Innovation
Forecasting Color Futures: Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2026
A look inside Anthology Vol. two.

Design is a reflection of its time, and color is often its most telling signature. With Colormix Anthology Volume Two, Sherwin-Williams offers a forward-looking exploration of the color families set to define residential and commercial spaces in 2026 and beyond. 

Unlike traditional trend reports, the Anthology series takes a deeper, more analytical approach. Released biennially, this expanded format investigates how key color groups evolve over time—providing designers with a refined view of tonal direction, saturation shifts, and emerging applications. Volume Two introduces four distinct palettes, each representing a facet of the current cultural and design landscape: Frosted Tints, Sunbaked Hues, Restorative Darks, and Foundational Neutrals

Frosted Tints 

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2026 Anthology Volume Two, Palette No. 1 Frosted Tints.

Airy, translucent, and near-weightless, Frosted Tints revisits the pastel family through a contemporary lens. Lavender, gauzy blue, aquamarine, and refreshing greens float across surfaces with softness and control. These colors are neither flat nor fleeting—they offer layered clarity ideal for minimalist environments, elevated branding, or wellness-driven interiors. Light but never lacking, they signal a gentle shift toward ease and atmosphere. 

Sunbaked Hues 

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2026 Anthology Volume Two, Palette No. 2 Sunbaked Hues.

Drawn from natural clay, sun-drenched walls, and the warmth of vintage tones, Sunbaked Hues radiates expressive optimism. Think golden yellows, pink sandstone, buttery ochres, and burnt reds—all imbued with a glow that recalls both handcrafted heritage and modern vibrance. These hues invite designers to re-engage with warmth, embracing color with confidence and creative spark. 

Restorative Darks 

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2026 Anthology Volume Two, Palette No. 3 Restorative Darks.

Where other palettes expand, Restorative Darks draws inward offering a tonal palette grounded in emotion and serenity. Deep plum, blackened navy, shadowed copper, and burgundy tones form a visual cocoon—rich, comforting, and enduring. These hues speak to luxury and longevity, creating space for reflection, intimacy, and stillness in both commercial and residential interiors. 

Foundational Neutrals 

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2026 Anthology Volume Two, Palette No. 4 Foundational Neutrals.

The most nuanced of the four, Foundational Neutrals, offers complexity beneath its simplicity. From silvery whites and warm taupes to inky near-blacks, this palette redefines what it means to be “neutral.” Rather than recede, these hues support bold layering, high contrast, and subtle detailing—making them versatile building blocks for forward-thinking environments. 

Together, the four palettes of the 2026 Colormix Anthology Volume Two chart a sophisticated map of where color is heading, balancing data-backed insight with design intuition. Whether guiding material selection, spatial planning, or visual identity, these colors invite designers to forecast with clarity and create with conviction. 

Sample the full collection here