Colour First Or Last?
- Designer James Treble
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
This time of year always brings a sense of anticipation in the design world. Forecasts are released, materials emerge again and again across trade shows, and colour directions begin to take shape. But here is the truth. Trends are not rules. They are signals. They tell us - in general - how people want to live. Are we seeking warmth and comfort? Are we reconnecting with nature? Are we ready for bold expression again?
When you are renovating or rebuilding, knowing what is surfacing in the market gives you direction, and maybe confidence, not because you must follow it blindly, but because it allows you to make informed decisions.
Awareness helps you:
Avoid finishes that already feel dated,
Introduce contemporary touches that support resale value,
Select materials suppliers are prioritising,
Create a home that feels relevant rather than accidental.
BUT the important word must be 'relevant'. A trend only belongs in your home if it aligns with your lifestyle, your homes' overall style and location, and your taste, of course. If earthy tones are emerging and you already love timber, stone and natural fibres, then that trend supports your choices beautifully. If strong colour blocking is everywhere but you prefer calm coastal interiors, you might introduce that energy through artwork or furniture rather than permanent finishes... The sweet spot is where trend meets personal expression.
If you are planning to renovate or build this year, or you simply adore colour, the 2026 palettes are exciting. Taubmans has assembled a thoughtful team of experts including designers, retail specialists, florists and flooring professionals. These are people who understand how colour works in real homes, under real light and alongside real materials. This is not just another seasonal trend drop - it is a considered response to how Australians live today. Whether you are building your dream home or refreshing an existing one, these colours are designed to integrate with contemporary finishes and lifestyles.
However, there is one common mistake I see again and again: people choose their palette starting from the paint colour first, and it's understandable: paint colour is expressive and emotional, but starting there can actually make the rest of your selections way harder.
After decades of designing homes, I always begin with the fixed finishes: Flooring, Tiles, Stone, Joinery, Door hardware, Light switches... these elements all come in a smaller range than wall-paint colours.
TIP: If you lock in paint first, you may struggle to find tiles or flooring that harmonise perfectly. If you start with the fixed finishes instead, you will then surely find a paint colour that suits and connects everything beautifully.
There are thousands of paint options. Millions? Warm whites, cool whites, blue greys, green greys, rich tones, soft neutrals... so here is the most effective approach when creating a new interiors palette:
Define the mood you want to create fist - give yourself a theme.
Explore the new interiors' directions with that theme in mind.
Select your fixed finishes - flooring, benchtop, tap-ware...
Select the colours for your walls - this will bring your palette together.
Test paint samples in your actual space at different times of day.
Colour is emotional. It shapes how we feel in a room. It can energise, calm, cocoon or inspire. For practical help explore the colour directions as proposed by Taubmans for 2026. Be inspired. Explore. But anchor your decisions in solid design thinking: that is how you create homes that feel current today and timeless tomorrow.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).
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