This article originally appeared in the 2025–2026 edition of Inspired Magazine, the official publication of The Inspired Home Show.
In uncertain times, it’s natural for consumers to gravitate to comforting colors or neutrals. But retailers looking to attract attention and win sales still should incorporate something unexpected, says Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and director of the Eiseman Center for Color and Information Training.
In fact, unexpected color combinations are a highly effective way to inject feelings of freshness and joy.
Eiseman, a global color expert who studies and advises clients in a variety of industries from fashion and entertainment to art and beauty, says the home and housewares industry has an advantage in today’s economy. Because these products are less expensive than furniture, carpeting or curtains, they offer a “tempting sales point” and are “a more attainable way to offer sweet indulgences” for our homes.
It’s all about sparking an emotion, showing them new possibilities, and helping them reimagine what they have.
Unexpected Hues
Anyone who’s heard Lee speak at The Inspired Home Show knows that fashion trends are a good indicator of future home trends. Right now, there’s plenty of unexpected cropping up in the fashion world; she’s been fascinated to see colors traditionally associated with certain seasons cropping up in different ones.
For example, both terracotta and teal (typically considered fall colors) are trending for spring/summer fashions.
Overall, Pantone’s New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer palette is a contrast of warm, familiar shades with more vibrant, stimulating colors and foundational tones.
“Celebrating self-expression and individualism, NYFW Spring/Summer 2026 gives us a very new way of putting colors together,” says Lee.
The key, she says, is finding ways for unexpected colors to work with traditional or expected ones. For a home example, yellow or black might not fit well with traditional Christmas décor, but teal green is an intriguing alternative to the usual pine green.
How a Color Makes People Feel
No matter the industry or time period, Lee always advises suppliers and retailers to give extra thought to how a color makes people feel. For most people, she says this “associated emotion” is often connected to nature.
Right now, pay special attention to colors that are joyful or uplifting, such as sunny yellows, sky blues (“Who doesn’t love a beautiful blue sky?” Lee asks), and any bright, vibrant hues.
Greens also help us feel grounded since “green is Mother Nature’s most ubiquitous color,” according to Lee. Because the human eye is used to seeing green everywhere in nature, the color actually works as a neutral.
In fact, Lee says Pantone included two greens in their 2026 Spring/Summer fashion palette, which is very unusual. One is a deeper green, and the other is a sage green, which work to extend the core colors.
No Set Rules
At the same time, Eiseman cautions retailers not to get hung up on one “hot” color or color rules that are too rigid.
“Not everybody wants to decorate in the same way,” she says. “We all have different expectations for how we want to live. We all have different memories.”
That’s especially important today as people might be holding on to things a little longer, whether out of financial necessity and/or comfort. It’s especially important for retailers to provide affordable price points and inspire shoppers with attainable ways to spark some newness in their homes.
That’s a lesson well-illustrated by “Out of the Ordinary,” a palette in the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2026 forecast. This collection, unveiled at The Inspired Home Show 2025, features mostly classic neutral tones but also includes unusual contrasts like Twilight Blue, Musk Melon and Absinthe Green.
Rooted in the Past, Focused on the Future
In fact, several of the palettes in Pantone’s 2026 Home + Interiors forecast are deeply rooted in the past. (There’s even one called “Ancestral” that’s reminiscent of caves and early native dwellings with their raw, earthy warmth).
Lee predicts past eras will continue to be important influences on color selections, though again, they will continue to add unexpected colors and updates to the mix.
Nostalgia is a strong factor these days, as is demonstrated by the continued popularity of rose pinks. But you have to ask, “What can I do to give a little spark to (what’s been done before)?” says Lee, who shared a personal example of how she kept an old beloved floral quilt in her guestroom, but updated the rest of the room with unexpected elements like a contrasting throw and darker furniture.
More Retailer Tips
Small Vignettes
Feel like you don’t have enough store space to properly tell color stories and help customers visualize new color combinations? Lee advises taking just one corner of floor space or using a shelving system to help create a small vignette with several different products that reflect a specific palette.
Mood Boards
Looking for an even more compact way to inspire shoppers – or want to take a digital approach? Get creative with moodboards like interior designers use. Instead of (or in addition to) carpet squares and tiles, pull together images of both useful and joyful products that can help inspire consumers with new and different colors.
Local Talent
Short on time or resources to make these ideas work? Consider local young professionals or college students who may like to intern with you or earn course credit. Lee says she’s often blown away by the professionalism of their work. Bonus: As digital natives, they’re completely comfortable putting together storyboards for social media.
Be among the first to discover the 2027 PantoneView Home + Interiors Forecast at The Inspired Home Show 2026.
Lee Eiseman Keynote Address: Wednesday, March 11 at 1:00 PM.
