"Universal Khaki" Is the New Warm Neutral
Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year is Universal Khaki, an earthy neutral with a yellow undertone that works well in open living spaces, hallways, kitchens, and bedrooms.
Screenshot courtesy of sherwin-williams.com.
Universal Khaki can be paired with soft white for trim, dark accents for depth, or with layers of natural textures like wood and stone. As a midtone color, it easily adds personality to a room without overpowering it.
The Sherwin Williams Supporting Palette:
Strong colors with a dusty tinge provide options to introduce subtle depth by using cabinetry, doors, and trim for contrast.
"Silhouette" Creates a Feeling of Moody Luxury
Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year is Silhouette, a deep neutral that looks like dark, dusty chocolate.
Screenshot courtesy of benjaminmoore.com.
Silhouette works best when used strategically in spaces that can afford to make a statement, such as dining rooms, home offices, and kitchen islands. It can be paired with a warm white on surrounding walls to help keep spaces feeling open.
The Benjamin Moore Supporting Palette:
Silhouette's accompanying palette is similar to that of Universal Khaki, with variations of earthy dark greens, terracotta, and creamy pastels.
Benjamin Moore's visualizer tool lets you easily see what rooms look like with various combinations of these colors. It's about halfway down this page on their website.
"Hidden Gem" Brings Rich Sophistication
Screenshot courtesy of behr.com.
BEHR’s 2026 Color of the Year is Hidden Gem, a smoky jade with grey undertones. Like Silhouette, it's a way to create a strong mood without making a room feel too loud, but it needs to be used strategically.
The BEHR Supporting Palette:
Creamy off-whites, desert browns, and shades of blue-green make up Behr's 2026 color trends recommendations. (Not all of them are meant to pair ideally with Hidden Gem.)
Tip: Deep colors such as Hidden Gem and Silhouette can help to create a den-like feel, making them a good match for media rooms and other spaces where people go for seclusion and relaxation.
More Trends for 2026
Out: The traditional painted accent wall is becoming less popular. Instead, designers are more likely to use a contrasting color on cabinetry, built-ins, and interior doors.
In: Pairing with that trend, more homeowners are choosing "alternative" accent walls that make a visual statement using texture, such as paneling or wooden slats, instead of color.
In: Color drenching, which means using the same or very similar colors for walls, trim, and ceiling. When doing this, it often works best to choose a different sheen for at least one surface type.
