How to use this year's light, bright colours in our homes

'Colour is having an everything-goes moment, but many were surprised by Pantone’s announcement that a milky white is Colour of the Year for 2026'

Neutral walls bring brightness on dark winter days. Opt for a warmer white to stave off the cold feeling and create a backdrop for other colours to stand out. Picture: Colourtrend

It's easy to get sucked into new looks that seem to be rolled out on an endless conveyor belt.

In January, they come thick and fast when the Christmas decorations are taken down, and we’re vulnerable to temptation after noticing paintwork that needs redoing. Furniture too shows signs of wear and tear, and the post-Christmas sales fill our newsfeeds with marshmallow soft sofas and toe-snuggling rugs to mitigate the sting of cold to our feet first thing in the morning.