Over: the rule of neutral hues in paint? Kick-off of the Yearly Color trend by Behr with a sophisticated and bold smoky jade shade
Behr Announces Hidden Gem as 2026 Color of the Year
In a departure from the deep ruby red and soft black of previous years, Behr Paint has chosen a smoky jade called Hidden Gem as their Color of the Year for 2026. This rich, immersive color is a blend of blue and green tones that creates an environment that feels both grounded and energizing.
According to Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint, Hidden Gem captures a spirit of challenge and wonder. The color is described as bold yet desaturated enough for walls, evoking an air of mystery and sophistication while remaining versatile for various spaces.
The trend towards richer, moody colors continues, with more dark colors, livable dark colors, expected to dominate in 2026. This shift towards deeper hues reflects a larger movement toward colors that offer comfort, serenity, and emotional connection in home design, moving away from stark minimalism towards richer, more expressive tones.
Hidden Gem pairs well with metallics like gold and bronze, soft neutrals, warm whites, light wood tones, and other deep jewel tones such as amethyst and ruby red. It also complements energetic terracotta shades.
Other 2026 color trend forecasts in the industry highlight sophisticated earth tones and warm, complex neutrals, near-black hues with brown undertones, muted, refined pastels, and nature-inspired greens, particularly various shades of jade and forest green.
Behr's 2026 Color Trends Palette includes a collection of trend-forward colors, such as Dainty Lace, a delicate beige that feels warm yet airy, and Wheat Bread, a refreshing neutral shade. The palette also features Terracotta Urn, a luxurious take on conventional spring pink.
The palette is timeless and bound to last for years to come. With two in three Americans (67%) saying that Hidden Gem would make a space feel unique and stand the test of time, it is a good choice for homeowners looking to bring depth and color into their scheme without straying too far into the dramatic.
Andy Lopez, SVP, Head of Global Marketing at Behr Paint Company, stated that Hidden Gem empowers DIYers, designers, and paint professionals to craft spaces that are both purposeful and expressive. He added that the palette's colors can bring rich green into a home without painting, through textured bud vases, cozy throws, and elegant bowls.
More than half of Americans (58%) agree that a room painted with Hidden Gem would be captivating. The color has subtle gray undertones, making it a surprisingly livable green paint, that's both deep and muted. Each color in the palette feels equally as joyous as the next, creating a grounded, moody, and richly nuanced color palette suitable for those seeking to create calming yet inspiring living environments.
References: [1] Behr Paint [2] Architectural Digest [3] House Beautiful [4] The Spruce [5] Good Housekeeping
In the upcoming year, interior design trends are leaning towards incorporating rich, moody colors like Hidden Gem, with earthy tones and warm neutrals also expected to be popular. Homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces with depth and color could find their inspiration from Behr's 2026 Color Trends Palette, which includes Hidden Gem, a versatile shade that pairs well with various lifestyle elements, such as soft neutrals, warm whites, and metallics.
