Every year, Pantone, along with various paint companies, choose a color they think embodies the spirit of the upcoming twelve months. At the beginning of 2025, we discussed the surprising shades of purple that paint companies chose for their colors of the year. Now that a new year is beginning, let’s explore some of the 2026 colors of the year and how you can use them in your home.
Pantone: Cloud Dancer
Pantone made waves online when they introduced their pick for 2026 Color of the Year: a shade of white dubbed Cloud Dancer. Described as “a whisper of tranquility and peace in a noisy world”, it’s meant to symbolize fresh starts and blank canvases.
Depending on the lighting and surrounding environment, Cloud Dancer can either appear to have warm or cool undertones, making it a versatile choice for interior design. If you decide to paint your walls in a cloud dancer-inspired shade, Pantone has a list of curated color palettes you can take inspiration from to add pops of color with your décor.
Honorable Mention: Phthalo Green
Upon seeing Pantone’s choice for the 2026 Color of the Year, many social media users, seemingly bored with neutrals and minimalism, collectively decided on their own selection: a deep, rich emerald shade called phthalo green. Created in 1938, this synthetic pigment evokes images of lush foliage, mysterious lagoons, and royalty.
So, did Pantone get it wrong? Are we craving bold tones rather than stark neutrals? That’s for you to decide. When used strategically in interior design, phthalo green can bring a sense of luxury and allure to your home. Pair it with rich fabrics, heavy draperies, patterned wallpapers, and ornamental touches to instantly elevate your home.
Behr: Hidden Gem
If you’re one of the internet users that rallied behind phthalo green as the rightful choice for Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, you may like Behr’s pick, Hidden Gem. It’s a smokier, more blue-toned shade of jade, but with the same richness and depth of phthalo green. Behr describes it as both “grounded and energizing”.
Use this paint color to add subtle elegance and timeless appeal to your home, whether you opt for an accent wall in the bedroom, a color-drenched living room, or a kitchen cabinet makeover.
Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus
Valspar’s choice for 2026, Warm Eucalyptus, is a warmer, lighter version of Hidden Gem. This “nature-inspired, restorative” color hearkens back to vintage design. Valspar suggests that it’s a new type of neutral — it “set[s] a grounding and inviting mood with the warmth that calms our senses.”
Pair Warm Eucalyptus with natural materials like wood and ceramics, along with gold finishes, to bring the beauty of the natural world into your home. As far as color palettes go, Valspar recommends pairing it with a shade of light, grayish blue and a cozy brown with gray undertones.
Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki
At first glance, Universal Khaki — the 2026 Color of the Year picked by Sherwin-Williams — may seem boring and bland. However, there’s a reason for this. Rather than seeing it as minimalist, the company invites you to see it as essentialist, emphasizing quality, meaning and purpose. It’s a “structured, foundational color” that the uncertain world needs right now, the Sherwin-Williams color director told Elle Decor.
Since Universal Khaki is designed to be so universal, you can do nearly anything with it. Whether you pair it with other neutrals to create an earthy look or lean into pops of more saturated color, this shade is a versatile addition to any home.
Benjamin Moore: Silhouette
Benjamin Moore’s pick for 2026 Color of the Year is Silhouette, a cross between espresso and charcoal. This deep neutral shade is not quite gray and not quite brown, making it a versatile addition to any home.
The company describes it as “reminiscent of tailored suiting”, emphasizing the connection between fashion and interior design. When using it in your home, pair it with lighter colors — especially creams and beiges — to create a sense of luxury and timelessness.
Refresh Your Home in 2026 with Brush Brothers Painting
If you’re considering refreshing your home with one of these 2026 colors of the year, trust Brush Brothers to help bring your vision to life. Our expert painters will achieve the professional finish you’re looking for, and the best part is you won’t have to lift a finger. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive painting services and receive your free quote.
