Chartwell Green will be the dominant exterior colour for 2026, according to a joint forecast by HMG Paints and the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA). The prediction carries direct implications for painters and decorators: colour trends drive specification decisions across residential and commercial projects, affecting material purchasing and job scheduling throughout the year.
Colour forecasts influence client briefings and competitive positioning. Contractors who anticipate trend demand can align inventory, staff deployment, and marketing messaging accordingly. For merchants supplying the trade, shifts in dominant colour tones signal which stock lines will move fastest.
The designation of a single leading colour reflects broader market consolidation around muted, earth-toned palettes. Chartwell Green sits within the category of nature-inspired finishes that have steadily displaced brighter, saturated tones over recent seasons. Installers reporting on specification patterns confirm increased client demand for greens and soft neutrals in exterior projects.
