Toronto, ON – Canadians may be known worldwide for their patriotic love of red, but in 2026, it’s green that will take centre stage in homes across the country. Dulux Paints has unveiled Pine Forest (DLX1134-7) as its 2026 Canadian Colour of the Year — the first time the brand has issued a uniquely Canadian forecast rather than aligning with global trends.
A Made-in-Canada Colour Forecast
To select a shade reflective of Canadian culture and design preferences, Dulux brought together design, décor, and colour experts from across the country for a full-day workshop. The panel assessed global colour trend reports but filtered them through a Canadian lens, considering geography, lifestyle, and national identity.
“Canadian patriotism is at an all-time high, so we thought it only fitting as a Proudly Canadian brand to identify a colour of the year that best reflects Canadian sentiments and directions,” said Mitsu Dhawan, Marketing Director for Dulux Paints.
The group identified green as the most emerging shade in Canadian homes. The winning tone, Pine Forest, is a deep evergreen reminiscent of the country’s lush landscapes, evoking resilience, optimism, and serenity.
Symbolism of Pine Forest
Green has long been associated with balance, renewal, and growth. Dulux points out that with about 40% of Canada’s landmass covered by forests, the colour is uniquely fitting. Beyond symbolism, evergreen hues are seen as timeless and adaptable — a bridge between tradition and modern design.
“Pine Forest is a grounding, serene evergreen tone, rooted in the resilient spirit of the forest, and emanating a sense of optimism, strength and renewal,” Dhawan explained.
A Growing Trend Toward Nature in Design
Industry analysts note that nature-inspired design continues to gain popularity. Across North America, consumers are leaning toward materials and colours that reflect sustainability, wellness, and connection to the outdoors. Deep greens, earthy browns, and warm neutrals are increasingly common in paint palettes, furniture, and textiles.
For Canadian homeowners, Pine Forest represents more than just a colour choice — it reflects a lifestyle trend of embracing the natural environment indoors.
Styling Pine Forest at Home
Dulux experts describe Pine Forest as a versatile neutral that can function as either a dramatic feature or a subtle backdrop. Suggestions for incorporating the colour include:
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Accent walls: Create a calming focal point by pairing with mid-tones like soft gold (Welcome Home DLX1092-5), rose (Just Gorgeous DLX1047-3), or sand (Blank Canvas DLX1085-1).
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Earthy combinations: Add warmth with terracotta (Chili Pepper DLX1057-5) or rust (Sweet Spiceberry DLX1059-7), complemented by natural wood finishes.
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Modern sophistication: Layer with black accents in lighting, furniture, or frames to create a sleek, contemporary edge.
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Small spaces: Use in powder rooms or guestrooms to create impact and intimacy while making the space feel larger.
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Textural accents: Pair with hammered metal, glazed ceramics, brick, or bronze details to mimic the layered richness of nature.
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Curb appeal: Apply Pine Forest to front doors, shutters, or trim for a bold exterior statement that pairs well with red brick, natural stone, or warm siding.
Looking Beyond 2026
By introducing Pine Forest as its first Canadian-specific Colour of the Year, Dulux highlights how design trends are becoming more locally tailored. The move reflects a broader industry shift: consumers want colour palettes that reflect not only aesthetics but also cultural identity and environmental values.
With green tones poised to dominate home design in the coming years, Pine Forest is expected to be more than a passing trend. Instead, Dulux forecasts it will become a sustainable, enduring choice for Canadian interiors and exteriors.
For more information on Pine Forest and to experiment with design pairings, visit the Dulux Paint Colour Visualizer.
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