Dulux has selected a grey-green shade named Soulful Sage as its Colour of the Year for 2027, emphasizing its calming and natural qualities. According to the company, the hue has been shown to reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease stress hormone levels, aligning with a broader societal desire for tranquility and connection with nature.

Marianne Shillingford, Dulux’s creative director, explained that the choice of Soulful Sage reflects a response to contemporary life’s rapid pace and technological advances, particularly the increasing influence of artificial intelligence. She noted that conversations worldwide pointed to a need for meaningful human interaction and a renewed appreciation for creativity and the natural environment. The panel spent three days discussing various options before deciding on this universally appealing, classic tone. Shillingford emphasized that the goal was to select a colour that feels familiar, timeless, and accessible rather than seeking novelty for its own sake.

Soulful Sage is described as versatile and easy to integrate into home décor, suitable for extensive use from walls to ceilings, or as an accent on elements such as window frames. Its muted green tone complements a range of other colours, including pinks, terracottas, mochas, pale blues, and different greens. For those uninterested in a full home redecoration, the colour also works well on furniture and accessories.

The trend toward green hues is evident across the paint industry. Other brands are also embracing green shades in their forthcoming collections. For example, Coat Paints introduced Next Tuesday, a similar grey-green, in collaboration with the design studio House Nine. Little Greene is launching Hillside, a warm sage green, on September 14 as part of its updated colour range. Graham & Brown’s autumn palette features the shade Soft Sage, though its highlight for the year is Rose Earth, described as Soft Sage’s complement.

Industry experts suggest this convergence is not accidental. The selection of a Colour of the Year is not a precise science but a reflection of current cultural sentiments and what consumers might find comforting or inspiring. Soulful Sage’s soft, herbaceous tone evokes images of kitchen gardens and misty landscapes, combining a sense of nostalgia with quiet optimism in response to contemporary needs.