The Paint Colors of the Year for 2026 embrace a back-to-basics simplicity, from grounded greens, to comforting nostalgic hues, and colors inspired by quiet luxuries. This year’s palettes offer a unique opportunity for new-build homeowners to layer warmth and personality into their brand-new homes for instant patina and lived-in appeal.

Here is how to bring comfort and calm to your new home, using some of this year’s top shades.

Universal Khaki by Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Universal Khaki is a mid-tone tan with yellow undertones that leans into the comfort that comes with familiarity.

“We were inspired by the enduring elegance of the everyday, like the familiar comfort of a favorite jacket or the quiet resilience of natural materials,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

“It’s a hue that feels approachable and timeless, yet flexible enough to support bold accents or stand confidently on its own,” says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.

To apply this throughout the home, Wadden suggests :

• In the living room, use it as a warm, welcoming backdrop that works equally well with bold accents or soft, layered neutrals.
• In bedrooms, its enveloping tone brings a sense of calm and serenity, blending beautifully with cozy textures, and layered bedding.
• In dining rooms, it serves as a grounding force that allows statement lighting, wood tones, and even colorful tableware to take center stage.
• The color is a warm yet neutral complement to natural wood, stone, and metallic finishes in the kitchen.

Banbury recommends Universal Khaki in an open-concept floor plan, a smart color choice to create flow and continuity.

Silhouette by Benjamin Moore

Clean, crisp and fashion-inspired, Silhouette taps into simple luxuries: a perfectly tailored suit, or the tactile pleasure of high-end materials.

“This year, the connections between fashion and interiors were prominent. The return of the suiting with softer and fluid movements and layered textures were coupled with meticulous draping and tailoring. A similar trend is emerging in interiors, where timeless pieces and traditional design are making a strong comeback,” says Hannah Yeo, senior manager, color marketing at Benjamin Moore.

Darker colors have been trending over the last few years, but some homeowners are apprehensive. It can be hard to imagine how a deep hue will look across an entire space, and concerns about longevity may make them reluctant to commit. Many also worry about applying dark tones correctly.

“If you are hesitant on using darker colors in your design, consider trying them out in small doses and smaller spaces like bathrooms. Paired with more traditional beadboard paneling and abundant natural light, Silhouette helps to ground the space without overwhelming it,” says Yeo, adding that reflective accents like metallics and mirrors move the light, bringing balance.

Warm Mahogany by Glidden

Nostalgia is a major influence on interior design trends this year, and Warm Mahogany, a toasty red with warm undertones, embraces a retro, mid-mod vibe.

It’s one of many shades this year well-suited for color drenching, says Ashley McCollum, color marketing manager for Glidden, especially in “shared spaces that generally promote intentional togetherness, such as a living or dining room. It’s also fitting for a cozy reading nook.”

It’s a great choice to use outside for curb appeal, explains McCollum, either as the dominant or accent color.

“As a main color, it should be balanced with natural neutral tones. As an accent, consider your doors, shutters, trim, garage doors, the ceiling of a porch or smaller details such as planter boxes.” McCollum also suggests pairing the color with natural materials, such as stone, brick, or wood, and warm metallic fixtures, such as bronze, copper, or black.

Matte Coffee Bean by Krylon

With affordability and sustainability top of mind for homeowners, re-purposing and upcycling are trending. Krylon’s Matte Coffee Bean spray paint is an excellent DIY tool for homeowners to give older pieces an elegant makeover in a rich, on-trend hue.

Matte Coffee Bean “aligns beautifully with today’s appeal of organic minimalism and the desire to create spaces that feel calm, connected to nature and intentional,” says Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager for Krylon. “Combine it with wood furniture, stone accents, or woven fibers for a restorative look.”

She also recommends :

• In the kitchen, try it on seating furniture like chairs or benches for an upgraded look or consider a hanging pendant to bring contrast into the space.
• In bedrooms, Matte Coffee Bean could be perfect for decorative plant pots or nightstands by inviting calm.
• The paint offers maximum rust protection, which is important when painting outdoor furniture.

Going Green in 2026 : Warm Eucalyptus, Midnight Garden, Hidden Gem, and Secret Safari

Green is having a moment in 2026, with multiple brands featuring various shades of green in Paint Color of the Year selections.

• Greens are among the most restorative and calming color choices. For a spa-like bathroom, Valspar’s tranquil Warm Eucalyptus, and Dunn-Williams’s mossy, plant-inspired Midnight Garden are both good choices for walls and cabinetry.
• Use green as neutral to ground space. Play with the balance of blue/green with BEHR’s Hidden Gem as a foundation, and pair with cream, terracotta, or brown accents.
• Green can also be playful, so it is a good choice for statement-making accents. Use the whimsy of Art Deco-inspired Secret Safari by PPG to make trim, furniture, or doors pop, or use it on a larger accent wall.

How to Style 2026’s Paint Colors of The Year in Any Room? by Heather Wright | Livabl