Pantone’s colour of the year is Cloud Dancer, while Dulux offers a collection of blue shades as the trend for 2026. Along with the wider use of natural materials, these are tipped to influence interior design décor. Our premium cladding is often applied to commercial and residential interiors to add visual and textural points of focus. Can we help you embrace colour trends with cladding?
Inspired by the Cloud Dancer Colour Trend?
Pantone’s soft white shade, Cloud Dancer, has been described as calm, elegant and serene. It certainly ties into the idea of minimalist, neutral tones that provide a restful alternative to the sensory overload of everyday life. One thing is for certain, it is a timeless colour that won’t look outdated when next year’s colour is announced.
Although it is natural to think of charred timber cladding as blackened wood, our Shou Sugi Ban® range includes light tones. The timber still receives the traditional preservation technique that enhances resilience and reduces maintenance requirements. However, colour is embedded in the process to create different aesthetics.
If your preference is for soft white and light grey tones, check out the following handcrafted timbers:
- Accoya Mizu & Accoya Sora – our lightest soft white and a pale grey
- Larch Byakko – which retains the unique grain definition of the timber
- Yūkari Pūru & Futtō – light grey shades, exclusively available through James Latham and us.
Do they deliver the fresh, clean finish that you desire?
Trending Rhythm of Blues Colour Palette
Dulux opted for three tones of muted blue as their collection of the year. As with Cloud Dancer, Free Groove, Mellow Flow and Slow Swing focus on stimulating a sense of calm and balance, but for those who favour an injection of colour.
Blue represents the sea and sky, both of which evoke feelings of vastness and peace. It promotes focus and tranquillity, which is ideal for home offices and bedrooms. In addition, blue pairs well with most other colours on the spectrum.
You may be surprised to learn that we also offer timber cladding with tinted blue finishes:
- Accoya Tobu
- Larch Karafurutaiga
- Douglas Fir Ao
How do they fit your design preferences?
Adding Colour Trends to Building Exteriors
At this point, it is important to note that our Shou Sugi Ban® timbers are suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
It’s a popular design decision to form connections between the interior and exterior decoration. The outside hints at what to expect inside. In addition, a common colour theme adds to the sense of cohesion and flow as you step across the threshold. Our charred timbers can also form interesting hard landscaping features in courtyards and gardens.
If you have exterior cladding in mind, our light Accoya, Larch and Yūkari timbers blend with light stone and render finishes, as well as offering a striking contrast with brick and foliage. Meanwhile, our blue-tinted timbers offer intrigue and character to the front entrance of a home, restaurant or hotel.
Front Door Colour Trends
As we’re on the subject of building exteriors, let’s share the current colour trends for front doors. The timeless appeal of natural heritage shades is currently popular. These range from neutral taupe to earthy moss green, muted warm reds and grey blue slate.
If you prefer a light, minimalist finish, the front door is an effective way to offer a touch of colour, to add depth and character to the façade. To create kerb appeal, consider how your front entrance works with the cladding, other exterior building materials and landscaping.
Charred Cladding Samples
If you wish to compare colour options, you are welcome to request samples of Shou Sugi Ban® timber or make an appointment to visit our Buckinghamshire showroom. For further information, please call us on 01494 711800.