As adults, those same hues and tones continue to shape how we feel and how we decorate our spaces. Paint manufacturers recognize this, leading to one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events: the announcement of the Color of the Year, when paint companies try to capture the mood of the moment and inspire the design decisions of tomorrow.

For 2026, paint and coatings manufacturers have shifted towards earth inspired and emotionally comforting colors that evoke feelings of calm and a sense of rootedness. We have put together a roundup of some of the more popular palettes.

Sherwin-Williams and its sister brand, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, have introduced a joint 2026 Color of the Year—. This warm, grounded neutral, selected by the Global Trendsight Team, signals a return to the essentials—offering a calming simplicity and enduring appeal.

“Khaki is more than just a neutral—it’s a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space,” shares Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “With its warm, earthy undertones, Universal Khaki SW 6150 effortlessly complements a wide range of colors, creating a rich, inviting backdrop that can transform an entire design with quiet confidence.”

Universal Khaki serves as the anchor for the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 “Honest Essentials” Collection of the Year, which features 10 hues that draw inspiration from nature and offer earthy yet bold color combinations. The collection ranges from a neutral brown, off-white and stucco shades, burgundy wine and reddish terracotta, rich bold blues and greens, to a soft buttery yellow.

For its 2026 Color of the Year, Valspar has chosen , a green hue with warm undertones. According to Valspar, this shade reflects a collective desire for calm, drawing its inspiration from nature.

“Warm Eucalyptus is more than just a beautiful shade of green; it’s a reflection of the comfort we crave in our homes,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. She notes that its warm undertones create a grounded, welcoming mood.

Valspar has chosen two complementary colors to pair with it: Groundbreaking 8005-8F, a deep brown with gray undertones, and Degas Blue 8004-35B, a light blue with hints of green and gray.

Dutch Boy’s 2026 Color of the Year reflects a cultural shift towards simplicity, authenticity, and intentional living., a soft, versatile neutral, complements a wide range of interior styles—from modern to traditional to rustic.

“Our 2026 Color of the Year invites homeowners to embrace what matters most—comfort, quality, and connection,” says Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager, Dutch Boy Paints. “Melodious Ivory offers a classic backdrop that beautifully supports the textures, elements, and personal touches that make a space truly feel like home.”

Dutch Boy’s selection is the result of a trend-forecasting process that draws on design research, market insights, and cultural analysis. In addition to its Color of the Year, the company unveiled its full 2026 Color Trend Forecast, including three color palettes that showcase Melodious Ivory’s versatility.

Dunn-Edwards has announced that its 2026 Color of the Year is . Reminiscent of moss, lichen, and nature’s quiet resilience, this deep, muted green with earthy undertones is intended to capture the quiet elegance of nature. According to the team of Dunn-Edwards color experts, designers and consumers are gravitating towards tones that balance modern sophistication with a growing desire for grounding.

“Midnight Garden is the green that works everywhere—from cabinetry and walls to accents and exteriors,” says Lauren Hoferkamp, color marketing manager at Dunn-Edwards. “Its versatility makes it equally at home on interiors and exteriors, pairing effortlessly with natural textures, warm neutrals, or sleek minimalism.”

Midnight Garden is intended to complement Dunn-Edwards 2026 Color Trends’ palette of warm terracottas, balanced purples, and notable neutrals. It demonstrates the versatility of green as a bridge color—able to harmonize with both bold and subtle design directions.

While some paint manufacturers are leaning into more neutral tones, Behr Paint Company has chosen a smoky jade, , as its 2026 Color of the Year. According to Behr, this dynamic blend of blue and green creates environments that feel both grounded and energizing—striking a redefined balance as a one-of-a-kind color.

“Now more than ever, there’s a growing appetite for colors that challenge convention and bring an unexpected sense of wonder to everyday spaces,” says Erika Woelfel, VP of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint. “Hidden Gem captures that spirit in both name and color—its depth and refinement meet the desire for colors that are eternally stunning and stylish.”

Behr has also unveiled its 2026 Color Trends Palette—a collection of trend-forward colors that consist of earth tones, deep jewel tones, and relaxed pastels that are intended to complement the 2026 Color of the Year.

The balance between energy and vitality and soothing comfort is the inspiration for PPG’s 2026 Color of the Year. is a yellow-green shade, designed to reflect a botanical aesthetic.

“Secret Safari is a versatile shade that adapts to its surroundings,” notes Irina Hanhisalo, PPG color category lead, Architectural Coatings. “It evokes a sense of calm in natural daylight and reveals layered depth in shadowed or low-light settings, making it a versatile choice for both residential interiors and commercial spaces.”

The shade is part of PPG’s 2026 global color theme, Parallels, which includes three distinct palettes: Authentic (earthy tones and natural textures), Visionary (balanced contrasts and bold accents), and Expressive (vibrant hues and dynamic combinations). Secret Safari complements all three palettes, offering customers a flexible foundation for color layering.

In selecting its 2026 Color of the Year, Benjamin Moore drew inspiration from the world of fashion for a modern take on classical suiting. The result is—a mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal. According to Benjamin Moore, the color reflects a balance of refinement and distinction, weaving a narrative of enduring style and grace.

“The connection between fashion and interiors has always been a source of inspiration but this year in particular, we’ve noticed a renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes; the resurgence of timeless pieces; and the growing interest in the brown color family,” says Andrea Magno, director, color marketing & design at Benjamin Moore. “Silhouette embodies these qualities with its depth and luxurious blend of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. Like a perfectly tailored suit, this hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional.”

Silhouette AF-655 is complemented by seven hues of the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2026 palette. With its focus on attention to detail, craftsmanship, and refinement, the Color Trends 2026 palette balances pales and midtones.

California Paint has announced that its 2026 Color of the Year is . Inspired by desert landscapes and garden greenery, this shade reflects the grounded, nature-centric direction of design trends for 2026. According to California Paints, Cactus Valley’s rich, organic tone signals the growing desire to create environments that feel balanced and timeless, with a deep connection to the outdoors.

“Consumers have consistently and increasingly expressed a desire to bring the spirit of the outdoors into their interiors, and California Paints’ Cactus Valley is an ideal way to realize earth-centric aesthetics within any home,” comments Dani Doerge, marketing manager, California Paints.

Cactus Valley is designed to be complemented by a carefully curated palette of hues. Rich teals and deep mauves lend depth and sophistication, while soft creams and muted yellows infuse warmth and gentle brightness, and powdery blues offer a serene, calming presence.

Ace Hardware, the world’s largest hardware cooperative, has announced the launch of as Clark+Kensington’s 2026 Color of the Year. The color, a rich, earthy neutral, is intended to strike a balance between familiarity and boldness to bring depth, warmth, and versatility to any space.

“In an increasingly fast-paced world, homeowners desire spaces that offer restoration, comfort, and calm,” shares Kim Lefko, chief marketing officer at Ace Hardware. “Hazelnut Crunch delivers all of that and more. It’s a beautiful, deep shade that creates the perfect backdrop for relaxed living, pairing effortlessly with both natural textures and modern elements.”

Selected by color trend forecasting partner, Colour Hive, and the Clark+Kensington design team, Hazelnut Crunch was inspired by consumer trends toward biophilic design, cozy minimalism, and nature-rooted tones. As the centerpiece of the 2026 Clark+Kensington Color Trends collection, Hazelnut Crunch anchors two curated palettes—Grounded, featuring warm, neutral shades; and Tranquil, made up of softly shaded mineral hues.

Krylon’s 2026 Color of the Year is , a rich brown that reflects the growing preference for spaces that feel both calm and connected to nature. The color was selected by Lisbeth Parada, Krylon color marketing manager, who notes that Matte Coffee Bean taps into the rise of dark neutrals that offer a rich, restorative, and versatile foundation for the home.

“Matte Coffee Bean adds dimension with a natural, grounded allure, aligning with today’s increasing appeal of organic minimalism,” says Parada. “Inspired by elements like clay, wood and stone, this hue is a timeless yet sophisticated choice that elevates everyday spaces and invites a sense of harmony and serenity into the home.”

Matte Coffee Bean is complemented by a color palette that combines neutrals with warm accents, including Satin Khaki, Hammered Black, and Metallic Gold.

Glidden has announced under Pittsburgh Paint Company that its 2026 Color of the Year is , a rich, warm-toned red that is designed to be both functional and fashionable. The shade is recommended for interior walls and trim, in particular in bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and home libraries, where its depth creates a sense of intimacy without feeling too dark or heavy.

“We’re torn between colors that feel authentic, personal, and safe, and those that give a rush of newness, risk, and excitement,” says Ashley McCollum, Glidden paint color expert. “Converging style and history, Warm Mahogany is a perfect match with the Glidden brand’s 150-year heritage—bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement. This color truly outlasts the moment and owns the mood!”

C2 Paint has chosen as its 2026 Color of the Year. This sophisticated soft ochre is intended to convey warmth and comfort. The color was inspired by the French village, Epernay, unofficially called the “Capital of Champagne,” and well-known for its vineyards and rolling hills.

“This historic hue helps us retell the wondrous stories woven through history via the inseparable threads of color, art, furnishings, and nature. It reminds us to appreciate the personal touches that make a home uniquely ours—and to live with reverence for the stories we’re creating every day,” comments Philippa Radon, interior designer and C2 color specialist.

Epernay is a shade featured in C2Paint’s 2026 palette, En Terre, which celebrates nature and reflects a deeper movement toward heritage, craftsmanship, and mindful design.

Virbrantz team’s color science and commercial experts have chosen “,” a deep and calming blue that evokes stillness, clarity and a sense of grounded reflection.

“Infinity Blue reflects the clarity, calm and intentional design direction we see shaping markets worldwide,” said Barry Misquitta, president of Color Solutions at Vibrantz Technologies. “Our teams are deeply engaged in understanding global color behavior, material trends and the needs of our customers. Selecting this hue underscores our commitment to delivering innovative, high-performing and more sustainable solutions.”

Technically speaking, color is simply the retransmission of visible energy that is not absorbed by an object. Visible light is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans have evolved to see within a frequency range of 400–700 Terahertz. But in its most visceral form, color is energy, universally transcending language and culture.

The Munsell color system (Figure 1) is a color space that identifies color based on three properties: hue (basic color), chroma (color intensity), and value (lightness). It was created by Albert H. Munsell in the early 20th century and adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an official color system for soil research in the 1930s.

This early work was refined in 1929 and further enhanced in the 1940s, resulting in the modern Munsell Book of Color. The Optical Society of America’s Uniform Color Scales and the CIELAB L*a*b and CIECAM02 color models used in the paint and color industry today were built on the Munsell color system. The original Munsell color chart is still used today to compare computer models of human color vision.¹

Figure 1—Munsell color system: Solid cylindrical coordinates of color.²

The perception of color elicits linguistic and emotional responses that vary across cultures. The human eye perceives millions of differentiated colors. However, human language groups color into much smaller categories. Some primitive languages use as few as three words corresponding to black, white, and red to identify color, while industrialized languages can have as many as 12 language categories comprised of differentiated subsets.

A 2017 MIT study of 100 languages found that the “warm” part of the color spectrum elicits more color words such as orange, yellow, and red compared with “cooler” color regions such as blue and green. In fact, the cooler colors are often identified differently by people using the same language. The premise is that “warmer” colored objects are more easily distinguished—making warm color labels more consistent even across cultures.³ Language universally prefers to bring more color words to warmer parts of the spectrum as opposed to the cooler segments.

Since 1994, there have been a plethora of studies trying to understand emotional response as a function of color. These in-depth studies parsed color to the point of focusing on hue, chroma, and lightness as individual harbingers of emotional response. After much analysis and debate around emotional responses associated with specific colors, hues, physical events, objects, or physical space, the conclusion was that “a color-related emotion is highly dependent on personal preference and one’s past experience with that particular color.”⁴

The real conclusion from all these studies is that color has an inherent psychological effect on the human psyche—it influences mood, energy level, inspiration, and accomplishment. So, it is no surprise that the industry most responsible for generating color has hosted a contest for itself since 2000. The express purpose of the event is to harness one color each year to be THE manifestation of the next year’s forecast as influenced by societal changes, economic and political climates, environmental shifts, and technological and scientific advancements.

Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has selected the “Color of the Year.” Trends from all aspects of society are studied throughout the year, considering the collective research generated by traveling observers of culture, nature, and events all over the world.

Pantone’s first selection, a blue hue called Cerulean, was hailed as “the color of the millennium.” The zeitgeist for this selection was the desire for inner peace and fulfillment during uncertainty, yet at the same time, reflecting on the past while looking toward the future promised by the new millennium.

In the first few years, color trend forecasting was interesting and novel—with comparatively few designers taking advantage of these winning colors through 2007. However, between Honeysuckle in 2011 and Tangerine in 2012, Pantone’s Color of the Year took on a life of its own. It was around that time that major paint brands began to participate in earnest.

Today, when a new Color of the Year is announced, Pantone blankets designers with an array of products and color palettes designed around the winner, promulgating huge influence in the world of design and brand marketing. And we should care about which color Pantone selects for Color of the Year because, in effect, all that research centers around what we, as societal people, turn to when we need comfort, inspiration, energy, refreshment, hope, calm, or simply a change. In a sense, we choose the color.

In 2020, the Colors of the Year were earth tones designed to denote safety and grounding. One of the few times that there were two selections for color of the year was in 2021 when rock-solid Ultimate Gray and the cheerful yellow Illuminating were selected. This marriage of color conveyed a strength, resilience, and hopefulness that the executive director of Pantone described as enduring and uplifting—a message of happiness supported by fortitude.

The 2022 colors were cautiously optimistic—primarily in soothing tones of green. Interestingly, Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year did not follow the green trend and instead introduced a bold periwinkle called Veri-Peri, which was inspired by the increasing time spent in the metaverse.

The color values of each of the 2023 branded color selections mentioned in the article.

In 2023, the kid gloves of uncertainty and isolation finally came off. Warm, nature-inspired hues with tones for nurturing and well-being will offer coziness and comfort. All the 2023 Colors of the Year feed into the desire for comfort, the need for simplicity, and the aching for variety satisfied with colors all over the palette. If there is a green color offering, it is uncharacteristically bold, vibrant, and deep.

Even Etsy joined the party and offered a 2022 Color of the Year. The hyper-stylish Emerald Green was a bright, bold choice in a field of softer sage greens. For 2023, Etsy paired with Sherwin Williams’ Redend, bringing it to life with a curated selection of home accents and accessories.

Robert Kaufman Fabrics announced its first Color of the Year in 2021 with a bright, bold purple called Cosmos. The 2023 Color of the Year will be announced in December, and the excitement is building on the Kona Cotton ordering site frequented by quilters and other textile artisans.

Even RoomMate Décor, the largest manufacturer of wall decals and decorative peel-and-stick products in North America, took advantage of the hype and buzz and announced its own Color of the Year in 2021. Its Green Aloe was a natural, fresh shade of green, leaning into that year’s symbolic trend of growth, healing, optimism, and joy. That was followed by Cream Moonstone in 2022, selecting a versatile neutral that acted as a calming oasis, projecting warmth and softness. No hint yet as to the 2023 RoomMate Décor Color of the Year—the palette choices are so broad.

WGSN and Coloro forecasted Digital Lavendar to be the Pantone Color of the Year for 2023.

NEW YEAR, NEW HUES

The Pantone Color Institute is forecasted to announce Digital Lavender as the 2023 Color of the Year as suggested by WGSN in collaboration with Coloro. This hue nods to the feelings of isolation and the merging lines between the physical and digital world. This purple is slated to take over the fashion world and be very important for consumer electronics, digitized wellness, mood-boosting lighting, and home goods and accents. The sensory quality is perfect for therapeutic self-care and wellness products, peace, and serenity. Research suggests that this color will be readily accepted by all generations and celebrated by Gen Z.^5,6

Since 2011, more and more paint brands have been leaping onto the Color of the Year bandwagon—taking advantage of the increasing publicity generated from the buzz and hype associated with these carefully researched color selections and exquisitely timed announcements.

The 2023 Colors of the Year exhibit a desire for comfort, simplicity and variety. Unlike the overwhelmingly green color selections of 2022, the 2023 offerings are all over the color palette. This year, no one hue trend dominates—yet. From the maximalism of a vivid raspberry to safe minimalist white, there is something for everyone.

AND THE WINNERS ARE …

Figure 2—Palette of the 2023 branded Colors of the Year.

Benjamin Moore: Raspberry Blush

This is a vivid, charismatic, red-orange hue, the lead color in the Color Trends 2023 Palette. Andrea Mango, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore, said that the inspiration for this color was that “people are ready to bring color back into the home, taking a step outside their comfort zones.” These confident shades “empower the use of statement colors that deliver delight and personality.” This color is the 2023 height of maximalism and deserves a try on your favorite wall.⁷

Sherwin Williams: Redend Point

Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin Williams, stated that this “soulful blush-beige” hue was “inspired by the idea of finding beauty beyond ourselves a heartening hue that invites compassion and connection into any space.” The soulful vigor of this color envelops any room, gives the feeling of a warm hug, and creates feelings of warmth, motivation, and comfort. This color emotes energy, providing confidence and heightening creativity, especially within the social center of the home.⁷

Behr: Blank Canvas

This year, Behr upended the bold color trend by delivering a warm, neutral white to provide a sense of renewal and fresh starts. Blank Canvas is a great neutral, providing a clean feeling throughout the home without being bland, garish, or harsh. The warm undertones feed into the feeling of safety. It can be used within a monochromatic minimalist design or paired with a set of colorful accent pieces, drapes, or furniture.⁸

I’ll admit that these three 2023 Colors of the Year are the ones that “spoke” to me, energizing my mood and heightening creative instincts. The remaining 2023 Colors of the Year (Figure 2) serve to solidify reflections of current trends, as the warm, earthy hues—suitable for softer, cozier spaces—connect us with nature, serenity, and safety (and thankfully, without a hint of pale green). Most importantly, the Color of the Year palette is all about exploring variety. In short: there is something that will resonate with everyone.

Colors of the Year are reminiscent of runway couture—beautiful, striking, rich colors that are poised to become mainstream as they offer consumers, designers, artists, decorators, and fabric and accent pieces a basis for blending beauty and elegance with practicality. It will be interesting to see which of these colors break through and become sought after, and more importantly, timeless.

Cynthia A. Gosselin, Ph.D., is director at The ChemQuest Group/ChemQuest Technology Institute/ChemQuest Powder Coating Research; cgosselin@chemquest.com; www.chemquest.com.

References

1. Ottosson, Björn. A Perceptual Color Space for Image Processing. Blog post, Dec 23, 2020, https://bottosson.github.io/posts/oklab/ (accessed Oct 31, 2022).
2. Munsell 1943 Color Solid Cylindrical Coordinates.png. Wikimedia Commons.
3. Trafton, Ann. Analyzing the Language of Color. MIT News Office. Sept 18, 2017.
4. Kaya, N., and Epps, H. H. Relationship between color and emotion: A study of college students. College Student Journal, 2004; 38(3), 396–405.
5. LeFevre, Camille. Coloro + WGSN 2023 Colour of the Year: Digital Lavender. Midwest Home. Oct 4, 2022.
6. Brama, Shrestha. Digital Lavender Color of the Year. The Fashion Frill. Oct 22, 2022.
7. Buckman, Anna. 2023’s Paint Colors of the Year Offer Something for Everyone. TRZ. Oct 18, 2022.
8. Dohman, Katie. Behr Paint’s Color of the Year 2022 is “Blank Canvas.” Family Handyman. Sept 29, 2022.