Johnstone’s Trade has named Country Soil (PPG15-30) its 2027 Colour of the Year, a warm, richly saturated tone that mixes beige, taupe and gray. The shade is taken from nature, recalling clay-laden soil and weathered stone.
Country Soil reflects a growing desire for calm, comfort, and authenticity in the built environment. It captures a wider movement towards spaces that promote wellbeing and connection, creating a sense of balance and harmony.
Colour Trends
Since 2013, colour experts from PPG, the global coatings company behind Johnstone’s Trade, have gathered annually to analyse the societal, cultural, and design influences shaping colour preferences. For 2027, the forecast marks a notable shift from the bright, expressive hues of 2026 toward more muted palettes.
“Country Soil is designed for slowing down,” said Donna Taylor, Johnstone’s Trade Colour and Design manager, Architectural Coatings. “It provides a base layer with a soft, neutral tone, creating an environment that feels settled, welcoming, and restorative.”
Design Applications
Country Soil’s depth and versatility make it suitable for a wide range of sectors, from education and healthcare to workplace, hospitality, and residential environments. It creates cohesive, immersive spaces that feel both refined and approachable.
With its low light reflectance value, Country Soil gently diffuses light rather than reflecting it, creating a soft, enveloping atmosphere. Its timeless neutrality provides the flexibility to refresh furnishings, artwork, and decorative elements over time without compromising the overall aesthetic.
Donna Taylor added that people are increasingly looking for spaces that provide a sense of grounding and permanence. Country Soil reflects that desire for thoughtful, enduring design, demonstrating how colour can help create environments that feel both reassuring and sophisticated.
Country Soil is available in a wide range of Johnstone’s Trade products, helping specifiers, contractors, and decorators achieve the required finish and performance for projects across commercial, public sector, and residential environments.
As a global coatings company, PPG operates and innovates in more than 50 countries, serving customers in construction, consumer products, industrial, and transportation markets and aftermarkets. They have a wide range of products and services, and to learn more, visit www.ppg.com.
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), they work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty products that their customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, they solve their customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, they operate and innovate in more than 50 countries and reported net sales of $15.9 billion in 2025. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.