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Every year, a new colour rises above the trends – but only a few capture something deeper: a feeling, a memory, a moment of calm in a world that rarely slows down.
Pennygum (PEX-A-009), Paint Club’s Colour of the Year 2026, does exactly that.
Softly grounded in grey-silver-green undertones, Pennygum is inspired by one of South Africa’s most beloved botanical icons: the aromatic eucalyptus penny gum bush often found adorning weddings, celebrations, art studios, home décor, and everything in between.
Chosen as part of the Paint Club Bespoke Colour Collection, Pennygum is an interior colour that connects South Africans to the beauty of nature, the comfort of memory, and a growing desire for homes that feel soothing, timeless, and deeply personal.
Its versatility extends across top Plascon ranges such as Easy Living Plush Matt, Multi-Surface Sheen, Double Velvet, Cashmere, and Velvaglo – making it a future classic for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Read on to unpack the story behind the colour, its unique emotional resonance, and how to use Pennygum in modern South African interiors with confidence.
The Story Behind the Colour: A South African Inspiration Rooted in Memory
The heart of Pennygum is its story – and few colours have such a personal, emotionally rich origin.
During the development of the Bespoke Colour Collection, colour developer Annamarie found herself surrounded by bunches of fresh penny gum from a local nursery, a place she had visited for years. That moment sparked something meaningful.
“There was a bunch of penny gum on our shop counter while we were developing the colour collection.
The colour and the smell are so soothing to me.
Pennygum is colour without being overwhelming – it speaks to everyone.” – Annamarie, Colour Developer
To Annamarie, penny gum was more than a botanical reference. It was a feeling – of calm, of soft earthiness, of joyful occasions and meaningful celebrations. She used penny gum in her art exhibitions because it paired effortlessly with vibrant colours without overpowering them. It carried a presence that was both grounded and delicate.
This became the essence of the paint colour:
a shade that goes with everything, fits naturally into any space, and instantly brings the outdoors in.
Paint Club Group Head of Marketing and co-developer Cheryl Lotter shared the same sentiment:
“Pennygum is my clear favourite in the Bespoke Colour Collection.
The grey-silver-green tones are so soothing.
I’d use it in a living space where I want to bring nature in – and it pairs beautifully with neutrals like True Ivory and House of Annie.” – Cheryl Lotter, Group Marketing Head
Pennygum became the Colour of the Year not because it is loud, trendy, or dramatic, but because it offers something more valuable: quiet confidence.
A colour that never tries too hard, and never needs to.
Why Pennygum Is the Perfect Colour for 2026
A Growing National and Global Shift Toward Calm Living
South Africans across the country – from Cape Town’s coastal suburbs to Johannesburg’s urban apartments and Durban’s humid tropical homes – are gravitating toward colours that bring emotional grounding.
The world is louder, faster, and more digital than ever. Home has become a retreat.
Pennygum captures this shift beautifully.
Its dusty green neutrality offers:
- A sense of calm in high-traffic living spaces
- A connection to nature
- A feeling of soft, understated luxury
- A backdrop that supports rather than steals attention
The Emotional Power of Botanical Colours
Colour psychology reinforces the emotional associations of greens and earth-based tones:
- They reduce stress
- Lower visual overstimulation
- Support focus and wellbeing
- Create balance in spaces where multiple design elements compete
Pennygum’s genius lies in the fact that it is not “green” in the traditional sense.
Its mix of grey, soft silver, and a whisper of organic green makes it:
- Neutral enough for minimalist interiors
- Rich enough for layered, textural homes
- Timeless enough to outlast trends
- Gentle enough for both large and small spaces
A Versatile Foundation for Modern South African Interiors
Many trending colours require careful pairing – not Pennygum.
It harmonises effortlessly with:
Warm Neutrals
Such as True Ivory or House of Annie, giving living rooms and bedrooms a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Deep Accent Colours
Its muted nature allows bolder shades to pop without creating overwhelm.
Natural Textures
Wood, rattan, sisal, linen, stone, and woven grass blends beautifully with Pennygum’s organic tone.
Metallic Finishes
Brushed gold, aged brass, and matte black fittings all elevate the colour’s natural elegance.
Pennygum works equally well in:
- Scandi-inspired homes
- Farmhouse and country interiors
- Modern urban apartments
- Coastal-inspired spaces across SA
- Bushveld lodges and nature-inspired retreats
Its universality is precisely why it became a standout in the Bespoke Colour Collection.
How to Use Pennygum in Your Home: Room-by-Room Guidance
This is where the Colour of the Year becomes a practical, easy-to-use design tool.
Below is a detailed look at how Pennygum performs across different rooms, finishes, and lighting conditions.
Living Rooms – Calm, Grounded, Beautifully Balanced
Living rooms are the heart of the South African home, and Pennygum establishes an inviting, sophisticated foundation.
Recommended Paint Finishes
- Easy Living Plush Matt (for a refined, velvety feel)
- Double Velvet (for durability in high-traffic homes)
Design Tips
- Pair with warm whites, natural timber, woven baskets, textured rugs
- Combine with leafy indoor plants for a biophilic effect
- Use soft lighting to deepen the earthy undertones
Bedrooms – A Relaxing, Restorative Haven
Bedrooms benefit enormously from Pennygum’s restful presence.
Recommended Paint Finishes
- Easy Living Plush Matt
- Easy Living Multi-Surface Sheen if the room has high humidity
Design Tips
- Pair with linen bedding in oatmeal, stone, or cloud grey
- Create a feature wall behind the bed
- Add eucalyptus stems in a simple vase for a cohesive, sensory touch
Kitchens – Clean, Fresh, and Uncluttered
Pennygum works beautifully in modern South African kitchens, where warm wood cabinetry and stone surfaces are trending.
Recommended Paint Finishes
- Velvaglo Water-Based Enamel (for hard-wearing surfaces)
- Easy Living Multi-Surface Sheen (moisture-resistant for kitchens)
Design Tips
- Pair with white quartz, butcherblock counters, or charcoal cabinetry
- Enhance with black hardware or brass handles
- Use Pennygum on walls, island bases, or even selected cabinetry
Bathrooms – Spa-Level Serenity
The dusty green-grey tone naturally complements stone tiles, white sanitaryware, and matte black fittings.
Recommended Paint Finishes
- Velvaglo Water-Based Enamel (high humidity + durability)
- Plascon Kitchens & Bathrooms (excellent for moisture control)
Design Tips
- Combine with light stone floors and textured towels
- Add eucalyptus stems in the shower for an aromatic spa moment
- Works beautifully with both warm and cool lighting
Lighting Matters: How Pennygum Behaves in Different Conditions
Pennygum’s unique strength lies in its adaptability.
Natural North-Facing Light (Bright & Consistent)
Pennygum appears slightly warmer, drawing out its soft sage undertone.
Natural South-Facing Light (Cooler & Softer)
The colour leans more toward its grey-silver element, creating a serene minimalist effect.
Artificial Warm Lighting (Warm White or Soft Glow)
Its green tones become richer, making the room feel cocooned and inviting.
Artificial Cool Lighting (Daylight LEDs)
The grey base becomes more pronounced, creating a contemporary, architectural look.
This flexibility is rare – and makes Pennygum one of the most versatile greens available in interior design today.
Product Pairings: Which Plascon Finishes Work Best with Pennygum?
Pennygum is approved for use across multiple premium interior ranges in the Paint Club ecosystem:
- Easy Living Plush Matt — a velvety, luxurious finish ideal for living rooms and bedrooms
- Easy Living Multi-Surface Sheen — excellent for kitchens and bathrooms
- Double Velvet — premium durability for high-traffic areas
- Cashmere — smooth, elegant, washable finish
- Velvaglo Water-Based Enamel — perfect for trims, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms
Where necessary, pair with:
- Easy Living Total Prime for enhanced adhesion and coverage when painting difficult substrates (tiles, melamine, etc.)
South African Style Pairings: Making Pennygum Feel at Home
With Local Architecture
- Works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary homes
- Complements raw materials like stone, timber, exposed brick
Regional Style Applications
Cape Town & Coastal Regions
Perfect for relaxed, airy interiors with sandy neutrals and soft blues.
Gauteng Urban Living
Balances modern black, grey, and metallic interiors.
KwaZulu-Natal Tropical Homes
Softens the lush greens of the outdoors, creating visual harmony.
Highveld & Bushveld Lodges
Blends seamlessly with earth tones, leather, woven textures, and natural views.
Pennygum Is More Than a Colour – It’s a Feeling
Pennygum brings together memory, modernity, and nature in one beautifully balanced shade.
It is:
- Calm
- Effortless
- Versatile
- Grounded
- Universally appealing
But most importantly, Pennygum makes a home feel like a sanctuary.
Whether brushed in a velvety Plush Matt across a living room wall, or used as a moisture-resistant Velvaglo enamel in a bathroom, it elevates every space it touches – without ever demanding the spotlight.
Pennygum is the Paint Club Colour of the Year 2026 because it speaks to who we are and how we want to live: grounded, connected, and inspired by the natural beauty around us.
Bespoke Colour Collection
Pennygum is ONLY available from authorised Plascon Paint Expert stores nationwide. Click here to Find Your Nearest Store
FAQs: Pennygum Colour of the Year 2026
- What type of colour is Pennygum?
Pennygum (PEX-A-009) is a neutral grey-silver-green with earthy undertones. It is calming, versatile, and suitable for interior spaces.
- Which rooms is Pennygum best suited for?
Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas — its neutrality adapts beautifully to different environments.
- Which paint finishes should I use with Pennygum?
Top recommended finishes include Easy Living Plush Matt, Multi-Surface Sheen, Double Velvet, Cashmere, and Velvaglo Water-Based Enamel.
- Does Pennygum work in small rooms?
Yes. Its muted, balanced tone adds depth without making a small room feel boxed-in.
- What colours pair best with Pennygum?
Soft neutrals like True Ivory, warm whites, natural timber, charcoal accents, and brass or black fittings.
- Does Pennygum change in different lighting?
Yes. It appears warmer in bright natural light and more grey-silver in cool lighting, making it an adaptable interior colour.
- Is Pennygum suitable for coastal homes?
Absolutely. Its dusty, nature-inspired tone fits perfectly into relaxed, coastal South African design.
- Can I use Pennygum on kitchen or bathroom walls?
Yes — when paired with the appropriate moisture-resistant finishes such as Velvaglo or Multi-Surface Sheen.
- What primer should I use before applying Pennygum?
Easy Living Total Prime is recommended for maximum adhesion and coverage.
- Is Pennygum part of a larger collection?
Yes, it forms part of the Paint Club Bespoke Colour Collection, under the Accents category.
- Can Pennygum be used with bold décor or art?
Yes — it complements bold colours beautifully without competing for attention.
- Where can I purchase Pennygum?
At any authorised Plascon Paint Expert store.
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