Explore the 2026 home color trends shaping Newport Beach and Costa Mesa homes. Warm, coastal palettes that enhance livability, design, and resale value.
The 2026 home color trends mark a clear shift away from stark whites and cool grays and toward warmer, more expressive hues that feel personal, grounded, and timeless. Designers are calling them “colors with soul”—palettes that add depth, warmth, and quiet confidence without overwhelming a space.
For homeowners in Newport Beach, Eastside Costa Mesa, and surrounding coastal Orange County communities, these trends are especially relevant. Natural light, indoor-outdoor living, and architectural character all influence how color performs in a home—and when done right, paint choices can enhance both daily living and long-term value.
Whether you’re refreshing a single room, preparing a home for sale, or reimagining a forever property, the 2026 color trends offer thoughtful guidance for every space.
Looking at this from a seller’s perspective?
Be sure to check out our companion article, “Paint Colors That Help Homes Sell in 2026: Strategic Color Choices for Newport Beach & Costa Mesa Sellers”, where we break down which palettes buyers respond to most—and which choices can quietly hurt resale value.
👉 Read it here
Entryway: Terracotta & Soft Mustard
Warm, welcoming, and design-forward
In coastal homes, the entryway sets expectations. Terracotta walls introduce earthy warmth that feels authentic rather than trendy, while soft mustard on doors, wainscoting, or cabinetry adds subtle optimism. Olive or muted green accents—through plants or textiles—anchor the palette and connect naturally to the outdoors.
This combination works beautifully in Spanish-influenced architecture, modern coastal homes, and remodeled mid-century properties commonly found in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
Living Room: Smoky Jade & Warm Neutrals
Calm sophistication with coastal flexibility
Nature-inspired greens continue to dominate the 2026 home color trends, and smoky jade is a standout. It shifts with natural light—cool in the morning, warmer at sunset—making it ideal for open living spaces with large windows or bifold doors.
Pair with warm tan or greige trim and deeper espresso or charcoal accents to create contrast without heaviness. The result is a refined, livable palette that feels serene, layered, and enduring—exactly what today’s buyers gravitate toward.
Kitchen: Warm Eucalyptus & Soft Yellow Accents
Personality without risk
Green cabinetry remains one of the strongest design investments, and warm eucalyptus strikes the perfect balance between personality and restraint. It complements natural stone, wood floors, and brass or matte black hardware—materials already popular in coastal Orange County homes.
Keep walls in warm neutrals and introduce pale yellow through a breakfast nook, pantry interior, or subtle accessories to add lightness. This palette feels custom, cheerful, and timeless—ideal for kitchens that anchor family life and resale value.
Dining Room: Deep Plum & Brushed Gold
Moody, elegant, and intentional
Dining rooms are making a quiet comeback, and the 2026 color trends embrace intimacy. Deep plum walls create drama and warmth, especially in evening light. Gold or brass accents elevate the space without excess, while a lighter ceiling keeps things balanced.
This palette works particularly well in homes with defined dining spaces—adding architectural interest and emotional pull without sacrificing sophistication.
Primary Bedroom: Dusty Rose & Grounded Green
Soft, calming, and restorative
A muted dusty rose creates a cocooned, calming atmosphere, while a deep green accent—behind a headboard or built-ins—adds grounding contrast. Cream or warm white trim keeps the room light and breathable.
This combination supports rest and emotional comfort, aligning perfectly with how homeowners want their primary suites to feel—not just how they look.
Bathroom: Jewel-Toned Teal & Rich Wood
Spa-like with coastal confidence
Bathrooms are embracing bolder color in 2026, and teal walls paired with rich wood tones (such as mahogany or walnut) feel elevated and intentional. White ceilings, stone countertops, and brass fixtures keep the palette crisp and timeless.
In Newport Beach homes, this combination feels both coastal and luxurious—ideal for primary baths or statement powder rooms.
Guest Bedroom: Milky Lavender & Periwinkle
Soft color with quiet depth
Subtle pastels are rising, and milky lavender offers a refined alternative to beige or gray. Pair with a periwinkle ceiling or accent wall for gentle visual interest, then balance with gray-green textiles.
The result is a peaceful, welcoming space that feels thoughtful without being polarizing—perfect for guests and future buyers.
Home Office: Warm Black & Weathered Sage
Focused, modern, and highly functional
As work-from-home spaces remain essential, the 2026 home color trends lean into contrast. Warm black walls create focus and sophistication, while weathered sage behind the desk softens the visual field and reduces eye strain.
Bright lighting and white ceilings ensure balance, creating a workspace that feels intentional rather than improvised.
Color That Supports How You Live—and How You Sell
What unites the 2026 home color trends is intention. These palettes feel warm, personal, and lived-in—without sacrificing elegance or long-term appeal. For homeowners in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, thoughtful color choices can elevate daily living while quietly supporting property value.
At Lucas Real Estate Group, we help clients think beyond trends—considering architecture, light, lifestyle, and market psychology. Whether you’re preparing a home for sale or making strategic upgrades for the long term, design decisions matter.
Color isn’t just aesthetic—it’s strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Paint Colors & Resale Value
Do paint colors affect resale value?
Yes. Paint color has a measurable impact on buyer perception, emotional response, and time on market. Neutral, warm, and cohesive palettes tend to photograph better, feel move-in ready, and appeal to a broader buyer pool—especially in coastal markets like Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
What paint colors help homes sell faster in 2026?
In 2026, buyers respond best to warm neutrals, muted greens, soft earth tones, and restrained jewel accents. Colors that feel natural, calming, and architectural—rather than trendy—tend to reduce buyer objections and support stronger offers.
Should I repaint my home before selling?
In most cases, yes—especially if the existing paint is dated, overly bold, or inconsistent room to room. Strategic repainting is one of the highest ROI cosmetic improvements a seller can make, particularly when aligned with current buyer preferences.
Are bold colors a mistake when selling?
Not necessarily. Bold colors can work well in moderation—such as a powder room, dining room, or office—when paired with otherwise neutral spaces. The key is intention and balance, not elimination of personality.
Does paint color matter more in luxury homes?
Absolutely. Buyers in higher price ranges are often more design-aware and expect cohesive, elevated finishes. Thoughtful color choices can reinforce quality, craftsmanship, and value—while poor choices can distract or signal deferred maintenance.
— Devin Lucas
Author Devin R. Lucas is a Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®, and Real Estate Attorney specializing in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and coastal Orange County. Courtney Lucas, CPA and REALTOR®, provides expert financial insight alongside real estate services.
Lucas Real Estate offers unmatched expertise in California real estate sales, property management, capital gains strategies, and property tax matters, including Propositions 13, 58, 193, 60, 90, and Proposition 19.
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