As we head into Autumn/Winter 2026/27, warm, purple-spectrum hues are emerging as a vital trend for both home décor and fashion.
From deep aubergine, rich berry and damson to claret and burgundy red, softer plum and delicate raspberry, these sumptuous shades offer a welcome alternative to the ‘Scandi-chic’ cool greys and understated neutrals which have dominated home trends in recent years.
The shift is reflected in the 2026 colour forecast from British paint brand, Little Greene, whose Creative Director, Ruth Mottershead, identifies warmer red and purple tones as a natural progression towards more colourful and expressive interiors. Little Greene’s plum Adventurer shade, the deep aubergine of Córdoba and rich Purple Brown, demonstrate how this palette can bring depth, elegance and a sense of understated luxury to the home.
These rich tones are well-suited to autumnal spirit that’s sweeping across the British Isles, as we start to hunker down beside roaring fires, cat on lap, book in hand and dog at our feet.
The beauty of this trend is that you don’t need to redecorate to embrace it. For an easy seasonal update, introduce berry-coloured cushions, a plush burgundy throw or plum-toned bedding to bring warmth and texture to neutral sofas and bedrooms. Decorative vases, statement lamps, candles and artwork in deep wine and raspberry shades offer smaller but equally effective ways to refresh a room, whilst velvet, bouclé and tactile woven fabrics help these colours feel especially inviting as the evenings draw in.
For a more contemporary look, pair aubergine with warm cream, chocolate brown, natural wood and antique brass or – for a fresher contrast – try berry tones alongside muted olive green, soft blush pink or ochre. In darker British interiors, layering these shades against warm neutrals can create a cosy, cocooning feel without overwhelming the space.
Dr Susanne Lux, styling expert at Stars for Europe, UK, offers ideas and inspiration for bringing some berry goodness into your lives this season:
This baroque-inspired table decoration (top) focuses on abundance and natural diversity. At the centre of the table lies a lavish arrangement of poinsettias, fruit and vegetables. The red and pink plants are paired with apples, pears, plums, cabbages, aubergines, pomegranates, potatoes, onions, berries and mushrooms, creating a surprising interplay of floral and culinary elements. Candles and berries echo the warm colour tones and enhance the sensory effect. Hanging from the ceiling above the table, amaryllis (Hippeastrum) and winterberry (Ilex verticillata) branches with berries add further accents.
With their distinctive coloured bracts, poinsettias bring a touch of style to modern living spaces. When used as cut flowers, they offer further decorative possibilities. These salmon pink-orange varieties form a warm contrast with the purple read hues of these on-trend vases, creating an uplifting autumnal atmosphere. To keep cut poinsettias fresh for up to two weeks, briefly dip the stems in water at around 60°C, then immediately in cold water after cutting. Change the water regularly after that.
Image credit: Stars for Europe UK
For a more Christmassy feel fill the vases with red poinsettias, which will stay looking their best for weeks over the festive period.
Creative upcycling
Old glass or ceramic items such as vases, bowls or candles can be transformed into stylish plant stands in coordinating berry tones using paint and hot glue. Displayed at different heights, cut flowers and plants look even more beautiful. Their varied shades bring the whole arrangement to life, making it a festive feature.
For this creative upcycling project, you will need old glass or ceramic items such as bowls, vases or candlesticks. It’s important that the top piece can be used as a plant pot so poinsettia can be placed in it later. You’ll also need acrylic paints and brushes, all-purpose glass and ceramics adhesive, and poinsettias in coordinating colours.
First, carefully clean the various glass or ceramic items and leave them to dry. Then stack the individual pieces on top of one another to see how they fit, until you’ve decided on the shape and height of the plant stands you want. Next, secure the pieces in place with the glue. Leave to set.
Next, paint the plant stands in the berry shades of your choice, using the acrylic paints. Tip: You can create your own unique shades by mixing lighter or darker colours.
Finally, place a poinsettia in the top pot. To make sure your plant stays healthy as long as possible, don’t overwater it and place your plant stand in a bright spot.
Poinsettias in warm shades of apricot, rosé and salmon can create a cosy autumnal atmosphere, even outdoors. Arranged under glass, these heat-loving plants are protected from draughts. However, as poinsettias cannot tolerate temperatures below 12°C, these arrangements are only suitable for mild weather or sheltered areas.
Moving further outdoors, this beautiful Montclair outdoor planter by Mims Pottery fully captures the purple spirit of the season in a dazzling amethyst hue, offering the perfect backdrop for vivid flowering plants and an instant upgrade for tired-looking exteriors.
