End of dominance for neutral shades? Behr heralds new Color of the Year trend with a striking, smoky jade hue showcasing a refined yet audacious approach.
In the world of interior design, Behr Paint Company has unveiled its 2026 Color Trends Palette, centring around the smoky jade tone, Hidden Gem (N430-6A), as its Color of the Year. This deeply luxurious and versatile hue is set to bring a sense of warmth, moodiness, and timeless elegance to homes and spaces[1][2][3].
Hidden Gem is a unique blend of forest canopy and moonlit lagoon tones, subtly changing with lighting, making it suitable for any room or project. It is supported by a range of colours in the palette, including warm neutrals, vibrant accents, soft pastels, and cool mid-tones[4].
Complementary colours like the soft yellow Beehive and the red-orange Terra Cotta Urn provide a dynamic yet balanced range of options for home interiors. The palette also includes a delicate beige, Dainty Lace, and a refreshing neutral shade, Wheat Bread, to add warmth and airiness[1][2][4].
Erika Woelfel, VP of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint, explains that Hidden Gem captures a spirit of colours that challenge convention and bring an unexpected sense of wonder to everyday spaces[5]. She further adds that the palette was developed based on lifestyle trends and a desire for colours that feel both current and timeless, with enough dimension to feel fresh over time.
Andy Lopez, SVP, Head of Global Marketing at Behr Paint Company, states that Hidden Gem empowers DIYers, designers, and paint professionals to craft spaces that are both purposeful and expressive. He believes that colour holds the power to express who you are, and Hidden Gem allows for spaces that are both purposeful and expressive[5].
The 2026 palette also features an elegant bowl and a cozy throw, both glazed in rich jewel tones, serving as coffee table accessories that elevate neutral styles with texture and rich colour. Additionally, a glazed textured bud vase in a rich peacock green adds a touch of sophistication to the palette[1][2][4].
Research conducted by Behr concluded that for 2026, there's a growing appetite for colours like Hidden Gem that are bold and make a space unique and timeless. Two in three Americans (67%) say Hidden Gem would make a space feel unique and stand the test of time. More than half of Americans (58%) agree that a room painted with Hidden Gem would be captivating[1][2][3].
The 2026 Behr Color Trends Palette consists of warm, earthy tones, jewel tones, and sophisticated pastels, reflecting a shift towards dark, livable colours, moving away from beige and boring tones. This timeless palette is bound to last for years to come, inviting a personal and emotional connection to living spaces[1][5].
[1] Behr Press Release: Behr Announces 2026 Color Trends Palette and Color of the Year [2] Behr Blog: Introducing the 2026 Color Trends Palette [3] Behr Paint: 2026 Color Trends Palette [4] Behr Color Trends Palette: A Closer Look [5] Interview with Erika Woelfel and Andy Lopez about the 2026 Color Trends Palette and Hidden Gem
The Behr Color Trends Palette for 2026 encompasses a variety of colors, including Hidden Gem, which is described as a unique blend of forest canopy and moonlit lagoon tones; this luxurious hue, set to bring warmth, moodiness, and timeless elegance to interiors, falls under the lifestyle category. The palette also includes complementary colors like the soft yellow Beehive and the red-orange Terra Cotta Urn, making it suitable for home-and-garden projects.
