Cover image via Nippon Paint (Provided to SAYS)
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With 2026 just starting and Chinese New Year right around the corner, many may be looking to refresh their homes with new looks
That doesn't have to mean huge renovation projects; it can be something as simple as a fresh coat of paint to bring some colour into your living space.
According to feng shui, colours influence mood, mindset, and the flow of energy within a space. By choosing hues that complement your zodiac sign, you can gently support areas like career, relationships, health, and personal growth throughout the year.
To help Malaysians better understand what the Year of the Fire Horse may bring, Nippon Paint Malaysia worked with Master Goh Guan Leong and Master Mark Tan from WAY Fengshui Group to share insights from the 2026 feng shui forecast and how the year's energy may influence different zodiac signs.
Here's a breakdown on the colours that support each zodiac:
1. Rat — a year to move carefully and stay resilient
Rats may find 2026 testing their patience, particularly in finances and career progression. Progress may feel slower than expected, and it's important to manage expectations while keeping a positive mindset. This is a year to plan thoughtfully rather than make rash decisions.
In times like these, your surroundings can play a powerful role in restoring balance and emotional steadiness. To counter fluctuating energy and create a sense of reassurance, incorporate earthy yellows and warm browns into your space to create a sense of comfort and stability.
Shades such as Chestnut Charm (NP 2135), Caramel Delight (NP 1875), Mango Moxie (NP 1125), and Citrus Siren (NP 1148) add warmth and optimism, helping to promote focus and emotional calm, especially in work areas or quiet corners where you reflect and recharge.
2. Ox — a standout year of strong fortune and steady success
Oxen are among the most fortunate signs in 2026, enjoying positive momentum across career, wealth, and relationships. Hard work pays off, and recognition may come naturally. While things flow smoothly, maintaining humility will help you maximise long-term gains.
To reflect this balance between success and composure, anchor your space in white, gold, blue, and black, timeless hues that convey confidence without excess.
You can explore these colours through shades such as Seashell (NP 3024), Mandarin Magic (NP 1169), Glacier Blue (NP 1533), and Nimbus Cloud (NP 1981), which work well in living rooms or home offices where focus and confidence matter most.
3. Tiger — building strength through challenges
For Tigers, 2026 is about resilience. While results may not come immediately, persistence and preparation will lay important groundwork for the future. This is a year to focus on learning, skill-building, and health routines.
To help create a sense of calm and protection, bring greens, blues, and touches of black into your space to support growth and renewal throughout the year.
Shades such as Celery Seed (NP 6731), Blue Pitcher (NP 6845), Tree House (NP 8266), and Sea of Black (NP 8054) are well suited to bedrooms or study areas, helping to set a relaxed atmosphere that encourages rest and quiet reflection.
4. Rabbit — a year of joyful developments and positive news
Rabbits can look forward to some heartwarming moments in 2026, from personal milestones to encouraging progress at work. With emotions running a little higher this year, being thoughtful with words and reactions will go a long way in keeping relationships smooth.
As emotions ebb and flow, your home can become a calming anchor that helps restore balance and perspective.
Turn to yellow, brown, blue, and black and explore shades such as Morning Dawn (NP 6139), Espresso Burst (NP 3756), Cosmic Navy (NP 8432), and Black (144) to create a sense of steadiness within the space, making it easier to stay grounded and centred during busier, more emotionally charged periods.
5. Dragon — turning challenges into opportunities
Dragons may encounter moments of uncertainty, feeling the need cut through noise and focus on what truly serves them. Thoughtful choices, especially around finances and commitments, bring long-term peace of mind. Hence, staying disciplined and avoiding unnecessary gambles will be key.
Bring white and gold tones into your home to echo the Dragon's confident, self-assured energy.
Shades such as Abracadabra (NP 7034), Pastry Puff (NP 6843), Bonito Flakes (NP 8208), and Ollie Gold (NP 7131) help create a space that feels light, refined, and quietly empowering. Ideal for moments when you need clarity, calm, and a steady mindset as you move through the year.
6. Snake — seizing opportunities while staying balanced
Snakes may find themselves pulled in different directions this year, juggling new opportunities alongside existing responsibilities. Keeping a healthy routine and knowing when to slow down will be key to staying grounded and avoiding burnout.
To bring a sense of balance into your home, layer yellow, white, and gold tones, paired with deeper, warming shades for contrast.
Options such as Brilliant White (1001) help keep spaces feeling fresh, while richer hues like Burgundy Burst (NP 1884), and Flame Fusion (NP 0323) add depth and warmth. For a brighter lift, Lemon Lust (NP 1124) works well in communal areas like living rooms or dining spaces, creating an environment that feels welcoming yet steady.
7. Horse — navigating movement and momentum
As the ruling sign of the year, Horses may feel the fast pace of 2026 more intensely, experiencing both fresh opportunities and mounting pressure. While new career paths may emerge, learning to pace yourself and knowing when to pause will be essential in avoiding burnout.
To ground the fiery energy of the year, introduce yellow and brown tones into your home.
Shades such as Tangerine Tango (NP 1020), Apricot (NP 0318), Rustic Redwood (NP 1867), and Pink Peony (NP 0370) help create a sense of warmth and comfort, offering a reliable retreat amid constant motion.
8. Goat — riding a wave of career and financial growth
Goats can look forward to a productive year, especially when it comes to career progress and financial stability. As momentum builds steadily, this is a good time to focus on long-term goals while staying attentive to the relationships that support you along the way.
Enhance this positive flow by incorporating green, blue, and black into your space.
Shades such as Verdant Valley (NP 0458), Meadow Mist (NP 2122), Blueberry Burst (NP 0423), and Heathered Grey (NP 3105) work beautifully in workspaces or creative corners, helping to create an environment that supports focus, calm, and inspiration.
9. Monkey — progress through discipline and mindful connections
Monkeys may feel stretched in 2026 as responsibilities stack up across different areas of life. Staying disciplined, prioritising what truly matters, and being selective with social commitments will help keep stress in check and energy levels balanced.
To support this, bring yellow, brown, and white tones into your home to encourage clarity and composure.
Shades such as Yellow Ring (NP 6126), Camel Fur (NP 8246), Neverland (NP 6775), and Brilliant White (1001) help create a calming backdrop that steadies emotions and supports clearer thinking throughout the day.
10. Rooster — strong support and clear direction
Roosters can look forward to a year of helpful connections and steady support, particularly in their professional lives. While progress is encouraging, staying calm and composed during busier moments will help you navigate pressure and make the most of new opportunities.
To reinforce clarity and steady energy at home, introduce yellow, brown, and white into your interiors.
Shades such as Firewood (NP 6856), Timber Logs (NP 6855), Mango Slushie (NP 7467), and Ylang Ylang (NP 7552) work well in spaces where planning and decision-making take place, creating an environment that feels grounded yet uplifting.
11. Dog — think before you leap
Dogs are encouraged to slow down and reflect in 2026. While tempting opportunities may come your way, taking a moment to think things through will help you avoid unnecessary stress and make more considered choices.
Surround yourself with green tones to create a soothing, grounded environment that supports thoughtful decision-making.
Shades such as Esparina (NP 6750), Celery Seed (NP 6731), Green Pod (NP 6793), and Spearmint (NP 7647) work especially well in bedrooms or quiet corners, helping the space feel calm and restorative.
12. Pig — a socially rewarding and prosperous year
Pigs can look forward to a socially fulfilling year in 2026, with meaningful connections and encouraging developments at work. While opportunities are abundant, being discreet with financial matters will help maintain balance.
Bring warmth into your home with green, yellow, and brown, colours that encourage harmony and connection, especially in shared spaces.
Shades such as Soft Sage (NP 3264), Mossy Meadow (NP 3243), Redwood Rush (NP 1912), and Mossy Mauve (NP 1799) help create inviting interiors that support conversation, comfort, and togetherness.
This story is a personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the position of SAYS.
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This story was contributed to SAYS by Nippon Paint.
