Dutch Boy Selects Melodious Ivory as 2026 Color of the Year

As we navigate the world around us, we often yearn for the past. The sense of nostalgia provides comfort and a sense of familiarity.

When Dutch Boy Paints considered its color trends for 2026, nostalgia came up as one of the main influences, along with the themes of off-grid romance, mindful consumption, and a return to basics. These four themes form Dutch Boy Paints’ 2026 Trend Forecast. As for a unifying color, Dutch Boy Paints selected Melodious Ivory 313-2DB, a warm neutral with a yellowish undertone, as its 2026 Color of the Year.

In selecting this year’s Color of the Year, Lisbeth Parada, Dutch Boy’s color marketing manager, observed that Melodious Ivory, described as a soft, creamy beige, is the one hue that encapsulates all ofthese experiences.

“Melodious Ivory provides a sense of nostalgia, craftsmanship and caring,” Parada notes. “Melodious Ivory offers a neutral, soft feeling, with a warm yellowish undertone. It can complement a wide range of styles and is a perfect backdrop, allowing bolder accent colors to shine.

“Melodious Ivory is an homage to a simpler life and is a cozy, welcoming color,” adds Parada. It complements both interiors and exteriors, adding timelessness and a sense of familiarity to these spaces.”

Dutch Boy’s influences behind their color selection are nostalgia, off-grid romance, mindful consumption, and a return to basics. Parada describes the influences as:

• Nostalgia – “Consumers are increasingly drawn to classic design and timeless aesthetics. There’s a certain level of comfort in thinking back to what we recall as simpler times. We see the home being inspired by these nostalgic perspectives.”

• Off-Grid Romance – “In tune with nostalgia, consumers are being drawn to a more self-sufficient lifestyle, inspired by the Old West and off-grid living.”

• Mindful Consumption – “Due to economic uncertainty and environmental awareness, we find that people are interested in products that offer longevity. Consumers are favoring durability, quality and brands that embrace circularity and second-hand usage. For example, they are bringing a piece of furniture back to life with a new coat of paint.”

• Back to Basics – “This influence is based on how people came out of the pandemic with a sense of loneliness. There is a yearning for communal experiences, getting away from the digital screens and leaning into shared experiences and community.”

Dutch Boy has also developed three curated color palettes to complement with Melodious Ivory. In total, Dutch Boy is highlighting seven colors for 2026.  The Heartland palette leans into the nostalgic aesthetic of romantic rural life, and features Melodious Ivory 313-2DB, Old Chapparal 402-7DB, and Blue Laguna 432-5DB.

Rekindle is a nature-inspired palette taking from the earth and creating spaces where you can disconnect. This palette features Melodious Ivory 313-2DB, Ten Gallon Hat 413-3DB, and Cypress Garden 424-4DB. Finally, the Serendipity palette provides little moments of joy, wonder and awe, creating a little burst of energy within the home. The palette includes Melodious Ivory 313-2DB, Simply Yellow 115-3DB, and Nice Nectarine 210-4DB.

Parada says that selecting the color of the year and the palettes involves a lot of research and observation by Dutch Boy’s color team.

“Our color experts are in tune with the world, conducting research and observing global lifestyle trends, including fashion, architecture, and art,” Parada notes. “We also watch consumer trends, plus technology advancements like AI. These are all things that inspire us.

“Our 2026 Color of the Year invites homeowners to embrace what matters most — comfort, quality and connection,” Parada concludes. “Melodious Ivory offers a classic backdrop that beautifully supports the textures, elements and personal touches that make a space truly feel like home.”