Pantone has just unveiled its Color of the Year, and this time it’s a serene off-white with subtle stone-gray undertones: Cloud Dancer. While it might initially seem understated compared with more dramatic shades in the 2026 Color of the Year lineup, this neutral is quietly making its mark on interiors.
For some, an off-white might feel predictable – after all, it’s white. But for others, Pantone's Cloud Dancer offers a refreshing pause amidst the season’s jewel tones, warm terracottas, and bolder palette choices. Its simplicity is its strength: elegant, timeless, and surprisingly versatile.
Anne Hathaway's kitchen
Anne Hathaway’s minimalist kitchen was the first space that came to mind when Cloud Dancer was announced as Pantone’s Color of the Year. Despite being almost entirely white, the room feels surprisingly warm and inviting, proving that white needn’t be stark or clinical.
The space is anything but conventional: shelves of artisanal ceramics and carefully curated sculptures turn the kitchen into a work of art that soothes and inspires. Yet it’s the understated, neutral paint color that quietly ties it all together, enhancing the natural light streaming in from the skylight and giving the room its calm, serene atmosphere.
In Anne’s kitchen, Cloud Dancer demonstrates the true power of a thoughtfully chosen white paint color – effortlessly elegant, timeless, and entirely welcoming.
Kacey Musgrave's living room
A tranquil retreat filled with organic textures and earthy tones, Kacey Musgraves' living space is a testament to the power of off-white.
In fact, I'm convinced that the neutral paint color is what makes the room feel so delightfully pared-back and inviting. Woven with intricate details to give the space a lived-in warmth, Kacey's living space might be on the minimal side, but it couldn't be more welcoming.
From the textured rattan lounger to the dusky pink drapes and the serene, abstract landscape, these unique details feel considered and balanced, brought to life through a simple, yet unbeatable backdrop of off-white.
Sarah Paulson's kitchen
From the soft white walls to the cabinetry, Sarah Paulson's off-white kitchen may appear simple at first glance, yet its cozy warmth proves that neutrals have a subtle power, enhancing architecture without overpowering it.
While warmer shades might often be chosen for a characterful home, it’s the understated white paint that gives this kitchen its serene, tranquil atmosphere. Bathed in natural light, the walls and cabinets open up the space beautifully, providing a perfect backdrop for organic details like marble countertops and gleaming gold hardware.
I’ve always adored this charming, cabin-inspired space, but Pantone’s announcement of Cloud Dancer has deepened my appreciation. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, yet it’s the quiet strength of the white paint that truly elevates the room, proving that a neutral can be both timeless and transformative.
Kourtney Kardashian's entryway
Renowned for its ability to instantly brighten and open up a space, white is always a clever choice, particularly in smaller or darker homes. But when introduced into an already striking setting, the color truly comes alive, reminding us why it has been cherished for generations.
Kourtney Kardashian’s modern entryway, designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is a perfect example. Here, a timeless white like Cloud Dancer enhances the architecture effortlessly, highlighting the dramatic curves and soaring ceilings while amplifying the natural light that floods the space. Simple yet classic, the shade allows the design’s grandeur to shine without competing, proving once again that a thoughtfully chosen neutral can elevate even the most impressive interiors.
Jennifer Aniston's living room
A modernist masterpiece, Jennifer Aniston’s living room is refreshingly understated. While one-of-a-kind art pieces add personality and warmth, the off-white walls set the tone, infusing the space with life and enhancing the natural light that pours in.
Jennifer’s living room is perhaps the ultimate showcase of white in all its glory. Whether it’s the ceiling-height window framing a cloud-filled sky or the room’s serene, tranquil atmosphere, the space perfectly exemplifies how a thoughtfully chosen off-white, like Cloud Dancer, can transform a room without ever feeling overpowering.
Shop the Look
Bring a touch of understated elegance to your table with these stoneware salad plates. Off-white in hue and subtly textured, they'll bring a charming warmth to your kitchen shelves or dresser.
Minimal yet interesting, add a contemporary touch to a classic setting with this sculptural ceramic bowl. Abstract in form, it's a statement piece that is sure to spark conversation.
Distinctive in its sculptural form, the Thessaly vase is finished in a crisp white glaze, making it timeless in color and contemporary in shape. It will bring interest and drama to any surface it's placed on.
Anne Hathaway layers rustic stone plates on her kitchen shelves, reminiscent of CB2’s Selene collection. With their organic shapes and tactile finish, they bring a modern yet timeless charm that every contemporary kitchen needs.
With its elegant neck and organic finish, this tall ceramic vase will give any shelf an enduring sophistication. Pair it with some rustic tableware for the ultimate contemporary-inspired display.
Drape this cozy throw over a sofa or armchair for a touch of serene white that brightens any dark corner and beckons you to sink in and unwind.
Though Cloud Dancer is a seemingly simple shade, it exudes a delicate, timeless elegance. Long a favorite in interior design, these five homes showcase the enduring versatility and quiet power of white in all its forms.
