If you’re planning to update your home or start a new build this new year, choosing the right color can make everything come together.
Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, is a soft, neutral off-white — not a stark white, but a billowy and balanced white. The shade is meant to evoke calm, serenity, and clarity.
“Think of Cloud Dancer as an easy, flexible, and foundational backdrop that lets other elements of your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom shine,” said David Kallie, MCR, CKBR, CAPS, President of Dimension Inc. “It works well with everyone’s style, whether modern, traditional, or somewhere in between.”
If you’re looking to design a home that feels fresh, timeless, and effortlessly put together, Cloud Dancer may be the quiet hero your project needs. The following are some ways to use the Color of the Year in your next remodel or build:
Use it as Whole-House Wall Color
Choosing to paint the entire home neutral gives it a timeless feel. Each room flows cohesively into the next, and—as an additional bonus— it becomes resale-friendly. Cloud Dancer’s subtle softness helps avoid the cold feeling that some all-white rooms can call forward.
“If you’re repainting existing walls, Cloud Dancer works great with walls that feel heavy or outdated, as well as in spaces where lighting is limited,” David said. The off-white hue hides imperfections better than pure white.
Choose for Cabinetry and Tiles
Cloud Dancer can be used for all cabinets, upper cabinets if you’re going to two-tone your cabinet colors, island surrounds in the kitchen, and even in pantry built-ins. “The color’s subtle undertone gives the spaces a fresh look that pairs well with quartz or concrete countertops and hardware like brass or black,” said David.
You can also incorporate Cloud Dancer into your kitchen and bathroom tiles, shower walls, or backsplashes. This gives each room a timeless base, allowing for longevity in materials.
Pair with Wood Tones
This subdued off-white hue softens bold or dark wood, which is often present in older homes.
“If your home has exposed beams or wood cabinets, Cloud Dancer is a hue choice,” David said. “The color also pairs well with oak, walnut, pine, or hardwood floors.”
Highlight the Details
Instead of painting everything white, try highlighting just the details with Cloud Dancer.
“Installing baseboards, window trim, doors, or molding in Cloud Dancer modernizes spaces without making it feel stark,” David said. “Black and brass hardware on doors also stand out beautifully with this hue.”
You can even try creating a focal point in a room using Cloud Dancer. It can help refresh your fireplace surround or mantel, or soft-wash harsh brick. It can create a calming focus without looking blindly white.
Choosing Cloud Dancer for a rebuild or remodel adds a bright, adaptable finish that complements any style. Its subtle, timeless tone brings cohesion to the space and supports a polished, lasting result.
If you want to see what you can do with your space and budget, call Dimension Design-Build-Remodel at 262-402-6602 or email davidkallie@dimension-dbr.com.