences interior design choices for 2027, focusing on colours like 'Soulful Sage' and soft pinks, and their impact on mood and wellbeing.

Target audience design and architecture publications Story potential 6/10 Economic impact

Economic Impact of Interior Colour Trends: A Look into the Home Improvement Market

Analyse how the 2027 interior colour trends influence consumer spending and the broader home improvement market, focusing on sales of paints, furniture, and decor.

Target audience business and finance outlets Story potential 5/10