Dunn-Edwards’ Color of the Year Is a Rich Coffee Brown – But It Still Behaves Like a Surprisingly Versatile Neutral

Color of the Year season is in full swing, and next to announce its spotlight shade is Dunn-Edwards, revealing French Press Coffee as the chosen hue of 2027.

So far, there's been a real mix of Colors of the Year announcements, ranging from organic greens (like Behr's Grounded and Sherwin-Williams' Celery) to moody blues (like Valspar's Cottage Door), but a common thread runs through each of these shades: they're all earthy and evocative. French Press Coffee is no different. Reminiscent of dark roasted coffee, this grounding, organic hue rethinks neutrals for the better.

'French Press Coffee is the kind of color that reveals itself gradually,' explains Lauren Hoferkamp, Color Marketing Manager at Dunn-Edwards. 'As light shifts throughout the day, its subtle plum undertone emerges, adding complexity you don't always see in a neutral. It's grounding and restrained yet full of character. With its moody, rich hue, this color works beautifully across a wide range of spaces and applications.'

We have seen such a resurgence in decorating with brown recently. It still has all the versatility and gentleness of a neutral but gives more character than a creamy white or warm gray. Brown is a more confident choice; yes, it's less 'safe', but that doesn't mean it's not timeless. Dunn-Edwards French Press Coffee might be what we'd once consider dark and dramatic, but it's familiar and comforting too, which makes it just as usable as lighter neutral shades.

'Brown is everywhere in the things we find comforting: coffee, chocolate, wood, leather, soil,' Lauren tells Homes & Gardens. 'It's the color of the natural world, so it feels familiar and grounding without asking for attention. It also works across nearly every design style, from traditional to modern to rustic, which gives it a broad appeal few other colors can match.'

The beauty of French Press Coffee is that it's moody and dark without being overwhelming. It brings an effortlessly luxurious feel to interiors, but can feel restrained and grounding with a more pared-back decorating approach and organic materials.

What makes French Press Coffee unique is its color composition. 'It's the undertone. French Press Coffee has a subtle plum undertone that gives it depth and dimension, so it never looks flat or muddy,' explains Lauren. 'It changes with the light, becoming intimate and glowing in the evening and more grounded and neutral in daylight. It's rich enough to make a statement but still behaves like a neutral.'

Always consider the colors that go with brown when introducing French Press Coffee into your scheme. 'It pairs beautifully with creamy warm whites for crisp but soft contrast, and with deep greens for a moody, nature-inspired palette,' Lauren advises. 'It also works with muted sage and olive, dusty rose and terra-cotta, soft ochre and camel. On the materials side, try walnut and oak, aged brass, leather, and stone with warm veining.'

The Coffee Brown Edit

French Press Coffee balances luxury and liveability, confidence with comfort. 'It tells us people are continuing to move away from cool, minimal interiors toward spaces with warmth, depth, and personality,' Lauren says. 'Homeowners want rooms that feel enveloping and intentional, and they're more willing to use color with confidence. French Press Coffee captures that: it's bold, but in a comforting way.'

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.