Dulux has unveiled its Colour of the Year for 2027, and the choice is Soulful Sage, a radiant green intended to bring a sense of calm to domestic spaces. This marks the seventh consecutive year the brand has released an annual shade. The tradition has shifted from serene tones like Bright Skies to bolder options such as True Joy and Free Groove. The return to a grounding, nature-inspired hue aligns with the current rise in biophilic design and the growing emphasis on wellness at home.
The brand describes the shade as a way to “make your heart glow, your soul shine, and your spirits soar.” While the marketing language is poetic, the practical application of the color is straightforward. It fits into a broader trend of alfresco living and healing interiors, suggesting that homeowners are looking for environments that feel less like performance spaces and more like refuges. The choice reflects a collective desire for stability and rest after years of high-energy palettes dominated by bright yellows and blues.
A Versatile Palette for Modern Interiors
Laura Hammett, creative director at Laura Hammett Living, notes that the green tone is a versatile choice for various room types. She explains that its soft, heritage-inspired character brings a sense of calm and continuity, while adding subtle depth and warmth to a space. This adaptability makes it suitable for everything from small bathrooms to large living areas.
In the middle of the design conversation, it is worth noting that sage green has a long history in interior trends, often cycling back after periods of bold abstraction. Unlike the fleeting nature of neon or bright primary colors, this shade tends to age well, maintaining its relevance without requiring a full renovation to update a room. It serves as a bridge between traditional and modern aesthetics, offering a neutral that is not quite beige but not quite grey either.
Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company, agrees on the shade’s suitability for functional spaces. He chose a sage hue for his own kitchen, stating that it creates a calm and inviting feel. “For me, colour should reflect your own taste, making your home truly your own,” he says. He adds that the shade feels just as relevant today as it has for decades, reinforcing its status as a timeless option rather than a temporary fad.
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Practical Application and Styling Tips
Because of its calming nature, the color works well in both big and small doses. Dulux recommends using it as a two-tone wraparound color with a complementary green. Alternatively, it can be paired with soft and neutral palettes to achieve a Japandi or Scandi look. This flexibility allows homeowners to experiment without committing to a full monochromatic scheme.
For spaces designed for unwinding, Laura Hammett advises layering the green with complementary textures, finishes, and tones. This approach creates a considered yet effortless atmosphere. Specific product examples include the Devine collection in Moonstone from Tom Howley, which starts at £25,000. In the bedroom, a Leni king bed in Cotton Velvet paired with a Gertrude chair in Sage ticking stripe offers a cohesive look. Arlo & Jacob provides the chair, while the bed features a Burnt Umber velvet finish.
Bathroom updates can also incorporate the shade through fixtures and finishes. A sage green bathroom featuring a Vitalio Joy+ 120 shower with Aquabooster technology and an Essence tap in Matte Black from Grohe illustrates how hardware can complement wall paint. For softer touches, a Laura Ashley Sage Green Elmdon Cotton Gauze duvet cover is available at Next, starting from £65. These items demonstrate that the trend extends beyond paint, influencing furniture, textiles, and plumbing fixtures alike.
The shift toward Soulful Sage signals a continued preference for interiors that prioritize comfort and stability. Whether through a full drenched scheme with tiles and wallpaper or subtle nods through sanitaryware, the shade offers a path to a more grounded home environment. The industry’s focus on wellness suggests it will remain a dominant theme for the next few years.
