As the long-awaited colors of the year roll out, paint and color pros are leaning into timeless, authentic, and grounding picks. Valspar has chosen Warm Eucalyptus (8004-28F) as its 2026 Color of the Year. Serene and calming, the green tone was inspired by vintage design palettes to create a timeless aesthetic.
“Warm Eucalyptus is more than just a beautiful shade of green, it’s a reflection of the comfort we crave in our homes,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. “Its warm undertones create a grounded, welcoming mood while drawing inspiration from nature and the familiarity of retro design. This is a color that encourages restoration and resilience.”
Consumers looking for nostalgic joy and warmth in their homes can use the soothing hue in various applications. Warm Eucalyptus can complement a dining area’s cabinetry, enhance a home’s curb appeal, or color-drench a bedroom with ease. Kim and the Valspar color experts recommend complementing Warm Eucalyptus, with Degas Blue (80004-35B) or Groundbreaking (8005-8F) to create a cohesive, soothing home.
Courtesy of Glidden
Glidden
Glidden’s 2026 Color of the Year is also very warm. Warm Mahogany (PPG1060-7), a rich and timeless red, is a hue with heritage that can adapt well to any area of the home including the interior and exterior.
“DIYers are faced with selecting a color that fits within the larger lifestyle of a space, not just one prescribed function or moment in time,” says Ashley McCollum, Glidden paint color expert. “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.”
For calming and moody bedrooms to deep and inviting dining spaces, Warm Mahogany embraces a juxtaposition of both traditional and modern. The approachable color is available in any Glidden brand paint and sheen.
Courtesy of Dutch Boy Paints
Dutch Boy Paints
Dutch Boy Paints has announced Melodious Ivory (313-2DB) as its 2026 Color of the Year. This warm neutral is inspired by a cultural shift toward simplicity and intentional living. Melodious Ivory’s soft, creamy beige lends timeless warmth and calmness for a versatile, understated foundation that complements a wide range of interior styles.
“Our 2026 Color of the Year invites homeowners to embrace what matters most—comfort, quality and connection,” says Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager at Dutch Boy Paints. “Melodious Ivory offers a classic backdrop that beautifully supports the textures, elements and personal touches that make a space truly feel like home.”
For charming exteriors to sun-drenched kitchens and cozy bedrooms, the color helps create environments that are warm and balanced. Dutch Boy pros say it pairs effortlessly with a wide range of materials, including timeworn wood, handmade crafts and comfy textiles.
Courtesy of Minwax
Minwax
Minwax has announced Special Walnut as its 2026 Color of the Year. The favorite shade among homeowners and designers alike is an earthy stain that offers a timeless aesthetic and broad design appeal.
“With wood emerging as a key element in interior design—from furniture and flooring to cabinetry and architectural details—there’s a renewed appreciation for finishes that enhance its natural character,” says Lisbeth Parada, color and design lead at Minwax. “Special Walnut delivers with a classic, dimensional tone that feels both familiar and fresh. Its versatility makes it a favorite across styles and applications—whether you’re restoring a vintage piece or finishing a weekend project.”
Special Walnut enhances the grain and depth of wood, offering a finish that is grounded and welcoming. The pick is aligned with the “wood drenching” trend, where wood-wrapped walls, ceilings, and built-ins create cohesive, visually inviting spaces, Minwax says.
Courtesy of Behr
Behr
Behr Paint Company unveiled Hidden Gem (N430-6A) as its 2026 Color of the Year, a smoky jade that blends blue and green to create environments that feel both grounded and energizing.
“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, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint. “Hidden Gem captures that spirit in both name and color—its depth and refinement meets the desire for colors that are eternally stunning and stylish.”
Behr says that Hidden Gem reminds us that true elegance lies in subtlety and lasting appeal, encouraging a more personal connection to your home. The deep tones of Hidden Gem apply beautifully throughout the home including the bedroom, living areas, or bathrooms.
