Little Greene’s colour of the year turns an unloved retro shade into the warm neutral we’ve all been waiting for

There was a time when suggesting a scheme centred entirely around brown would have raised a collective eyebrow across Britain. 

Associated for decades with the heavy palettes of the 1970s, brown was (quite unfairly) relegated to the back of the decorating cupboard. But as our approach to neutrals evolves, inspiring a fresh wave of paint ideas that move away from stark whites and cool greys, an earthy renaissance has taken hold.

Enter Marle, Little Greene’s newly appointed Colour of the Year for 2027.

Launched this autumn, Marle is a nuanced mid-tone brown designed to inspire a new wave of autumn colour ideas. It avoids the heavy-handed intensity of rich chocolates or the high-octane spice of caramel tones, sitting instead in a perfectly balanced sweet spot. Think of it as the interior design equivalent of an impeccably tailored cashmere jumper: chic, and endlessly versatile.

What makes the shade such a triumph is its pigmentation. Crafted with a generous helping of yellow ochre, a dose of black, and a hint of red oxide, it achieves a delicate equilibrium that is neither too hot nor too cool. As Little Greene’s Creative Director Ruth Mottershead notes, it is a versatile choice that will ‘warm cooler spaces and breathe life into darker rooms as well as set the scene for harmony and tranquillity.’ Addressing its past reputation, she adds that ‘gone are the associations of dated 1970s interiors, drab or dull spaces,’ making it wonderful to see shades like Marle ‘re-taking their rightful place in contemporary interiors.’

The result is a hue that delivers real architectural weight without overpowering a room, offering a richer alternative to off-white and a gentler backdrop than greys.

The real joy of a grounded neutral like Marle lies in its adaptability. In snug sitting rooms, bedrooms, or cloakrooms, wrapping walls, skirtings, and ceilings in the shade creates a wonderful cocoon. Texture is key here. As Mottershead highlights, ‘the earthy yet refined nature of brown shades makes them the perfect backdrop to natural materials including wicker, rattan, warm woods and stone finishes,’ rendering them ideal for ‘any space where you wish to create a restful atmosphere.’

It also opens up fresh possibilities for colour combinations. While it pairs naturally with forest greens and deep teals, combining it with soft plaster pinks, (the new neutral didn’t you know), feels particularly inspired. Katy McLean, Deputy Editor of The English Home, observes that ‘there’s been a definite movement to warmer, earthy tones and creamier neutrals to both soften and enrich interiors.’

She points out that a mid-brown like Marle ‘strikes a good balance for those wanting a pared back or neutral scheme, whilst also embracing a shade that’s unexpected.’ On pairing it with soft pinks, McLean adds that ‘moving to an earthier palette of plaster tones and warm browns offers a chic, fresh new look, whilst retaining a timeless charm that won’t date too quickly.’

Ultimately, Marle marks a shift in how we choose to live with colour. It respects our desire for soothing spaces while introducing a confidence that feels wonderfully current. Whether used as a backdrop for antiques or layered into a texture-rich sanctuary, this is one shade that promises to age with complete grace.

Little Greene’s ‘Marle’ (No. 355) is available on the Little Greene website, now across the full range of interior and exterior finishes.