In a move set to define home decor trends, IKEA has boldly announced its Colour of the Year for 2026: Rebel Pink. This vibrant, playful hue is a direct nod to the millennial pink phenomenon that dominated interiors in the mid-2010s, signalling a surprising and nostalgic comeback for the girly shade.
Designer Reacts to the Bold Choice
The selection has sparked conversation within the design world. Luxury interior designer Jo Hamilton, based in London, admitted to finding the choice 'strange', noting it contrasts with a broader shift towards calm, material-led spaces. However, she offered crucial advice for style enthusiasts eager to integrate Rebel Pink without their homes looking dated or overly sweet.
"It feels quite at odds with where interiors are heading," Jo stated. "Rebel Pink might be seen by some as bold and playful, but for me it lacks subtlety and feels difficult to place within a more considered, long-term scheme."
How to Style Rebel Pink Like a Pro
Jo Hamilton's expert guidance focuses on achieving a mature, elevated look. Her key principle is to use the colour sparingly and strategically. She recommends small accents in artwork, sculptural accessories, or even hidden touches like the interior of a cupboard.
Avoid pairing Rebel Pink with pale greys, whites, or other pastels, as this combination risks creating an 'overly sugary' aesthetic. Instead, the designer advocates for grounding the vibrant pink with deeper, more serious tones.
"Deeper, more serious tones such as deep browns, soft charcoals or warm neutrals, can help counterbalance its sweetness," Jo explained. This approach prevents the shade from feeling juvenile or dominating a room, especially if used on large structural pieces or walls.
A Contrast to Pantone and Product Launch
IKEA's vibrant pick stands in stark contrast to the colour authority Pantone, which named the chalky, serene Cloud Dancer white as its 2026 Colour of the Year. This divergence offers a lively alternative for consumers craving more energy in their homes.
To celebrate the new hue, the Swedish retailer will launch the GREJSIMOS collection in February 2026. The range, whose name is a Swedish colloquial term for 'thingamajig', will feature items like an adorable fuzzy chair cover in the signature Rebel Pink tint.
IKEA describes the colour as 'full of energy and sparks joy in any space', calling it 'powerful, playful and bold'. While reactions to the trend are mixed, many home lovers are already expressing excitement, with some saying they are 'obsessed' with the nostalgic shade's return.
