Rediscover Comfort with Hidden Gem by Behr

Last year, Behr stirred the pot with their soothing yet sultry pick, rumors, after two years of back-to-back neutrals. This year, they’re asking us to reframe the way we think about the home with their 2026 selection, Hidden Gem: a beautiful blue-green jewel tone with smoky gray undertones. Aptly named, this self-described jade serves as a poignant reminder that some of the best-kept secrets are often the most personal. There’s a reason why our favorite dive bars, hiking spots, and restaurants are referred to as hidden gems. It’s because they’re comfortable pockets that feel like they’ve been created just for us. It doesn’t matter if they’re appreciated by others, because we’re able to see the value in them. A trait that makes this color all the more special.

Photo: Courtesy of Behr Paint Company

It elicits feelings of comfort and safety—of ownership and personalization—that come from finding a place, piece, or palette that speaks to you. A goal Behr hoped to accomplish when choosing the 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, in a recent press release.  “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.”

And with its energizing green hues and grounding gray tones, Behr has done just that. Whether it’s plastered on all four walls or woven into thoughtful accent pieces like pillows, draperies, or shades, Hidden Gem provides a sense of tailor-made warmth and wonder.

Slow Down with Melodious Ivory by Dutch Boy

Sometimes, however, the best shades are those that encourage us to slow down and take stock of what’s most important, which is what Dutch Boy Paints has set out to do with their 2026 pick, Melodious Ivory. This soft, buttery beige acts as a soothing backdrop for those wishing to insulate themselves from the outside world. Rooted in nostalgia, this color encourages us to slow down and live in the moment.

Photo: Courtesy of Dutch Boy Paints

In a press release, the Color Marketing Manager of Dutch Boy Paints, Lisbeth Parada, breaks down some of the ways in which this rich, creamy beige helps to foster a better connection with oneself. “Our 2026 Color of the Year invites homeowners to embrace what matters most—simplicity, authenticity, and intentional living,” Lisbeth says. “Melodious Ivory offers a classic backdrop that beautifully supports the textures, elements, and personal touches that make a space truly feel like home.”

With its burnt, orange undertones and creamy, white overtones, Melodious Ivory offers a truly balanced approach to color. Whether it’s used as a grounding accent in bold, contemporary designs, or as a soothing backdrop in traditional ones, this inviting hue proves that quiet doesn’t have to mean quaint.     

Turn Up the Heat with Warm Mahogany by Glidden

Dubbed as the “trend for anti-trend seekers”, Glidden’s 2026 Color of the Year, Warm Mahogany, allows you to turn up the heat without getting burnt. This warm, earthy red features soft, brown undertones that temper its more fiery components so that you’re left with a balanced, nuanced shade that’s not too bland but not too bold. This careful juxtaposition helps to craft looks that cater to a myriad of personalities and styles, including maximalist, modernism, and everything in between. What’s more, its earthy backbone and wood-like appearance give the shade a timeless touch that can be enjoyed for many seasons to come.

 “We’re torn between colors that feel authentic, personal, and safe, and those that give a rush of newness, risk, and excitement. 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!” Ashley McCollum, Glidden Paint Color Expert, states.

Whether it’s used as a bold accent piece or a soothing backdrop, this sumptuous shade pairs well with pops of green, cream, and natural wood finishes.

Look for the Bare Necessities with Universal Khaki by Sherwin-Williams

A wise bear once said that “when you look under the rocks and plants and take a look at the fancy ants…the bare necessities of life will come to you,” which is exactly what Sherwin-Williams—and its partner, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams—has set out to do with their 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki: a warm, neutral midtone akin to that of a forest floor. It’s soft, calming, and earthy. Three combinations that make for an inviting space. And it also marks the first time in the two brands' histories that they’ve come together for COTY, further giving credence to the color's usability and universal appeal.

Photo: Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

In a press release by Sherwin-Williams, the brand’s Color Marketing Manager, Susan Wadden, goes into depth about the colors understated versatility: “Khaki is more than just a neutral—it’s a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space,” remarks Wadden. “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.”

Likened to that of a soft blanket or well-worn jacket, Universal Khaki invites a familiar warmth into people’s lives. One that feels natural and easy to live with. And while it might not be able to fix all of your problems, there’s a good chance its natural, earth-inspired hues will allow you to forget about “your worries and your strife”—even if just for a moment.

Return to the Classics with Silhouette by Benjamin Moore

Soft, poised, and elegant. Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year, Silhouette, is the embodiment of tall, dark, and handsome with its smoky, chocolate brown hues and dark charcoal undertones. Taking inspiration from the runway, this dark and broody brown reflects more than just the mood of the moment. It reflects a deep-seated desire to return to the classics. Modeled after tailored suits and modern menswear, this black umber hue harkens back to a time of craftsmanship and time-honored silhouettes—hence the name.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

And much like Glidden’s Warm Mahogany, which aims to be the trend to end all trends, Silhouette aims to revive the timeless staying power of a custom-made suit. “We are seeing a lot of moving away from some of the micro-trends and people looking for something that’s more timeless, something that feels really classic,” says Andre Mango, Benjamin Moore’s Color Marketing and Development Director.

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on this year’s Colors of the Year? Which hues stood out to you, and what plans do you have for incorporating these shades into your homes? We’d love to hear from you. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to continue the discussion.

Lafayette Interior Fashions is a family-owned, to-the-trade manufacturer of blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, and other custom-crafted interior fashion products. To learn more about our products, find a local dealer near you.