lots of greenery when a wide planted border sage green, whites, textures from foliage

Every year, Pantone chooses a Colour of the Year that reflects the mood, style and direction we’re moving towards in design. For 2026, they’ve announced Cloud Dancer: a beautifully soft, nuanced white that brings calm, clarity and a sense of quiet luxury. Understated yet elevated, it works effortlessly with both contemporary and natural styles.

While interior designers often celebrate Pantone’s announcement first, I love looking at how these global design trends translate into our gardens, because colour has just as much impact outdoors as it does into our homes.

Cloud Dancer offers the perfect inspiration for gardens that feel serene, timeless and beautifully balanced.

What makes cloud dancer perfect for gardens

This shade of soft white brightens shady spaces without feeling stark and brings a sense of freshness and purity to the planting palette. It creates a calm backdrop that allows foliage and flowers to shine, enhances evening glow when paired with warm lighting and works with both cottage-style and contemporary gardens. It’s subtle but transformative, just like most successful gardens.

DESIGNING WITH CLOUD DANCER: INSPIRATION FOR YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

There are so many ways to incorporate this 2026 colour trend into a garden

WHITE BLOOMING PLANTS

A palette built around white creates a sophisticated, gently layered feel. Beautiful options include

Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’
Philadelphus belle etoile ‘Mock Orange’
Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies
Agapanthus (white)
Astrantia ‘Shaggy’
Foxgloves (white)
Anemones
Tulips like ‘White Triumphator’

SOFT GREY-GREEN FOLIAGE

For balance and softness, Cloud Dancer pair naturally with muted foliage such as

Olive trees
Artemisia
Stachys ‘Silver Carpet’
Eucalyptus

LIGHT, NATURAL MATERIALS

Cloud Dancer truly comes to life when used alongside organic materials including

Pale limestone paving
Soft white gravel
Warm white timber pergolas
Textured clay pots

SUBTLE COLOUR ACCENTS

Pantone recommends complementary shades such as

Soft muted peach
Muted aqua
Sage greens
Gentle violets

This can be introduced through outdoor cushions, seating, decorative pots or seasonal bedding plants.

THE FEELING CLOUD DANCER CREATES

Gardens influenced by this palette feel airy, peaceful and gently uplifting. There is a refined simplicity to them that is welcoming rather than stark, and a sense of balance that makes the space instantly relaxing. Whether designed for entertaining or quiet everyday moments, Cloud Dancer helps create gardens that feel restorative and full of intention.

PERFECT FOR MODERN LIVING AND SUSTAINABILITY

Our gardens are becoming places to slow down, reconnect with nature and support local wildlife. Cloud Dancer fits perfectly within this shift toward calm, sustainable living. It encourages long-lasting planting schemes that thrive with care rather than constant replacement, and designs that look even better as they mature. Minimal doesn’t have to mean bare. When thoughtfully layered, this palette feels alive and full of texture, movement and evolving interest.

ready to bring cloud dancer into your garden

Whether you’re dreaming of a gentle refresh or a full garden transformation, I create gardens that feel as elegant as they are functional, designed around the way you truly live. If you’d like to explore this calming new design direction for your own space, I’d love to help bring it to life.

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