Is the reign of neutral paints finally over? Behr's kicking off Color of the Year season with a smoky jade tone that's as sophisticated as it is bold

August and September are Colors of the Year season. We see the biggest paint and color brands announce what their 'color' is going to be for the year ahead. They give a real insight into the mood of the interiors world (and beyond), and I find they provide me with a good indication of what's to come in terms of broader trends too.

First up is Behr's Color of the Year 2026 – Hidden Gem. And I am pleasantly surprised. While color trends aren't all about the neutrals, but they do tend to dominate, so seeing a deep smoky teal like Hidden Gem is a good start.

'Hidden Gem' (N430-6A) is a deeply luxurious smoky jade tone that feels timeless yet contemporary; it's the sort of paint color that accentuates any surface it's used on. An opulent jade tone with subtle gray undertones, if you're a lover of decorating with jewel tones, Hidden Gem might be the perfect shade for you.

Behr's Color of the Year 2026: Hidden Gem

While decorating with green can sometimes feel a little bold, Hidden Gem is the perfect choice for homeowners looking to bring depth and color into their scheme without straying too far into the dramatic. Those smoky undertones make it a surprisingly livable green paint, that's both deep and muted.

'Now more than ever, there's a growing appetite for colors that challenge convention and bring an unexpected sense of wonder to everyday spaces,' said Erika Woelfel, VP 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.'

Research conducted by Behr concluded that for 2026, we are all feeling a bit bolder, and Hidden Gem is the perfect shade for right now. In the brand's surveys around their Color of the Year, more than half of Americans (58%) agree that a room painted with Hidden Gem would be captivating, and two in three Americans (67%) say Hidden Gem would make a space feel unique and stand the test of time.

'Color holds the power to express who you are – it tells your story without saying a word,' stated Andy Lopez, SVP, Head of Global Marketing at Behr Paint Company. 'Hidden Gem empowers DIYers, designers, and paint professionals to craft spaces that are both purposeful and expressive, delivering lasting value through our high-quality products.'

Behr's 2026 Color Trend Palette

Hidden Gem is a part of the Behr 2026 Color Trends Palette, a collection of trend-forward colors that feel cocooning and classic with that all-important playful edge.

The palette consists of warm, earthy tones, jewel tones, and sophisticated pastels that would work beautifully alongside Hidden Gem. Unlike stereotypical pastel room ideas, Behr's Terracotta Urn (PPU2-12) gives the conventional spring pink a luxurious edge. And if you prefer decorating with neutrals, there are plenty of refreshing shades, such as Wheat Bread (720C-3) and Dainty Lace (MQ3-11), a delicate beige that feels warm yet airy.

A truly versatile selection of colors, Behr's 2026 palette is timeless and bound to last for years to come. Each color feels equally as joyous as the next, proving that paint can be both sophisticated and fun.

Love the jewel tones of Hidden Gem but not ready to commit to a paint project? These decor pieces will bring that rich green into your home, no brushes needed.

Behr's Color of the Year is hopefully an exciting insight into what's to come in the colors of 2026. I am predicting more dark colors, livable dark colors that is; bye bye beige and boring, and hello jewel tones with depth and intrigue.