2026 Color Trends
Saying Goodbye to “Cool Gray” and Embracing the “Warm & Earthy”
For the better part of a decade, the “Seattle Gray” wasn’t just the color of our skies—it was the color of our floors. Cool-toned grays and “greige” dominated the interior design world. But as we move through 2026, the pendulum has swung back. Homeowners from Sammamish to Tacoma are looking for comfort, coziness, and a connection to nature with hardwood flooring. The trend for 2026 is officially “Warm & Earthy.”
Why the Shift?
Interior design is often a reflection of how we want to feel in our spaces. After years of minimalist, almost clinical “cool” tones, there is a collective craving for “hygge”—the Danish concept of coziness and soulfulness. In a region where it can be overcast for weeks at a time, a gray floor can make a room feel chilly. Warm tones, on the other hand, act as an interior “sunshine,” reflecting light in a way that feels inviting rather than stark.
The 2026 Palette: Honey, Chestnut, and Raw Oak
What does “Warm & Earthy” actually look like in 2026? It’s not the orange-tinted oaks of the 1990s. Today’s warm tones are sophisticated and organic:
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Honey-Toned Oaks: These floors feature golden undertones that brighten a room instantly. They pair beautifully with white cabinetry in a kitchen or dark navy accents in a living room.
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Rich Chestnuts: Mid-to-dark browns are making a massive comeback. These colors provide a “grounded” feeling to a home, making large, open-concept spaces in newer Redmond or Newcastle builds feel more intimate.
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The “Raw” Look: We are seeing a huge demand for matte finishes that look like the wood hasn’t been treated at all. These “naked” woods emphasize the natural grain, knots, and character of the timber.
Practical Benefits of Warm Tones
Beyond aesthetics, warm and earthy tones are incredibly practical for the active Pacific Northwest lifestyle. High-contrast floors (like very dark espresso or very light white) show every speck of dust and every muddy paw print from a weekend trip to Marymoor Park. Mid-toned warm woods are the “Goldilocks” of flooring—they are the best at hiding the daily wear and tear of a busy family.
At Carpet To Go, we stay ahead of the trends so you don’t have to. Our design consultants, like Tiffani and Sherrie, love helping homeowners find that perfect shade that will look just as good in ten years as it does today. We carry all major brands and keep thousands of yards of flooring in stock to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for.
Are you ready to warm up your home? We serve the entire Puget Sound, from Everett to Auburn and beyond. Let our family take care of your family with flooring that you will adore for a lifetime. Contact Us today to get started on your 2026 refresh!