Design duets: tile pairings for the 2026 Colours of the Year

Each year, leading paint brands unveil their much anticipated "Colour of the Year", setting the tone for design trends across homes and interiors. As we step into 2026, these shades bring fresh inspiration - ranging from calming neutrals to bold, expressive hues. But choosing the perfect paint colour is only half the story. The true magic happens when these tones are paired with the right tiles to create cohesive, stylish, and functional spaces.

We explore tile and colour combinations that harmonise beautifully with the 2026 Colours of the Year by Behr, Little Green, Paint & Paper Library and Graham & Brown. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply refreshing a room, you’ll discover pairing ideas for kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and more.

Adventurer is a rich, dark aubergine that brings a lot of drama and sophistication. Complementing it with a pale blush or dusty rose tile plays on the natural red and pink undertones of plum, softening the look while staying in the same colour family.

Instead of competing, the lighter pink adds a glow that feels almost like candlelight against the depth of aubergine. This contrast makes the scheme romantic yet contemporary, with just enough lift to keep the deep walls from feeling too heavy. It’s a refined and slightly unexpected pairing that works beautifully in bathrooms or kitchens aiming for an elegant, modern feel.

Hidden Gem is a deep, sophisticated green with a subtle blue influence that makes it feel rich and cocooning. Because of its depth, it benefits from being paired with something lighter that provides contrast and balance. A soft warm off-white/ivory or oyster tile is ideal: it reflects light back into the space, preventing the colour from feeling overly heavy, while the warmth in the tile stops the contrast from appearing too stark or clinical.

This combination lets this jewel tone read as luxurious and dramatic, but still approachable and fresh, making it especially well-suited for kitchens, bathrooms, or mudrooms where you might want to achieve a modern yet timeless backdrop.

Atlas has an earthy, sun-baked quality that leans warm and rustic. Using a muted sage or pink blush tile introduces a cool, grounded counterpoint, making this pairing feels very natural, echoing clay and foliage, like a Mediterranean courtyard.

The softness of sage tones (with their grey base) prevents the combination from looking too festive or high contrast, while still giving depth and interest. This balance makes the scheme inviting, relaxed, and charming.

Diving Damson is a sumptuous burgundy that can feel both cozy and luxurious. A greige tile, a balanced mix of grey and beige, acts as a subtle backdrop that grounds the richness of the colour without stealing attention.

Grey alone might look too cool and stark, while beige alone could push the room into being overly warm, but greige has that perfect in-between quality. It harmonises with the depth of burgundy while adding a sense of modernity and versatility. The result is a scheme that feels elevated and timeless, suitable for both classic and contemporary interiors.

Whether you’re drawn to deep jewel tones, earthy terracottas, or dramatic aubergines, the right tile can completely transform how a colour feels in your home. These pairings show how tile and paint don’t just coexist - they enhance one another, balancing light and depth, warmth and coolness, texture and tone.

If you’re feeling inspired but unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Visit our showroom and our team can guide you through paint and tile combinations tailored to your space, lighting, and style. You’ll be able to see samples side by side, experiment with finishes, and discover unexpected pairings that bring your vision to life.