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Ideal Home
Ideal Home
Maddie Balcombe

Gold is not just for Christmas! Experts say this luxe shade is set to be the new neutral for 2026 – here’s how to make it chic, not kitsch

Subtle champagne living room scheme with striped and stone accents.

If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t be afraid to use colour in unexpected and experimental ways. Whether you drenched your room in a brave shade, or gave colour capping a go, bold paint ideas dominated this year. But now, the end of the year is almost here and it’s time to start thinking about the colour trends that will define our homes in 2026.

While earthy, bold shades are still enjoying their moment, it seems as though 2026 is set to be a toned-down year, with paler, muted shades stepping into the spotlight. But if you want to approach the year of neutrals in a way that still feels elevated and refined, then you’re in luck. Gold and champagne are trending, and experts say it’s set to be the new neutral for 2026.

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