The palette—seven colors that were represented by nature, reproduced by Johnsonite, and translated into design—became apparent gradually.
The Johnsonite 2026 Colors of the Year have been revealed by Tarkett, a world leader in cutting-edge and environmentally friendly flooring products. This year’s collection offers a new design viewpoint and forward-thinking color vision to inspire creativity, drawing inspiration from the wild expressions of the planet.
“We don’t keep inside the lines this year, just as nature has never done. According to Johnsonite color specialist Janette Murray, who created the palette, “the 2026 palette celebrates color in its purest form—inspired by the natural ingredients that spill forth from the earth.” “We made fabric into canvas by collaborating with Mother Nature and researching her tints. The palette—seven colors that were represented by nature, reproduced by Johnsonite, and translated into design—became apparent gradually.
Murray and her colleagues boiled natural items, such as flowers and vegetables, to make dyed fabrics as part of the creation of this year’s palette. The final color choices were influenced by the resulting shades. The following are the 2026 Colors of the Year:
- Turmeric Gold: Made from the shavings of turmeric root, this warm, radiant gold exudes vitality. A reminder that nature’s most vibrant manifestations are also her most nurturing, turmeric gold is a symbol of power and healing.
- Smoked Paprika: This would be the color of confidence if it were a color. A feisty brown-orange rust that resembles a sunset over clay rooftops, smoked paprika simmers with spice. It is modern without losing sight of its earthy roots, assertive without yelling. Smoked paprika goes well with any warm color, but it will definitely steal the show.
- Showy Zinnia: This color, which is derived from the essence of blooming zinnias, is a pure red that represents growth and energy. Showy Zinnia seems alive, a bold yet well-balanced representation of nature. A lovely reminder that the hue of nature is ever-changing—it breathes, moves, and blooms.
- Red Cabbage: Made by cooking blueberries and cabbage, this color securely lies between passion and plum. The hue of twilight reflected on river stones, red cabbage is both regal and rustic, a reminder that even the most basic vegetables can produce works of art. This reimagined purple respects the artistic evolution of nature with a tone of subdued intricacy.
- Sweet Onion: This delicate mauve emerges as warm, earthy, and surprisingly lovely from the boiling skins of red onions. Sweet Onion echoes the complexity and tenderness of its source by speaking in subdued tones. Earthy, cozy, and incredibly adaptable, it’s a neutral derived from life and faithful to its origins.
- Cool as a Cuke: This lime-tinted color, which comes from yellow filler flowers, is crisp, vibrant, and delightfully grounded, much like a cucumber. The visual equivalent of taking a deep breath in a garden after a rainstorm, Cool as a Cuke balances off bright color schemes. It’s a whimsical green with a clear conscience.
- Blue Kale: Blue kale exposes the rich indigo essence of nature. Red cabbage and baking soda combine to create indigo magic, a blue that is the result of both science and chance. Deep, dependable, and absolutely necessary, blue kale is the silent philosopher of the palate. Denim, ink, and midnight thoughts—evidence that nature is aware of her chemistry.
The remaining 114 hues in Johnsonite’s standard color palette—the widest range of colors in the industry—can be combined with the 2026 colors or used alone. The team, which is a leader in color, stands by its assertion that “Made Right Means Johnsonite,” providing attention to detail and knowledge to guarantee that clients’ colors are always appropriate.
Any Johnsonite product, such as wall bases, rubber tiles, stairwell management solutions, and finishing accessories, can use the artistic palette.
Go to commercial.tarkett.com/johnsonite-color-of-the-year to learn more and place a free sample order.
