Christmas for color lovers has arrived. Pantone has announced its much-anticipated Color of the Year for 2026, and shockingly, it's white.
'Cloud Dancer' is a tranquil, off-white tone that, despite being a trusted neutral, makes a quietly bold statement. It's reminded us of white's deep power and how, despite its safety, it can make quite the design statement. When it comes to neutral spaces with a similar aura, look no further than Sarah Paulson’s white kitchen.
Soft off-white walls and cabinets (extraordinarily similar to Cloud Dancer) set the tone in this space, creating an atmosphere that’s tranquil yet unmistakably design-driven. This soft tone is the foundation on which the designer Amy Kehoe builds a masterclass in making the most of every square foot.
Shop the White Kitchen Edit
Bring a touch of understated elegance to your table with these stoneware salad plates. Their soft, off-white hue and subtle woven-like texture add warmth and sophistication, making them perfect for salads, appetizers, or everyday dining.
Add a contemporary touch to a classic setting with this sculptural ceramic bowl. Its flowing form blends artistry and function, creating a modern statement piece that is sure to spark conversation.
Celebrate the blend of modern design and vintage charm. Perfect for storing dried goods or displayed on open shelving, this canister seamlessly complements any type of home.
The Thessaly Vase stands out with its distinctive sculptural form. Crafted from stoneware and finished in a crisp white glaze, it adds a neutral yet striking element to any display.
Bring a touch of artisanal charm to your table with this stoneware bowl, featuring a white reactive glaze. Perfect for serving salads, fruits, or as a stylish centerpiece.
Marble decor brings an instant touch of luxury to any space. A marble tray can serve as a stylish base on your island or countertops, perfect for displaying a candle, bud vase, or decorative bottle.
For Sarah Paulson – a former New Yorker used to tight living – Amy transformed a petite Los Angeles home, no bigger than a classic New York one-bedroom, into a standout study in small-space luxury. The secret lies in its excessive (but, crucially, not overwhelming) use of off-white.
The white palette reflects abundant natural light and provides an airy, versatile canvas that will look just as beautiful a decade from now. Still, it has never looked quite as fashionable as it does today, in light of Pantone’s announcement.
Alongside its ability to make a small kitchen feel more welcoming, Chrissie Rucker OBE, the founder of The White Company, notes that this tone has a tranquil quality that's impossible to rival.
'My love of white is stronger than ever. In our hectic age, an era of constant connectivity, the idea of creating a peaceful white home and its relationship with calm and well-being seems more valuable than ever,' she says.
'I always choose a soft, soothing palette of whites, off-whites and neutrals, remembering that white is not one colour but a thousand tones and shades, all slightly and subtly different from each other.'
When I first saw Sarah's small kitchen, I was struck by its calmness, and we owe its entire sucsess to this unsung hero hue. I'm so glad that it's finally getting the recognition it deserves, and I only look forward to seeing how many designers and celebrities alike decorate with this hue in 2026.
