Design pros say 'skip this'

Interior-design experts are telling households to skip the spring default of beige-and-grey paint and move toward deeper, warmer colors instead. (express.co.uk) In an April 11, 2026 article, Daily Express cited Wickes experts saying muted neutrals are “overused and losing favour” this year. Lewis Janes, Wickes’ head of decorating and storage, said “millennial grey” is behind the market now. (express.co.uk) Janes said richer shades such as deep green, burgundy and blue are replacing the old neutral-heavy look. He also said single-color “colour drenching” is giving way to “colour capping,” which pairs walls, ceilings or trim in complementary or contrasting shades. (express.co.uk) Wickes kitchen product manager Tom said the same shift is showing up in kitchens, where burgundy, forest green and terracotta are gaining ground. He told the paper that white and duck-egg blue still hold up as classic options, even as warmer palettes spread. (express.co.uk) Other design outlets are describing the same 2026 turn away from stark minimalism. Forbes reported on March 16 that designers are embracing bold stone, rich wood tones, deep greens and burgundies, and more layered rooms this spring. (forbes.com) Homes & Gardens reported on February 26 that spring 2026 trends are “floral-free” and favor deep, rich colors, aged metals, layering and darker woods over seasonal pastels. The publication said designers are leaning toward rooms that feel “lived-in and deeply personal,” rather than polished for trend cycles. (homesandgardens.com) That leaves beige in a narrower role than it had during the long run of neutral interiors in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Hunker, in a December 31, 2025 roundup, said sterile neutrals and all-white spaces were among the looks falling out of favor as homeowners sought more texture, character and defined spaces. (hunker.com) The practical takeaway is not that neutral paint has disappeared, but that designers are treating it as a base rather than the whole scheme. For spring 2026, the advice from multiple outlets is to trade the safe beige wash for warmer color, visible texture and more contrast. (express.co.uk) (forbes.com)