Space by Stansons

We’re diving into colour in this episode of Space by Stansons, as host Guy Stanley brings together designers and industry voices to debate one big question: what colour trends will we see in 2026?

From bold predictions like mustard and black cherry to strong opinions on why corporate blue has had its day, this conversation explores how colour influences mood, identity, and experience in the workplace — and why designers are increasingly looking to warmer, richer palettes to shape the offices of the future.

What You’ll Learn

  1. Why mustard, black cherry, and deep reds are emerging as standout colour trends for 2026
  2. Why many designers are moving away from corporate blue in workplace interiors
  3. How colour can add calm, warmth, and depth to office environments
  4. Why yellow is having a resurgence — and how to use it without overwhelming a space
  5. How personal taste, brand identity, and cultural shifts all influence colour decisions
  6. Why looking back to 70s and 80s palettes is shaping contemporary design thinking

This episode is a lively, opinion-led discussion on colour, confidence, and creativity — perfect for anyone designing, specifying, or rethinking the modern workplace.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode Highlights

00:00 What is the colour of 2026? Mustard enters the conversation

00:26 Earthy neutrals, sage greens, and evolving colour trends

00:45 Black cherry and dark plum tones take centre stage

01:04 A strong stance: why terracotta divides opinion

01:59 “I’m sick of the corporate blue office” — and why designers are moving on

02:19 Burgundy, red wine tones, and creating calm through colour

02:39 Browns and yellows: adding joy, warmth, and depth to spaces

03:21 Deep reds in the workplace: bold but striking choices

04:15 Red oxide, ochres, and the return of retro-inspired palettes

05:30 Burnt orange and warm autumnal tones as future-facing colours

Episode Resources

Antonia Walmesly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-walmsley-590a13b/

Paula Rowntree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-rowntree-05318733/

Eleanor Penny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-penny-096058157/

Sarah Wakefield on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wakefield-405349ba/

Ellie Mumford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-louise-mumford-344b64136/

Tia Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-brooks/

Dicky Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dicky-lewis/

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk

🔗 Useful Links:

🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3JuplSC

🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4924osv

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

What is Space by Stansons?

Welcome to Space by Stansons. Listen to raw, thought-provoking conversations with key players in the interiors industry, as we challenge conventional thinking towards aesthetics and sustainability. Most importantly our objective is to inspire designers to think holistically, creating spaces where people of today and the future, truly flourish.