Little Greene’s Colour of the Year for 2027 is Marle, a mid-tone brown that changes the way people think about neutrals. This earthy shade is designed to inspire a new wave of autumn colour ideas, moving away from stark whites and cool greys.
Marle is a brown that avoids the intensity of rich chocolates or the spice of caramel tones, instead sitting in a perfectly balanced sweet spot. It’s a versatile choice that will warm cooler spaces and breathe life into darker rooms, according to Little Greene’s Creative Director Ruth Mottershead.
Marle’s pigmentation is crafted with a generous helping of yellow ochre, a dose of black, and a hint of red oxide, achieving a delicate equilibrium that is neither too hot nor too cool.
Ruth Mottershead notes that Marle is a triumph because it redefines the traditional associations of brown with dated 1970s interiors, instead making it a wonderful choice for 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.
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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. It pairs naturally with forest greens and deep teals, and combining it with soft plaster pinks feels particularly inspired, according to Katy McLean, Deputy Editor of The English Home.
Katy McLean observes that there’s been a movement towards warmer, earthy tones and creamier neutrals to soften and enrich interiors. A mid-brown like Marle strikes a good balance for those wanting a pared-back or neutral scheme, whilst also adopting a shade that’s unexpected.
Little Greene’s ‘Marle’ (No. 355) is available on the Little Greene website, now across the full range of interior and exterior finishes.
