Our experts use their in-depth industry knowledge to predict the colours of the future – inspiring interior designers, architects, professionals and specifiers to scope out styles for projects of tomorrow, today.
What’s possible? Today, the role of colour feels more purposeful than ever. In a world shaped by uncertainty, rapid technological change and environmental pressure, there is true power in the possibilities colour creates. Crown Colour Insights brings together experts across colour, design, sustainability, politics, visual culture, textiles and psychology to explore the forces shaping the future of interiors and the built environment. These perspectives help define the themes, colours and palettes that will inform the design of homes, workplaces and shared spaces in the years ahead. For 2027/28, the strongest emerging narrative is one of adaptive agency: a desire for greater control over the things people can influence. Rather than seeking a return to stability, people are learning how to live, work and make choices within ongoing change. This is encouraging a move away from fixed solutions and short- lived aesthetics towards spaces that can flex, support and respond. Interiors are increasingly judged by how well they accommodate shifting behaviours, multiple uses and diverse emotional needs, rather than how closely they align with a single moment in time. Through colour, design, community and personal choice, people are finding ways to create greater stability in the environments closest to them.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 2
Contents
The Crown Colour Insights team
4
Crown Colour Insights 2027/2028 palettes
15 8 7
Fragmentation
Belong
23
Hope
Working with Crown Colour Insights
29
30
Sources and References
31
Our brands
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 3
The Crown Colour Insights Team
To develop Crown Colour Insights 2027/28, Crown convened a panel of specialists spanning, architecture, sustainability, public affairs, visual culture, material innovation and neuro-inclusive design to join their team of in-house colour specialists. Together, they brought a range of perspectives on how people are living, working, designing and seeking connection in a changing world.
Alex Burchill Head of Public Affairs, Citypress Provides insight into the political, economic and social forces influencing consumer behaviour and the built environment.
Davina Ajana Creative Insights Manager, EMEA, Getty Images Explores the relationship between visual culture, identity and place through consumer and imagery trends.
Magda Mostafa Co-Founder and Principal, StudioTM A global leader in autism-inclusive and neuro-inclusive design and creator of the ASPECTSS framework.
Atul Bansal Founder, Sheila Bird Studio Architect and designer known for creating people-centred spaces that support creativity, culture and community.
Clare Calveley Senior Lecturer at Manchester School of Art, Manchester
Jacqueline Bourke Senior Director of Creative, EMEA, Getty Images Analyses global visual and consumer trends to understand how people connect with brands, spaces and ideas.
Metropolitan University Specialises in digital textile innovation and the role of emerging technologies within creative practice.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 5
Seraphina Roberts Hunt Architectural & Design Consultant, Crown Specialises in neurodiversity, creativity and aesthetic perception, exploring how design can support different sensory needs.
Kathryn Lloyd Crown Colour Specialist Leads Crown’s colour strategy, bringing expertise across residential, commercial and interior design.
Lauren Burnett Senior Architectural and Design Consultant Leads the A&D team, driving partnerships, specification and strategic engagement across the architecture and design community.
Robyn Landau Co-Founder, Kinda Studios Translates neuroaesthetics research into practical design applications focused on wellbeing and sensory experience.
Yorgos Chalkias Head of Sustainability, Hempel Decorative Leads sustainability strategy and circular economy initiatives across products, services and operations.
Jemma Saunders Crown Colour Specialist Leads the creative storytelling behind Crown’s insight and marketing activity, helping transform ideas into impactful customer experiences.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 6
Colour Insights Themes & Palettes
The 2027/28 palettes respond to the emotional and cultural complexity the next two years are likely to bring. They are not short-lived trends, but adaptive colour systems that can support different environments, moods and behaviours. Across the panel discussion, one clear thread emerged: trust. As economic instability, sustainability challenges, technological disruption and social change continue to reshape daily life, people are seeking design that feels honest, useful and emotionally meaningful. The three themes – Fragmentation, Belong and Hope – each offer a different response to this moment. Together, they create a colour direction rooted in authenticity, flexibility and human need.
47
48
Hessentia. Flucta console table
Ewerdt Hilgemann Imploded Cube
49
50
51
Fragmentation design direction
3D Stratasys Polyget printer
Julia Cook
Jonathan Anderson. Dior. A/W 2026
43
52
53
54
Jonathan Anderson Dior metal looking dress
NM3 Stainless steel bed
Muuto. Dream view bench
A world of contradictions Fragmentation reflects a world shaped by
tonnes of waste are generated worldwide each year. AI is beginning to support smarter material choices, more accurate colour matching, virtual sampling and earlier detection of production errors.[1] The infrastructure behind AI is also becoming part of the sustainability debate. The IEA projects that electricity demand from data centres will roughly double by 2030 to around 950 TWh, with AI- focused facilities growing considerably faster.[2] At the same time, Getty Images’ VisualGPS research found that almost 90 per cent of consumers want to know whether an image has been created using AI, reinforcing the importance of transparency in visual communication.[3] Fragmentation is often viewed negatively, but it can also be a powerful driver of innovation. It encourages creative problem-solving by breaking ideas apart and exploring them from multiple perspectives rather than presenting a single, unified concept. Fernando Verderi, Creative Director at Vogue, describes fragmentation as a discursive exploration of ideas. By deconstructing concepts and examining different angles, fragmentation can lead to breakthrough thinking, uncovering new possibilities and generating more dynamic and innovative solutions. process. But it should not just be about creating something faster. Its real value lies in helping us identify problems earlier, make better decisions and reduce waste” Clare Calveley, Senior Lecturer, Manchester School of Art “AI has the potential to become the connected fibre across the design and manufacturing
contradiction. Geopolitical instability, shifting political systems and the rapid development of AI are creating both optimism and unease. Technology is opening up new possibilities for design, communication and production, while also raising questions about trust, regulation, energy use and what feels truly human. Escalating geopolitical tensions continue to signal a wider global transition. Ongoing conflict in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and pressure around global energy routes point to a more fractured geopolitical landscape. These events are disrupting markets, reshaping supply chains and challenging the open, interconnected systems that have defined recent decades. Fragmentation is also visible closer to home. Traditional political loyalties are shifting, alternative voices are becoming more prominent and repeated leadership changes have contributed to a sense of instability. Together, these pressures are changing how people understand security, trust and control. At the same time, globalisation is becoming more uneven. Businesses still operate across borders, but political disruption, extreme weather and transport pressure are increasing the value of regional resilience, shorter supply chains and more local production. The result is a landscape that is simultaneously more connected and more fractured. This theme also captures the tension within AI. It can link fragmented systems, improve decision-making and reduce waste, but it should support rather than replace creative judgement. Clare Calveley’s work follows the textile journey from fibre to finished product, in a sector where an estimated 92 million
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 10
“ Many of these forces are not unprecedented individually. Wars have happened before, populations have aged before, new technologies have arrived before, and governments have faced financial strain before. What is unusual is that these shifts are happening together and reinforcing one another. ”
Alex Burchill, Head of Public Affairs at Citypress
Palette direction The Fragmentation palette is a visual expression of contrast and contradiction, bringing together grounded, natural tones with cooler, more engineered hues, creating a balance between human connection and technological precision. A contemporary blue, a muted deep aubergine and a deep olive ochre bring optimism and warmth to the palette, balanced by commercially accessible neutrals that make it versatile and enduring. Together, the colours support impactful storytelling moments while remaining welcoming and easy to apply across the wider environment. Used in workplaces, hospitality or design-led residential schemes, this palette supports focus, adaptability and emotional grounding. Think structured contrasts, softened industrial materials, raw edges, curved metal, layered surfaces and carefully placed colour that helps people navigate complexity without feeling overwhelmed.
P8171J is a refined blue-grey with soft lavender undertones, bringing optimism and calm confidence. Contemporary yet approachable, it works beautifully as a hero colour, creating visual impact without overwhelming a space.
Mulberry Mist V9580J is a soft, powdery mauve neutral that introduces gentle warmth and refinement. Its light, versatile character balances stronger shades and creates an open, airy backdrop, making it ideal for large surface areas and layered tonal schemes.
Volcanic Ash U9070R is a a rich, charcoal grey with aubergine undertones that gives the palette structure and grounding contrast. Strong without feeling harsh, it adds depth and definition when used as an accent or alongside the softer hero shades.
B2211H is a is an olive ochre that has subtle earthy undertones, inspired by weathered landscapes and mineral pigments. Warm yet understated, it can be used as a welcoming hero shade or to introduce a more natural, tactile quality.
V6122S is a plum-toned rose that brings richness and character without feeling overly vibrant. It adds a sense of contemporary luxury and creates confident contrast across both the cooler and warmer colours in the palette.
Turton White B8620L is a timeless warm neutral inspired by natural woven fabrics. It provides a clean, calming foundation that allows the feature colours to stand out while maintaining cohesion, softness and balance.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 13
Fragmentation
[8]
[9]
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 14
46
47
48
Kengo Kuma and associates, Sauna Sazae
Tola Ojuolape Studio, craft fair library
August Barron A/W 2026
49
50
51
Belong design direction
August Barron A/W 2026
Jessie Crabtree Butterfield, Birdhouse
Kengo Kuma and associates, Sauna Sazae
52
53
54
Duffy London, swing chair
Martin Bender balance bench
New designers
Home, care and community Belong reflects a growing need for spaces that feel inclusive, adaptable and rooted in human experience. Ageing populations, falling birth rates, changing household structures and housing pressures are reshaping how and where people live. Fewer working-age people, greater pressure on care and public services, and longer lives are all increasing the importance of flexible, intergenerational environments. The home has expanded in function, accelerated by the pandemic period, and is now expected to support work, rest, care, social connection, creativity and personal identity. At the same time, communities are seeking more accessible, local and connected environments that help people feel safe and supported. This is visible in emerging residential models, later-living environments, Build-to-Rent and healthcare-integrated spaces, where accessibility, longevity and lived experience are prioritised. Government design guidance also emphasises mixed, integrated neighbourhoods, access to local facilities and homes that can adapt to different ages, abilities and stages of life.[4] Home is increasingly defined by how it is lived in rather than simply whether it is owned. Getty Images’ VisualGPS research showed strong growth in visual searches for first homes, home improvement and renovation, alongside visual preferences for warmth, comfort, natural light and familiar materials. Yet the most downloaded imagery still often favours safe whites, sages, deep blues and organic neutrals. Algorithm-led inspiration can build confidence, but it can also encourage sameness, reinforcing the importance of design that feels personal rather than prescribed. Belonging is also shaped by access to shared space. Community-led reuse, mixed neighbourhoods and the protection of local buildings can give people a greater role in shaping the places closest to them. Atul Bansal’s contribution highlighted how strong vision and purpose can help communities reclaim buildings for collective use, creating a sense of local ownership and identity.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 17
Belong is not just about the home, but the wider ecosystem of spaces that supports people’s lives: education, work, healthcare, hospitality, community and public environments. Colour can help these spaces feel legible and familiar, supporting navigation, identity and emotional security. Neurodiversity is central to this theme. Acas estimates that one in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent, reinforcing why sensory-aware design needs to be considered across homes, workplaces and shared spaces. [5] Magda Mostafa’s ASPECTSS framework highlights spatial sequencing, transition, sensory zoning, safety, colour, lighting, materiality and wayfinding as important components of autism-inclusive design. This is not about designing one neutral or calming solution for everyone. People sit across a sensory spectrum, from seekers to avoiders, and may need different levels of stimulation, contrast, retreat and control. Colour therefore becomes part of a wider sensory system, working alongside light, sound, texture, temperature and spatial layout. Neuroaesthetics adds another dimension to this thinking. Robyn Landau described spaces as active agents rather than passive backdrops: environments influence how people feel, behave, focus and recover. This makes transitions, thresholds and moments of pause especially important, helping people move between different levels of activity and stimulation. The issue is especially relevant as work patterns continue to shift. British Chambers of Commerce research carried out in 2025 found that 48 per cent of surveyed businesses expected all working days to be on-site during the following year, though expectations varied significantly by sector.[6] As people continue to return to shared environments, workplaces must offer more than a desk: they need spaces for focus, collaboration, retreat and social connection. For designers, the opportunity is to create places that are available and invitational from the outset. Gentle transitions, clear contrasts, sensory zoning and a choice of environments can help people feel confident, included and able to participate. Practical applications might include quiet retreat spaces, social areas with warmer or more stimulating colour, adjustable lighting, tactile acoustic materials and wayfinding that is clear without becoming visually overwhelming.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 18
“ Inclusive design cannot mean asking people to change themselves in order to fit the spaces we have created. The responsibility sits with designers to create environments that recognise different bodies, different brains and different sensory experiences from the outset. ”
Magda Mostafa, Co-Founder and Principal, Studio TM
Palette direction The Belong palette brings together a palette of understated neutrals and expressive accent colours that reflect the demand for flexible, multi-functional environments. Designed to support spaces that can change and adapt to a multitude of uses and users, the palette combines warm earth tones, soft natural hues and restorative greens to create places that feel open, inclusive and connected. The result is a versatile colour language that helps designers create environments where everyone feels they belong.
The palette has particular relevance across residential, workspace and community settings.
Cherrywood Y1101Q is a rich, earthy brown with subtle red undertones, inspired by natural timber and organic materials. Grounded and reassuring, it creates a sense of permanence and authenticity and works particularly well as a hero shade alongside softer neutrals and muted accents.
Y6182E is a softened terracotta inspired by sunbaked clay and handcrafted surfaces. Familiar yet contemporary, it brings warmth and natural richness to a space, bridging traditional and modern aesthetics with ease.
X6272B is a muted clay pink with a soft, mineral quality. Approachable and contemporary, it introduces individuality and gentle optimism, helping spaces feel distinctive without becoming overly decorative.
Vanilla Bean B0610J is a soft, creamy neutral that brings lightness and balance. As a versatile foundation shade that works well in all lights, it creates bright, open environments while allowing surrounding colours, textures and materials to take centre stage.
B2343K is a is a righ, golden ochre that adds an uplifting note to the palette. Rich enough to create moments of focus yet restrained enough for broader application, it works well as an accent that adds rhythm, warmth and visual interest.
F4261C is calm and restorative, this muted green brings equilibrium to the warmer tones and can work equally well as a subtle backdrop or a quieter point of distinction.
Eucalipto F0490P is a gentle, airy green that introduces freshness and softness. Its understated character creates a sense of openness and ease, making it especially effective across larger surfaces and transitional spaces.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 21
Belong
[10]
[11]
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 22
Issay Miake & Ensamble Studio,The Paper Log
Digitalab, Gencork
VitrA-Sugarcrete
Hope design direction
Fernado Laposse, Corn Veneer
Friedmand Benda pink furry armchair
Fernando Laposse, Agave fibres
Chatpong Chuenrudeemol, Angsila Oyster Farm Mamou-Mani Parametric design
Hope is a theme of warmth, honesty and resilience. It is not escapism or false positivity, but a practical form of optimism rooted in action. It asks how design can support care, comfort and possibility while responding to the urgent need to rethink consumption. This sense of hope is closely connected to trust and change. It calls for a more progressive and honest approach to design, rooted in responsibility, transparency and long-term thinking. Sustainability is no longer an added layer, but a fundamental expectation shaping how buildings, interiors, materials and finishes are specified. The built environment remains central to this challenge. The 2024/25 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction states that the sector consumes 32 per cent of global energy and contributes 34 per cent of global CO2 emissions.[7] This reinforces the need to consider longevity, reuse and impact at every stage of design. Within this context, sustainability is evolving. Getty Images’ VisualGPS research showed declining visual searches for the broad term ‘sustainability’, alongside rising interest in renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental conservation. This suggests concern is becoming more specific, practical and action-led. People are also increasingly sceptical of green claims and polished institutional messaging. The response is a demand for greater honesty: a ‘tell it straight’ approach where materials, supply chains, processes and trade- offs are made more visible. Yorgos Chalkias framed the challenge through the idea of a finite planet: resources and the systems that absorb waste both have limits. Environmental, social and economic pressures are interconnected, and design cannot assume an endless supply of materials or capacity for pollution.
He also highlighted the tension between quality and quantity. Improvements in recycled materials, efficiency and durability are important, but can coexist with rising overall consumption. This rebound effect means better products alone cannot offset the impact of making and buying more. Sustainability therefore needs to move towards sufficiency: enough, rather than excessive. True change requires reducing unnecessary production and extending the life of what already exists through repair, reuse, sharing and adaptation. This is particularly relevant to buildings and interiors, which shape both material demand and many of the consumption patterns that take place within them. This thinking connects environmental responsibility with quality of life. Slower living, community access, shared use and an acceptance of imperfection can reduce pressure on resources while supporting wellbeing. The growth of repair initiatives and second- hand platforms shows how longer use can become both practical and culturally desirable. It also creates a more honest design language: one that values texture, patina, repair and materials that can age gracefully. Rather than presenting sustainability through predictable green cues, design can show where materials come from, how they are made and how they can be maintained or adapted over time. Hope is therefore a theme of changemaking. Technology and material-aware design can support better decisions, including designing for disassembly, reducing sampling and considering whole product lifecycles from the outset. But the wider direction is cultural: from speed to care, short-term novelty to long-term value, and ownership to extended or shared use. In this landscape, hope is not loud or idealised. It is practical, evolving and built through the choices made by designers, manufacturers and the people who use the spaces they create.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 25
“ For a long time, sustainability has focused on quality – recycled materials, bio-based alternatives and better production processes. But quantity is still overwhelming quality. If we continue to consume more overall, then better materials alone will not be enough ”
Yorgos Chalkias, Head of Sustainability, Hempel Decorative
Palette direction Hope is a soft, restorative palette of muted greens, mauves, clay pinks, warm neutrals and a gentle blue accent. Reflecting a growing desire for truth, transparency and authenticity, this theme is rooted in craftsmanship, circular thinking and a more practical approach to sustainability. Rather than celebrating constant renewal, Hope champions materials and spaces designed to age, adapt and endure, embracing material honesty and lasting value. Muted greens, softened mauves, clay-inspired tones and mineral neutrals work together to create spaces that feel considered, restorative and connected to the world around them. A soft blue accent introduces freshness and perspective, while the warmer shades bring depth and familiarity. Together, the palette feels calm, enduring and quietly optimistic, with enough tonal variation to support both subtle layering and more defined moments of contrast. Well suited to residential, workplace and hospitality environments, this palette celebrates craftsmanship, longevity and material honesty. Think natural stone, recycled materials, handcrafted ceramics, textured plaster and finishes that embrace age, repair and imperfection.
Grape Escape W6141A is a gentle plum shade that conveys calm reflection and quiet confidence. It introduces a sense of care and consideration, creating environments that feel thoughtful and enduring rather than trend-led. It offers a subtle point of difference without dominating a space.
Saddle Stitch X2641M is a natural tan neutral that celebrates craftsmanship and material honesty. Inspired by handmade objects and traditional making techniques, it brings an organic, approachable quality and sits comfortably alongside both cooler and warmer tones.
Regency 15 G9230U is a muted green informed by weathered foliage and natural fibres. It creates a strong connection to regenerative design principles, bringing balance and continuity to a scheme while working equally well across contemporary and heritage-inspired interiors.
Vintage Crush Y2390M is a delicate blush neutral with a chalky, mineral quality. Soft and versatile, it contributes a tactile, crafted feel while allowing materials, textures and architectural details to take prominence.
Belgrave Mill B4520Q is a warm mid-neutral influenced by natural stone and organic textures. Clean and uncomplicated, it offers depth and versatility while providing a restrained backdrop for timeless, thoughtfully considered interiors.
Mirage P6321T is a soft, hazy blue that introduces lightness and perspective. Calm without feeling cold, it reflects the optimism at the heart of the Hope narrative and provides a refreshing contrast to the earthier tones.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 28
Hope
[12]
[13]
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 29
Tonal Contrast & LRV Strategy
Across all Colour Insights palettes, the colours have been selected to provide a considered range of Light Reflectance Values (LRVs), creating clear tonal variation within each scheme. This supports effective application across commercial and shared environments, wayfinding. The balance of lighter and darker tones also contributes to a more accessible, user-friendly experience while maintaining a cohesive overall aesthetic. without becoming visually overwhelming. helping to define zones, highlight key architectural features and aid intuitive Working With Colour Insights The future of colour isn’t about ‘fast trends’. It’s about creating spaces that are more adaptable, more inclusive and more meaningful for the people who use them. We hope Colour Insights 2027/28 inspires new conversations, fresh thinking and confident specification. To discover the palettes in more detail, request samples or discuss your next project, get in touch with Crown’s Architectural & Design team, who are ready to help turn these insights into practical solutions.
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 30
SOURCES AND REFERENCES
[1] United Nations Environment Programme, International Day of Zero Waste 2025: fashion and textiles. [2] International Energy Agency, Key Questions on Energy and AI, 2026; Energy and AI, 2025. [3] Getty Images Visual GPS Report - Building Trust in the Age of Ai: HYPERLINK “https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/1PD7C5vTZW9R RNsOhqqik755q?domain=gettyimages.com”https://www.gettyimages. com/visualgps/reports-and-guides/building-trust-in-ai [4] For slide 23 - Getty Images Visual GPS Report - Sustainability at the Crossroads HYPERLINK “https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ iOrOC6wTrGmMMwtmi77i5iiK0?domain=gettyimages.com”https:// www.gettyimages.com/visualgps/reports-and-guides/visualizing- sustainability [5] Acas, Neurodiversity in the workplace. [6] British Chambers of Commerce, Office Return Varies Across Sectors, 2025. [7] UNEP and GlobalABC, Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2024/2025. [8] ILIV, Alchemy Dijon (headboard fabric). Forbo, Flotex Ombre Montage, Moraine ( flooring) [9] Sixteen3, Breathe chair. Orac, Circle and Envelope (wall panelling) [10] Sixteen3: Eden D low (planter), Icarus table Maru stool, Monsul bench. Forbo, Allura Decibel 0.8. Grigio Perlino ( flooring) [11] Sixteen3, Romy chair [12] Forbo Marmoleum Cocoa Salted Caramel [13] Tim Denton, (scrap chair & table). Forbo, Allura Decibel 0.8. Grigio Perlino ( flooring)
Crown | Colour Insights | 20257/20268 | page 31
Our brands
At Crown, we believe that every pot of paint is brimming with potential and we want to put that in the hands of everyone. We want to inspire you to paint your world better, braver and beautifuller (yes, that’s not a word, but this is paint, you can do anything). Now and always, it’s not just paint, it’s personal. crownpaintsprofessional.com | crownpaints.com Sandtex ® has been protecting homes for over 60 years with a range of superior paints for exterior masonry, wood and metal. If it’s outside, we’ve got it covered. sandtexpaints.com With 200 years of expertise, Sadolin ® is renowned through the professional and DIY markets for offering superior wood protection. sadolin.co.uk | sadolin.ie Crown is proud to be part of Hempel, a global coatings company whose purpose is to shape a brighter future with sustainable coating solutions. hempel.com | hempelfonden.dk
For all press enquiries please contact crownpaints@citypress.co.uk
Media enquiries
2027/2028
Crown Paints Ltd PO Box 37, Hollins Road, Darwen, Lancashire BB3 0BG. Tel: 01254 704951 Crown Paints Ireland Ltd Coolock Retail Park, Unit 4, Clarehall, Northern Cross, Dublin, D17 N972, Ireland All colours marked ™ and ® are either trademarks used by, licensed to, or registered by Crown Brands Ltd.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker