If 2025 was the year of "Biophilia" and green plants, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of Personality and Warmth. The global color authorities, from Pantone to Benjamin Moore, have spoken, and the forecast is bold, spicy, and unapologetically retro. The standout star of 2026? Ochre.
This rich, spicy yellow—along with deep chocolates, terracotta, and inky greens—is defining the "Retro Chic" movement. It's a color that evokes the golden hour, nostalgia, and a sense of grounding. For owners of a Createatable custom table, this shift in color trends offers an incredible opportunity. Your epoxy table is no longer just a piece of furniture; it is the perfect canvas upon which to build this sophisticated, fashion-forward palette. Here is your definitive guide to styling your dining space for 2026.
The Power Couple: Black Walnut & Ochre
There is perhaps no combination more timeless yet currently relevant than dark wood and Ochre. It is a pairing that speaks of mid-century modern elegance but feels fresh for today.
l The Look: Imagine your Createatable Black Walnut river table as the anchor. The wood is dark, rich, and intense. Now, surround it with dining chairs upholstered in a plush Ochre velvet. The golden-yellow tones of the chairs will pull out the honey-colored highlights hidden within the walnut grain, making the live edge "pop" in a way that standard white or grey chairs never could.
l Why it Works: This combination balances energies. The wood provides a "masculine," grounding foundation, while the Ochre velvet adds a "feminine," inviting softness. It creates a dining room that feels like a high-end boutique hotel or a members-only club.
2026's Resin Color Palette: The "New Neutrals"
While we will always love a classic blue river table, 2026 styling calls for more sophisticated resin hues. If you are ordering a custom table this year, consider stepping away from bright turquoise and moving toward the "New Neutrals."
l Inky Green & Forest Depths: A deep, almost black green resin is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with the botanical trends that are still lingering, but feels more serious and expensive. It looks stunning in a room painted in Benjamin Moore's 2026 trending colors like Raindance or Silhouette.
l Crystal Clear Minimalism: As "maximalism" in decor grows—meaning more patterned wallpapers, intricate rugs, and gallery walls—your table needs to be the calm in the storm. A Crystal Clear resin river acts as a palate cleanser. It allows the live edge of the wood to be the star without fighting for attention against your Ochre walls or Persian rug.
The Dinner Party Effect: Lighting and Atmosphere
In 2026, the dining room is reclaiming its status as the heart of entertainment. It's not just about eating; it's about hosting. Styling your table involves more than just chairs; it involves creating a "lightscape."
l Reflective Surfaces: One of the unique advantages of an epoxy table is its glossy surface. Unlike matte wood tables, a resin table reflects your lighting. Hang a low, sculptural brass chandelier above the table. The warm metallic gold of the brass will reflect in the resin river, creating a double layer of warmth.
l Tabletop Decor: Ditch the tall, obstructing flower vases. For 2026, think "low and sculptural." Use low ceramic bowls in terracotta or matte black. Scatter vintage brass candle holders along the length of the river. When the candles are lit, the flame's reflection in the dark resin creates a moody, magical atmosphere that will keep your guests lingering long after dessert is served.
Customization is Key
At Createatable, we don't just sell stock tables; we build to your vision. If you want to match a specific Ochre fabric or a particular shade of 1970s brown, our design team can guide you to the perfect wood species and resin pigment ratio. We can even send you photos of the exact slabs before we pour, ensuring that the grain patterns match the flow of your room.
Style your masterpiece. Visit our gallery today to choose the perfect wood and resin combination for your 2026 aesthetic.
