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Four in 10 adults reckon they've been 'beige washed' when it comes to their clothes, homes and appearance, with a quarter lacking confidence to go bold with colour. After Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2025 was 'Cloud Dancer' - a dull off-white - a poll of 2,000 adults found 65% love the idea of giving their lives a colourful makeover.

According to the research, 44% of 'Beige-washed Britain' admitted they always prefer playing it safe; 74% have at least one room in their house painted white, and 46% have one or more grey rooms. But when it comes to cars, 14% would like a red motor, 11% would like a green motor and 8% would like to go bold with yellow.

The research was commissioned by Renault, following the brand's win at the What Car? awards last night (Thursday January 22) for the best small electric car for the bold and colourful R5 which comes in yellow and green.

Timely, as according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) grey remains the nation's most popular car colour for the eighth consecutive year.

A spokesperson for the French motoring brand said: "While neutrals will always have a place, we're seeing a real shift toward people craving more fun and flair in their car.

"A car has traditionally been a way people express their personalities, and we're finding a really positive response to our vibrant yellow and green colourways.

"It's really interesting to consider how we use colour, from our homes to our hair to the cars we drive, and how much it can say about us as a nation."

The What Car? win, judged by a panel of leading UK automotive journalists, marks another milestone for the all-electric vehicle, which last year won the overall Car of the Year title as 2025's best new launch.

The research went on to find of those who tend to play it safe, 43% reckon it's easier to pair these neutral colours together.

But more than a quarter (27%) feel a sense of joy from other people embracing colour, and 18% 'envy' those who have the conviction to go bold.

As nearly one in four (23%) feel happy when they see a colourful vehicle when out and about, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

The spokesperson for Renault added: "Having a colourful vehicle doesn't only mean you stand out when driving.

"They're pretty good for spotting in busy car parks, and people can see you easily if you're trying to pick someone up in a busy area.

"But if going all-out on a bright yellow car isn't quite for you just now, start small - maybe get some brighter socks, and then start from there."