When it’s time to refresh the look of your house — inside or out — knowing the most up-to-date color trends can make all the difference.
I’m excited to share what the major paint brands have selected as their Color of the Year 2026, and how you can use these in your home.
What the Color Experts are Choosing for 2026
Here are four standout picks from trusted paint manufacturers:
Benjamin Moore – Silhouette AF-655
Benjamin Moore’s choice is Silhouette AF-655, described as a refined brown-meets-charcoal hue. It’s an elegant color that blends strength with sophistication, and the brand suggests it can serve as a dramatic accent wall or a grounding neutral across an entire space.
For a homeowner, that means if you’re looking for something deeper than a standard neutral but still versatile, Silhouette could be the direction to go.
Sherwin‑Williams – Universal Khaki SW 6150
Sherwin-Williams selected Universal Khaki SW 6150 as a mid-tone neutral that combines livability with longevity. With warm, earthy undertones, it’s designed to “pull a room together” while complementing both natural finishes and crisp whites.
If you’re interested in a safe yet stylish choice for your home, Universal Khaki offers timeless appeal.
Valspar – Warm Eucalyptus 8004-28F
Valspar’s pick for 2026 is Warm Eucalyptus 8004-28F, a serene sage-green with gray undertones inspired by nature and mindful living. The brand highlights indoor/outdoor continuity and restorative environments.
For exterior projects or spaces where you want that calm, nature-inspired vibe, this colour is particularly appealing.
Behr – Hidden Gem (N430-6A)
Behr introduced Hidden Gem, a smoky jade blue-green that the brand calls a “new neutral.” It’s a fusion of blue and green, intended to work across modern and traditional spaces.
For homeowners wanting a bit more character while still staying in the neutral zone, Hidden Gem offers that balance.
How to Choose and Use These Colors
When you’re planning your next paint job — whether it’s an entire exterior, a feature wall, or an interior room refresh — keep these considerations in mind:
- Light matters: How a color reads will change with natural vs artificial light, your trim finishes, and furnishings. Always test a large swatch on the wall.
- Purpose of space: For example, a living room may benefit from a grounding shade like Silhouette or Universal Khaki, while a home office or den may shine with Hidden Gem or Warm Eucalyptus.
- Coordination with surroundings: On exteriors, factor in brick, roofing, landscaping, and even your neighborhood style.
- Finish selection: Flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss all impact how the color appears and how durable it will be (especially in high-traffic areas).
- Trend vs timeless: Using a “Color of the Year” isn’t just about trendiness; these picks reflect broader shifts toward comfort, grounding, and longevity in design. Choosing wisely means you’ll love the result for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Color of the Year represents larger design trends in style, comfort, and lifestyle, so these shades typically offer long-lasting appeal. They’re chosen because they pair easily with a wide range of finishes, furniture, and architectural styles. If you want an updated look that still feels timeless, these curated colors are a smart place to start.
Yes, if the color works well with your lighting and décor. Deep colors like Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette can add sophistication when applied to full walls or larger rooms, especially if there’s natural light. The key is testing samples first to see how the shade looks during different times of day.
All four brands offer options that work outdoors, but earthy greens like Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus often blend beautifully with landscaping and stone, while warm neutrals like Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki work well with neighborhood color palettes. The best exterior choice depends on factors like your roof color, brick or siding tones, and the overall style of your home.
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