White is the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year. They say the choice isn’t political.

Every autumn, prominent paint companies unveil their selections for the upcoming year's most anticipated paint colors, influencing design trends. These choices are meticulously curated by analyzing macro and micro design trends, alongside social media analytics, to identify colors that resonate with contemporary aesthetics and consumer preferences. For 2026, Behr, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore have each introduced distinctive hues expected to shape interior design. This article provides an overview of these forecasted paint color trends, offering insights into their characteristics and potential applications within various living spaces. Benjamin Moore has declared "Silhouette" as its 2026 Color of the Year. This shade is described as a rich, chocolatey brown, modernized by an espresso undertone. It embodies a deep, dark, and dramatic aesthetic, reminiscent of Sherwin Williams' 2021 Color of the Year, Urbane Bronze. The article highlights that jewel tones have been a significant trend in recent years, and Silhouette contributes to this with a subtle purple undertone, imparting a warm richness when applied to walls. This color offers a sophisticated and enveloping feel, suitable for creating a striking presence in a room. Sherwin Williams has chosen "Universal Khaki" for 2026, a selection that responds to a growing desire among homeowners for warmer tones in their living environments, moving away from cooler blue-grays and stark whites. This mid-depth beige is characterized by a neutral green undertone, which allows it to seamlessly integrate with a diverse range of decor styles. With a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 40, Universal Khaki is considered somewhat dark for expansive open-concept areas. However, it is presented as an ideal choice for fostering cozy atmospheres in more contained spaces such as offices or bedrooms. For individuals who appreciate the warmth of Universal Khaki but prefer a lighter option for primary living areas, Sherwin Williams suggests "Wool Skein." Behr's Color of the Year for 2026 is "Hidden Gem," an emerald green hue that is both gorgeous and dramatic. This shade particularly appeals to those who favor greens with a subtle slate undertone, as Hidden Gem offers a beautiful blend of blue-green. Design experts anticipate that this jade tone will gain popularity for various applications, including kitchen cabinetry, bedrooms, studies, and home offices. Its rich and vibrant quality allows it to serve as a focal point or an accent in different rooms, contributing to a sense of luxury and nature-inspired elegance. In summary, the 2026 paint color predictions from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr reflect a shift towards deeper, warmer, and more dramatic tones. Silhouette offers a sophisticated dark brown, Universal Khaki provides a versatile warm beige, and Hidden Gem introduces an elegant emerald green. These colors are selected to inspire creativity and provide homeowners with new avenues for personalizing their living spaces, moving beyond previous trends to embrace a richer palette. #PaintColors #ColorOfTheYear #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecoration #BenjaminMoore #SherwinWilliams #Behr #ColorTrends #HomeInteriors

The article explores the emerging trend of using blue and green hues as neutrals in home decor, moving away from traditional shades like creams, grays, tans, and browns. Southern designers advocate for these nature-inspired colors, highlighting their versatility and ability to anchor a room while adding personality. The first rule for incorporating blues and greens is to 'Drench in Color,' as suggested by Anna Still of Still Johnson. She advises using a wall color and then varying its intensity across furnishings, with darker shades for larger pieces and lighter versions for accessories. Still emphasizes that blue and green function as neutrals because they harmonize with virtually any other color, providing a comforting and natural feel within a home environment. Marguerite Johnson, co-owner of Still Johnson, reinforces this by noting the strong presence of these colors in nature, which makes them inherently soothing for indoor spaces. DuVäl Reynolds of DuVäl Design supports the shift, stating that blue and green offer a fresh approach to decor, allowing for more individuality without sacrificing a universally appealing aesthetic. His second rule, 'Trim It Out,' suggests using these colors to accentuate architectural details without overpowering the room. He provides an example of applying a deep olive green, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Rosemary (SW 6187), to both trim and ceiling in a dining room to create a balance of warmth and sophistication. Barrie Benson, a designer from Charlotte, North Carolina, introduces the third rule: 'Go Big on Impact.' She favors using green as a neutral to layer colors harmoniously, particularly by painting entire rooms, including walls and trim, in shades like Farrow & Ball’s Calke Green (No. 34). This technique connects the interior space with the outdoors and allows for the introduction of brighter accent colors. Her sunroom design, blending seamlessly with surrounding foliage, serves as a prime illustration of this concept, where red-hued furnishings provide a striking contrast. The fourth rule, 'Play with Contrast (And Textiles!),' is exemplified by Lori Deeds of Kemble Interiors. Her Old Florida-style farmhouse design incorporates an earthy palette with a playful twist: painting the trim a contrasting color. She combined Benjamin Moore’s Under the Big Top (1675) with a Schumacher wallpaper and a matching table skirt in a breakfast nook, demonstrating how a classic look can be updated with a contemporary spin. The final rule, 'Make It Subtle,' comes from Maryland designer Laura Hodges, who views blues and greens as a means to bring the essence of the outdoors inside. While maintaining a neutral palette as her foundation, she incorporates toned-down sky blues, like Benjamin Moore’s Silvery Blue (1647), on living room walls. She then complements these cool tones with warmer red and coral accents. Hodges highlights that this approach creates a calming and timeless atmosphere, allowing artwork, decor, and the room’s occupants to be the focal point. The consensus among these designers is that blues and greens are becoming essential elements in contemporary home design, offering both aesthetic appeal and a sense of natural tranquility. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #NeutralColors #BlueGreenPalette #PaintColors #DecoratingTips #NatureInspiredDesign

The article presents a comprehensive overview of the Colors of the Year for 2026, as announced by various paint and design companies, with one exception for 2027. The selection process for these colors often begins well in advance, with some companies releasing their picks over a year ahead due to the extensive planning required for product development, design, and marketing across numerous industries. These annual color selections are influential in shaping interior design, product trends, and consumer preferences for the upcoming year. Pantone, known for its significant impact on color trends, has made a surprising choice for 2026 with "Cloud Dancer." This marks the first time since 1999 that Pantone has selected white as its Color of the Year. Cloud Dancer is described as a balanced, wispy neutral, symbolizing calm, peace, and a desire for a fresh start. It encourages simplification and offers a canvas for new approaches in a fast-paced world, being suitable for various applications such as walls, cabinetry, furniture, and window trim. James Hardie, a company specializing in exterior siding, chose "Iron Gray" for 2026. This saturated, chalky matte gray is designed to complement warm wood tones and can be paired with white trim for a traditional look or black for a modern aesthetic. While not a paint, Iron Gray is intended for exterior siding to create a contemporary yet grounded home appearance. WGSN and Coloro, trend forecasting and color expert partners, have revealed "Luminous Blue" as their 2027 Color of the Year. This decision to announce a color so far in advance reflects the long lead times required in product and design industries. Luminous Blue is a vibrant, lapis-like hue, characterized by its mysterious, eccentric, and versatile nature, appealing across genders and seasons. It is suggested for use as an accent color in interiors, transforming simple items into statement pieces. Benjamin Moore's 2026 Color of the Year is "Silhouette AF-655," a deep charcoal-espresso with burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. This color draws inspiration from tailored suiting and the growing interest in the brown color family, exuding elegance and drama. It is recommended for creating a sophisticated atmosphere, particularly when used in a color-drenched application or for painting built-ins and woodwork. Sherwin-Williams and HGTV by Sherwin-Williams jointly selected "Universal Khaki" for 2026. This mid-tone tan is described as a warm neutral, offering an earthy, luxurious feel. It is ideal for grounding large living spaces, coordinating beautifully with wood-toned moldings, and suitable for cabinetry or furniture. Krylon’s 2026 Color of the Year is "Coffee Bean," a rich hue balancing between black and brown. It pairs well with various neutrals, metallics, and deeply saturated jewel tones. Available as a matte spray paint, Coffee Bean is suitable for transforming freestanding furniture pieces, such as dining chairs or vases. Little Greene introduced "Adventurer," a deep, plummy aubergine for 2026. This sophisticated color has enough black to prevent it from appearing overtly purple, evoking the ambiance of a 100-year-old English cottage. It is recommended for creating intimate and cozy spaces like listening lounges, home offices, or library nooks. Behr's first-to-market 2026 Color of the Year, "Hidden Gem," is a smoky jade. This saturated blue-green hue is described as mysterious, sophisticated, and versatile. Its deep pigmentation makes it suitable for walls, trimwork, ceilings, bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinetry, or front doors. Glidden selected "Warm Mahogany" for 2026, a reddish-brown that is both punchy and grounded. It nods to contemporary red trends while maintaining a timeless appeal. This color is suggested for modern interiors, especially in color-drenched bedrooms or home offices, or to add depth to dining rooms and kitchens. Minwax’s 2026 pick is "Special Walnut," a wood stain rather than a paint color. This choice reflects a shift away from lighter woods towards deeper browns, providing a warm, authentic, and historic feel. It is ideal for natural wood furniture projects, fireplace surrounds, mantels, shelving, and bookcases. Valspar's 2026 Color of the Year, "Warm Eucalyptus," is a serene sage green with warm undertones, aiming to reflect comfort. This familiar and retro shade offers style resilience, working well on mudroom built-ins, butler's pantries, wainscoting, or the exterior of craftsman, bungalow, or Victorian homes. Finally, Dutch Boy announced "Melodious Ivory" for 2026, a warm, buttery cream. This shade provides a soft glow, offering an alternative to stark whites. It is described as timeless and calming, with sufficient pigment to feel intentional rather than merely a neutral fill-in, suitable for kitchen millwork, sunny master bathrooms, or cozy living rooms. #ColorOfTheYear #Pantone #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintColors #Behr #SherwinWilliams #BenjaminMoore #Valspar #Krylon

Designers are increasingly embracing sophisticated pinks as a new neutral in home decor, moving beyond traditional neutrals like ivory, beige, and black. These muted pinks, which include shades like putty, muddied salmon, and dusty blush with undertones of brown, beige, or gray-brown, are gaining popularity for their versatility and flattering qualities. According to New Orleans-based designer Aaron Hahnselle of Hahnselle Studio, warm pinks create a soft, glowing undertone that makes a space feel welcoming and cozy. The soothing and nurturing qualities of pink make it an ideal choice for bedrooms and bathrooms. There are several creative ways to incorporate these shades into home design. One method is to use two shades from the same color family. For instance, Hahnselle suggests using a warm, neutral pink in a bathroom, as these hues reflect flattering light onto the skin and pair well with earthy tones such as camel, olive, and mustard, as well as jewel tones like sapphire and emerald. He highlights an example where Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster was used on the walls with Benjamin Moore’s Roman Shade on the trim, creating depth and contrast without resorting to darker colors. Another approach is to integrate muted pinks within a room dominated by traditional neutrals. Isabella Patrick of Isabella Patrick Interiors illustrates this by upholstering a key furniture piece, such as a banquette, in a sophisticated pink shade. This allows the color to bridge other neutral elements in the room, like caramel-toned hardwood floors, brass fixtures, and light-colored cabinets, ensuring the color remains consistent and vibrant due to materials like faux leather. The trend also involves mixing pinks with luxurious finishes. Designer Crystal Blackshaw used earthy blush accents and paint in a child's bathroom suite, pairing them with a white oak vanity, Carrera marble, and satin brass details. This combination creates an understated yet luxurious feel that can evolve with the child, avoiding an overly saccharine aesthetic. When selecting a pink shade, considering the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is crucial, as advised by Grey Joyner of Grey Joyner Interiors. She notes that paler, sophisticated pinks, reminiscent of "old Hollywood pink" rather than pastel hues, are preferred. The undertones of the pink should also complement the existing colors in the space; cooler room palettes require pinks with cooler undertones. A higher LRV is suitable for bright, airy rooms or those with limited natural light, while a lower LRV can create a moodier ambiance. An example is a dining room ceiling painted in a high-gloss pink with an LRV of 78, reflecting light to brighten the space. For a more dramatic effect, designers are leaning into moodier shades of pink with strong brown undertones. Debbie Boggs, co-founder of Staging Studio, used Sherwin-Williams Interface Tan in a media room to create a sophisticated and modern look. This brownish-pink offers an earthy feel, making it suitable for smaller spaces where a dramatic impact is desired, and is distinct from “Pepto” or “millennial” pinks. Finally, combining similar shades of pink for added depth is a common technique. Michelle Accetta of Michelle Accetta Home used a blend of Setting Plaster from Farrow & Ball and Angels Landing from Portola Paints. These two colors, despite being similar, create a sophisticated duo with different finish textures, evoking the warm stucco finishes seen in European architecture, transforming an outdated space into something subtle yet earthy. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PaintTrends #NeutralColors #PinkPalette #ColorPsychology #LuxuryFinishes #LRV #DesignTips

The home design industry has unveiled its color predictions for 2025, marking a significant shift towards an earthy and rich palette. Unlike 2024's emphasis on cool blues and soft neutrals, the upcoming year's selections are grounded, drawing inspiration from comforting spices and foods such as cinnamon, caramel, and eggplant. These diverse color choices offer versatile options for home transformation, ranging from serene gray-greens to bold deep purples. Valspar's 2025 Color of the Year, Encore, is a vibrant deep blue with cool undertones, representing a departure from its 2024 pastel green-blue. This dominant shade can be strategically used in smaller doses, such as on furniture or trim, to create striking contrasts, especially when paired with soft whites and textured accents for a modern twist on traditional navy. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams introduces Quietude, a soothing gray-green that embodies calm and relaxation. This hue balances modern simplicity with rustic charm, making it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or reading nooks. Quietude, often complemented by earthy tones like taupe or beige, fosters a serene environment, serving as a grounding color for a personal sanctuary. Glidden's selection, Purple Basil, is a deep, moody plum that exudes modern sophistication. This versatile shade is perfect for making a bold statement in dining rooms or accent walls, pairing effectively with both warm and cool tones. Its regal undertones add elegance without being overly formal, offering a unique option for those seeking drama in their decor. Dunn-Edwards presents Caramelized, a warm toffee tone designed to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This rich hue is particularly suitable for living rooms and dining areas, harmonizing beautifully with deep browns, creams, and burnt oranges, making it an excellent choice for year-round warmth. Sherwin-Williams diverges from a single color by offering a 2025 Color Capsule, a curated collection of nine shades. This collection includes Grounded (earthy brown), Sunbleached (weathered neutral), Chartreuse (bold yellow-green), Rain Cloud (muted blue-gray), Clove (spiced brown), Malabar (terracotta), Bosc Pear (soft yellow), White Snow (crisp white), and Mauve Finery (dusty pink). This palette combines grounding, earth-inspired tones with pops of color, allowing for balance and brightness. The collection aims to transform homes into cozy, lively, and inviting retreats. Finally, Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate is a rich, earthy plum-brown that balances sophistication with comfort. This color adds warmth without being overwhelming, making it suitable for accent walls or cabinetry. With its soft purple undertones, Cinnamon Slate is both classic and refreshing, complementing light creams, soft grays, and brushed gold for a sleek, modern aesthetic, or natural wood tones and antique furniture for a timeless appeal. #ColorOfTheYear #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #PaintColors2025 #EarthyTones #ValsparEncore #Quietude #PurpleBasil #Caramelized #SherwinWilliamsColorCapsule #CinnamonSlate