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When it comes to style from across the pond, one thing is certain: Cozy is second nature. British paint brands make it easy to envision snuggling up in space deeply saturated in colors. Doing the same in the States? It’s much more challenging, particularly because neutrals have reigned for quite some time. Thankfully, though, a shift has been steadily growing—and a U.K.-approved aesthetic is one paint can away.
Little Greene, a 300-year-old family-run business based in North Wales, recently announced its 2026 Color of the Year as “Adventurer,” which is fitting for any beige-weary design enthusiast this side of the Atlantic. It’s a regal plum shade that seems pulled from a study, ready to envelope you in deep chats and imaginative stories. Basically, it’s the paint equivalent of a tweed jacket.
Seeing as many U.S. paint brands are sticking to safe neutrals like pale yellow and eucalyptus green going into the new year (Behr’s pick of Hidden Gem being the exception), Little Greene’s addition comes as a nice surprise.
“For 2026, we will see a natural progression in the use of burgundy in interior design, with shades of red, pink, and purple all becoming more popular as customers continue to demonstrate more color confidence in their homes,” predicts Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. If you’re looking to bring this British-approved hue into your home, read on for inspiration.
Add Something Extra to an Island
Given dark walnut cabinetry is making a comeback, follow the leads of Karie Higgins and her husband, Lee Gibson, and consider adding Adventurer to your kitchen island. They used a similar shade in their Oregon home (fridge included) for results that feel grounded and calm.
Bring Moody Vibes to a Laundry Room
Architecture and interior design studio Kaminski + Pew used an aubergine shade in the laundry room of this Philadelphia home, and the results might make you want to look at Adventurer as you fluff and fold. “It gives a space that would normally be mundane and uninteresting some personality,” co-founder Alexis Pew noted.
Put the Color to Bed
As designer Liz Hoekzema of KLH Homes was working on this Grand Rapids, Michigan residence, she brought in an Adventurer-adjacent color by way of bed linens. It’s proof that you don’t have to go big to make an impact.
Color Your Couch
Ryan Stanton of Boston’s Stanton Schwartz Design Group and his partner used the tight 720-square-foot footprint of their Provincetown home as an excuse to pile on colors and patterns in one well-considered palette. You could translate the shade of Adventurer into your sofa’s upholstery, as they did, and then pair it with wallpaper to match. How British!
Consider It for a Door
Painting a door in Adventurer is one more idea to ponder, since it’ll elevate your curb (or hallway) appeal with striking intensity. Need proof? Layered founder Malin Glemme picked a like-minded hue for the door of her Stockholm apartment, with classically cool results