Home Accents Today‘s trend ambassadors share their thoughts on the Colors of the Year for 2026 from the major paint brands.
“For the 2026 colors of the year, many major paint brands have selected neutrals. But why? Are we really feeling neutral about anything? At a time when emotions are passionate and intense, why are these colors so subdued and emotionless? Many of these are flat and lack warmth. Like the stones they represent, they feel cold. I am drawn to the greens instead – especially Behr’s Hidden Gem. Its blue-green tone is lovely, smoky and mysterious, like aged metal and natural-colored stones — all steadfast and sophisticated elements from the earth, but with a life-affirming effect. It’s the liveliest color of the group. From trends I’ve seen at global markets, clients want colors that lift their spirits, not neutralize them. There is a growing “la vie est belle” and “ la dolce vita” attitude. With so much uncertainty around us, this doesn’t feel like the time for boring beige.” – Patti Carpenter, Carpenter + Company
“Paint company colors of the year for 2026 confirm the significance of neutrals going forward. Importantly, each one is quite colorful, differentiating them from neutrals of the past. Even more important is that their colorful natures are often rooted in gender-neutral influences, especially browns, greens and yellows that connect them to nature. Because of their neutralized character, there is no callout to a specific room, decorating style or purpose implied by this group. Nonetheless, all can easily team with selections from the palette of sophisticated-feminine hues (think clay, apricot, mauve, burgundy) that is still trending for next year.
“As 2026 approaches, consumers are filled with uncertainty at best, trepidation at worst. The many causes are well documented. COTY selections, like many color forecasts, suggest that focusing on basics — but giving them a twist that allows them to combine with trend colors — will be the best path for the year to come.” – Michelle Lamb, The Trend Curve
“Honestly, I have a three-way tie for the 2026 color of the year with Silhouette, Warm Eucalyptus and Midnight Green at the top of my list.
“Silhouette by Benjamin Moore delivers a rich and cozy neutral that seems timeless because of its shift toward a warmer tone, following what we are seeing in home trends in general. As we move away from gray and embrace the brown family of color, I feel that Rich Espresso is the perfect choice! With that said, I still am partial to many tones of green and Warm Eucalyptus from Valspar and Midnight Green from Dunn Edwards are two green tones that I can get behind. I find these green tones timeless and fresh, drawing inspiration from the outdoors creating a soothing and grounding sensibility in the home.” – Nancy Fire, Nancy Fire Design
“In 2026, new neutral hues with quiet character continue to anchor home and housewares. Shades such as Claystone, Soft Sienna, Shadow Plum, Smoky Rose, and metals like oiled bronze offer depth and versatility without overwhelming a space.
“This palette reflects a shift toward expressive balance rather than stark minimalism. Saturation is more measured, brightness is purposeful, and color functions as an emotional connector, supporting a return to comfort and natural grounding.
“Neutrals now play a defining role instead of fading into the background — rich, restorative tones that create harmony through moody contrasts and subtle accents. The result is a quiet confidence that mirrors our shared desire for warmth, depth, and a sense of calm.” – Tom Mirabile, Springboard Futures
