Colour is one of the most powerful tools in architecture and interior design. It can change the way you feel and experience a space. Colour can alter your mood and create ambience. It can highlight or diminish architectural features, guiding the eye. As a tool to embody cultural meaning, identity, and taste, colour is the perfect tool for making spaces more expressive and personal.

At OVS, we look beyond the traditional feature colour wall and explore the latest colour trends that are bolder, richer, and more creative than ever.

Whether you’re planning a home renovation, refreshing your space, or designing a new build, here are 3 New Ways to Use Colour in Interior & Architectural Design.

Colour Capping

Colour capping is set to be one of the hottest interior design trends of 2026. In this trend, the ceiling is the star.

Colour capping involves a tonal approach to colour, where a space is painted with a wash that deepens the further up the wall it goes, culminating in the ceiling being painted in the deepest shade. This visual trickery draws the eye upwards - making spaces feel bigger.

As well as making a design statement, colour capping can be a neat trick for bringing a sense of cohesion to a room.

This is a versatile approach to colour. It can either be used to draw attention to historical features in a period home or as a way to add warmth and depth to a contemporary space.

Statement Ceilings

Not ready to go all in with colour capping - why not try experimenting with colour on your ceiling?

Your ceiling doesn’t have to be the same colour as the rest of your space – paint, pattern, wallpaper, and different finishes offer myriad design opportunities. Decorative ceilings have a rich architectural and artistic history – from the Sistine Chapel to New York’s Grand Central Station. Why not take inspiration and create your own bold artistic statement with patterned wallpaper or painted murals, or create a sophisticated focal point using a single solid colour?

Think of your ceiling as a canvas to introduce dynamism, personality and contrast to your space.

Colour Accents

Colour doesn’t just belong on the walls! Introducing colour using art, textiles, and furniture is an adaptable way to experiment with colour.

Dopamine Décor and Primary Play have become recent buzzwords in the world of interior design trends, highlighting the importance of bright colours in bringing joy, energy, and personality to a space. These design trends layer accessories, textiles, and furniture in playful and unexpected ways.

Applying accents of colour in the form of furniture and accessories can create sculptural touchpoints in your design, without overwhelming a space. Why not start with a neutral, minimalist colour palette on the walls and build from there, letting objects become the vehicle for expression? By treating colour as a movable layer rather than a fixed commitment, you can introduce personality, contrast and warmth in a way that feels intentional yet effortless, transforming a neutral backdrop into a lively, character-filled environment.

In Conclusion

The beauty of these 3 colour trends is that they’re adaptable. You can experiment with one technique for a subtle change or combine several for a rich, layered effect.

When working with an architect or interior designer, colour selection should be part of the overall design strategy, ensuring it enhances the space, complements the materials, and supports the intended atmosphere. At OVS, we see colour as more than decoration; it’s an integral part of the design narrative.

Ready to explore creative uses of colour in your home or business? Contact us today to discuss how our team can bring your vision to life.