2026's new neutral? We're pretty sure we just spotted the next must-have tone on Stanley Tucci's living room walls

Stanley's living room features teal painted walls, which provide a tranquil ambiance and complementary hue against neutrals and colors alike

stanley tucci in a gray suit on a gray background
(Image credit: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)

Playing with paint colors in the living room is a fantastic way to enliven a space, and all the better if the shade is versatile enough to become a new neutral.

Such is the case with teal, as proven by Stanley Tucci's living room. The actor and culinary aficionado shared a clip of himself vacuuming his cozy living area, and we couldn't help but admire the dark yet calming blue-green hue covering his walls.

Decorating with teal is clearly a beneficial practice; as we can see in Stanley's space, the color complements natural features, like his wood piano, as well as his neutral rug and patterned throw pillows. We're going to say it right now, we expect to see this tone dominate color trends in the months ahead, before it'll be everywhere in 2026.

Shop the teal living room edit

According to experts, this blue-green shade is an excellent pick for those looking to create a tranquil area in the home.

Alexander Shepel, Founder of custom furniture brand SHEPEL, shares, 'I love to use deep navy blues in my design projects - we use many variations of this shade in our showroom for upholstery, wallcoverings, and decor. This color reminds me of the deep, calm sea. It helps to unwind, gives peace and tranquillity.'

She continues, 'Navy blue can be very traditional in style, or, at the other end of the spectrum, it can be sleek and contemporary. Think about the effect you want to create. Team navy blue and white for a clean, modern scheme. But dark, navy blue also works well with lighter blues. Think sky blue or even a light teal. These can create a very calming and serene vibe.'

In addition to providing a sanctuary feel to your home, teal can actually boost your home's curb appeal.

'If you want to infuse your home with a sense of coastal charm or playfulness, consider a teal or aqua front door,' Victoria Holly, principal and founder of Victoria Holly Interiors, states. 'A refreshing blue shade brings a sense of tranquility and uniqueness to your exterior. Teal can be an unexpected but delightful choice that works well with both light and dark house colors. It's a great way to add a pop of color that connects with the natural surroundings.'


As bold as it is versatile, teal is clearly a wonderful choice for the living room and beyond.


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Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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