1. Mermaidcore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mermaidcore captures the shimmer and mystery of the ocean with iridescent aquas, soft teals, pearlescent purples and glittery silvers that create dreamy, fluid palettes. These tones shift like light on water, and paired with deep midnight blues or pastel overlays, the effect feels magical and otherworldly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Mermaidcore color trend has a magical, watery feel. Example by <\/em>Diana Hlevnjak<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n It marks a shift away from the muted \u201cquiet luxury\u201d neutrals of the past few years and brings back bold fantasy and a touch of escapism. As consumers look for designs that feel less predictable, Mermaidcore is an imaginative alternative that balances glamor with nostalgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Mermaidcore trend is defined by soft, gradient tones. Example by <\/em>Microsoft Design<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For small businesses, this trend works beautifully in beauty, fashion and lifestyle branding. A boutique could use pearlescent gradients on their packaging<\/a>, or a spa might choose teal-to-purple color washes to create calming digital visuals. To try it, experiment with gradients, metallic finishes and translucent layers that add depth and sparkle to your designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: An example of the Mermaidcore color trend 2026 on a website by <\/em>Gleb Kuznetsov<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Key features of the Mermaidcore trend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Banana Yellow is a cheerful and uplifting soft pastel that feels both playful and calm. It\u2019s brighter than cream but gentler than neon, making it easy to pair with neutrals, earthy browns or other pastel colors. For small-medium businesses (SMBs), this versatile shade can bring an optimistic feel to your branding.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Banana Yellow is a soft color trend that most SMBs can incorporate into their color palette. Example by <\/em>Moonpie Studio<\/em><\/a> via Behance<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This trend signals a shift away from the muted beige palettes of previous years, bringing back color that feels optimistic and joyful. Where pastels were once reserved for spring collections or children\u2019s branding, Banana Yellow is now being embraced across industries as consumers look to designs that feel more positive and approachable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Banana Yellow color trend 2026 works well for highlights and accents. Example by <\/em>Abdullah Zia<\/em><\/a> via Behance<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014 Mary Pho, Art Director, VistaPrint <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n For small businesses, this versatile shade can bring an optimistic feel to your branding. A caf\u00e9 could use banana yellow menus<\/a> to brighten up interiors, while an online shop might add it to their product photography for a fresh, modern look. Start by introducing it as an accent background or in typography highlights and lifestyle visuals where you want to create a feeling of warmth and friendliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Banana Yellow is a versatile color that can be used by most industries. Example by <\/em>T\u00e1ssi<\/em><\/a>a<\/a><\/em> Cristina<\/em><\/a> via Behance<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Key features of the Banana Yellow color trend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tangerine Disco channels the glow of a sunset. It\u2019s rich, theatrical and instantly eye-catching, sitting between the warmth of cinnamon tones and the gloss of bright orange. It feels glamorous yet approachable, and when paired with mint green or glitter finishes, it can nod to retro Vegas while staying modern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also the primary color for Taylor Swift’s upcoming new album, and if it’s anything like Charlie XCX’s \u201cBrat Green,\u201d then it\u2019s likely you\u2019re about to start seeing it everywhere!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Tangerine Disco color trend channels the feeling of a sunset. Example by <\/em>adamk.<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This trend reflects a broader move away from the cooler, muted palettes of recent years toward high-energy, expressive colors. As consumers look for vibrancy and celebration in their design, shades like Tangerine Disco bring instant impact and nostalgia without tipping into neon overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Tangerine Disco has a nostalgic, retro feel. Example by <\/em>Gloria Lastra<\/em><\/a> via Behance<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For small businesses, this is a great way to bring energy to branding<\/a>, promotions and seasonal campaigns. A bakery could use Tangerine Disco in neon-style lettering for event signage<\/a>, while a fashion brand could weave it into their packaging rib<\/a>b<\/a>ons<\/a> for a bold pop. Try adding this shade as a statement accent on headers, call-to-action buttons or campaign visuals as a starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: A website using Tangerine Disco as an accent color by <\/em>Delaram Hemati<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Key features of the Tangerine Disco trend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sun-Washed Soft colors look like they\u2019ve been softened by time and light. Dusty pinks, chalky blues, muted olives and pale terracottas evoke a feeling of warmth, authenticity and nostalgia. This mood is less about brightness and more about natural desaturation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: An example of a brand using Sun-Washed Soft colors by <\/em>De<\/em><\/a>n<\/a><\/em>ian<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014 Justin Hamra, Creative Director, VistaPrint <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n It is a move away from saturated, high-gloss palettes toward something gentler and more grounded. Consumers are increasingly drawn to tones that have a feeling of ease, honesty and a lived-in quality. This acts as a counterbalance to digital overstimulation and the polished \u201cperfection\u201d of earlier design eras. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: A restaurant using Sun-Washed Soft blue colors in its branding by <\/em>Liz Nikol<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Small businesses can use this trend to create calm, lived-in branding that feels trustworthy. A yoga studio might use sun-bleached tones across its website backgrounds for a calm feel, and a home goods shop could design packaging in chalky blues and faded pinks for a modern feel. To experiment, focus on muted variations of your brand\u2019s core colors and pair them with sandy neutral tones instead of harsh white contrasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Sun-Washed Soft colors feel warm and nostalgic. Example by <\/em>SMPLY Studio<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Key features of the Sun-Washed Soft colors trend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Few palettes say \u201cluxury\u201d like black and gold. Clubroom Contrast combines deep inky backdrops with metallic gold accents to create instant drama and sophistication. From matte foils to shimmering gradients, the contrast is bold yet timeless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Clubroom Contrast 2026<\/em><\/em> color trend is perfect for premium brands. Example by <\/em>Caleb Lam<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This trend evolves from popular, minimalist \u201call-black\u201d palettes, adding a new layer of opulence. Where stark black once represented exclusivity through a feeling of restraint, pairing it with gold is now a sign of confidence, indulgence and high-impact luxury. It highlights a broader cultural appetite for designs that feel rich and celebratory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Black and gold color palettes are associated with luxury. Example of Clubroom Contrast by <\/em>Daniel Raubenheimer<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For SMBs, this trend is ideal for premium positioning. Hospitality, jewelry or high-end services can all use this color palette to represent the high-end nature of their product or service. A small distillery could use black-and-gold bottle labels<\/a>, while an event planner might design gold-embossed invitations<\/a>. Start with a dark foundation and add gold sparingly for maximum impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Clubroom Contrast color trend 2026 can be used across all marketing materials. Example by <\/em>Mariem Hana<\/em><\/a> via Behance<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Key features of the Clubroom Contrast trend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Neon Shock is about using neon as a highlight, rather than flooding your branding with fluorescent color. Electric greens, acid yellows and hot pinks can energize palettes with muted or industrial foundations, acting as bold exclamation marks throughout your branding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Neon Shock color trend brings instant attention to your branding. Example by <\/em>Ivan Ermakov<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This steps away from the all-over neon palettes of the late 2010s and early 2020s, which often overwhelmed designs. In 2026, neon is more refined and used sparingly to add energy and impact. It reflects how brands are learning to balance attention-grabbing color with readability and restraint, creating designs that pop without exhausting the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: An example of a brand using the Neon Shock color trend 2026 by <\/em>Julie9<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Small businesses can benefit from this effect by grabbing attention in crowded markets. A food truck could use neon accents in its menu design, or a creative studio might integrate them into social media posts. To try it yourself, add neon shades to website buttons or other iconography that you want to have instant visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Neon Shock color trend on the cover of a book by <\/em>Evan.C<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Source: The Neon Shock trend is defined by bold neon accents. Example by <\/em>artsigma.<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Key features of the Neon Shock trend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2026, brown is stepping into the spotlight as a full color scheme, not just an accent color. Taupes and sandy beiges, deep chocolates, chestnuts and monochrome browns all evoke warmth, comfort and sophistication. And with roots in \u201870s culture, Walnut Retro feels both retro and fresh at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Brown tones feel warm and sophisticated. Example by <\/em>Kyle Lane<\/em><\/a> via Dribbble<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This trend is an upgrade on the cooler, minimalist neutrals like grey and stark white, which dominated branding for years. As consumers seek designs that feel grounded and more human, brown provides a warm, earthy alternative that\u2019s versatile across various industries. It also taps into a wider cultural embrace of nostalgia and sustainability, making it a future-facing yet familiar choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014 tapay<\/a>, Designer on 99designs by Vista <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n Source: Walnut Retro color trend 2026 steps away from more basic neutral palettes like blacks and grays. Example by <\/em>adamk.<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Walnut Retro is a refined alternative to gray or black palettes that feels fresh and interesting for SMBs. A coffee roaster could build an entire palette around earthy browns as it perfectly matches their product. On the other hand, a fashion boutique might design their packaging in layered chocolate tones for a sophisticated feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For an easy introduction to this palette, choose three to four complementary brown tones and use them across your socials backgrounds, text and product photography for consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Walnut Retro is a color trend that can be used timelessly by most businesses. Example via <\/em>Creative Boom<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Key features of the Walnut Retro palettes trend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014 Mary Pho, Art Director, VistaPrint <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n Thermal Glow turns invisible heat into a dazzling palette. Electric purples, incandescent reds and fiery oranges all blend into surreal gradients that are inspired by thermal imaging. The result feels futuristic and cinematic, and when used right it creates a high impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Thermal Glow color trend 2026 features bright, incandescent colors for impact. Example by <\/em>Maria Eugenia<\/em><\/a> via Pinterest<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This trend is the opposite of the predictable digital gradients and moves toward palettes that feel alive and atmospheric. As brands and consumers both lean into technology and science for inspiration, Thermal Glow is a reflection of the desire for visuals that are both experimental and emotionally charged. It bridges the worlds of science fiction and design, transforming invisible energy into a striking creative language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014 Justin Hamra, Creative Director, VistaPrint <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n Source: The Thermal Glow trend focuses on bright, infrared tones. Example by <\/em>sinans<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Small businesses can use this trend to signal their innovation and boldness. A tech start-up can use infrared palettes on product landing pages<\/a>, or a music venue could incorporate them into their posters and digital ads. A good starting point is to build gradient overlays with high-contrast colors and balance them with neutral typography so that you don\u2019t lose readability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Thermal Glow color trend 2026 feels futuristic and cinematic. Example by <\/em>![\"Example](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_683,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545725\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/mermaidcore\/mermaidcore.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_601,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545644\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/mermaidcore-colors\/mermaidcore-colors.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_765,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545917\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/mermaidcore-website_40659449c0\/mermaidcore-website_40659449c0.jpeg?_i=AA\")
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2. Banana Yellow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Example](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_649,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545655\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/banana-yellow\/banana-yellow.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Website](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_658,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545669\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/accent-buttons\/accent-buttons.jpg?_i=AA\")
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![\"Banana](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758884714\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/eyeshadow-moodboard-edited\/eyeshadow-moodboard-edited.jpg?_i=AA\")
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3. Tangerine Disco<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_830,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545682\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tengerine-disco\/tengerine-disco.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_782,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545695\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/rewtro-living\/rewtro-living.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545609\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/tengerine-design\/tengerine-design.jpg?_i=AA\")
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4. Sun-Washed Soft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dunk](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1018,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545710\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/dunk-ice-cream\/dunk-ice-cream.jpg?_i=AA\")
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![\"Branding](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545739\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/la-cubana\/la-cubana.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758549769\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/sun-washed\/sun-washed.jpeg?_i=AA\")
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5. Clubroom Contrast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758549933\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/clubroom-contrast\/clubroom-contrast.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_631,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545753\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/gold-chair\/gold-chair.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_685,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545760\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/stone-colored\/stone-colored.jpg?_i=AA\")
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6. Neon Shock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758550145\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/neon-shock\/neon-shock.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Neon](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_728,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545597\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/neon-green_40642fa253\/neon-green_40642fa253.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_600,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545774\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/black-book-cover\/black-book-cover.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n ![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_592,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545792\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/brand-logo_40640fd7c1\/brand-logo_40640fd7c1.jpg?_i=AA\"){kind=logo}
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7. Walnut Retro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_978,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758550427\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/walnut-brown\/walnut-brown.jpeg?_i=AA\")
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![\"Three](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_814,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545806\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/three-round-bottles\/three-round-bottles.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_535,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758550625\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/brown-billboard\/brown-billboard.jpeg?_i=AA\")
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8. Thermal Glow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545639\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/glowing-look\/glowing-look.jpg?_i=AA\")
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![\"Thermal](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758545575\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/thermal-glow\/thermal-glow.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Packaging](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1758550863\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/pink-neon-colors\/pink-neon-colors.jpeg?_i=AA\")
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