Valspar Announces Their 2026 Color of the Year

August 10, 2025  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

Inspired by vintage design palettes, this shade brings a sense of ease and timeless appeal to any space. Sage Slate stands out because nearly every Valspar paint product, including interior, exterior, cabinet and furniture, metal, and concrete paints and stains, can be tinted in this hue, making it easy for both novice and experienced professionals to create a space they love.

"Warm Eucalyptus is more than just a beautiful shade of green, it's a reflection of the comfort we crave in our homes," said 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."

A Haven at Home
In a fast-paced world, consumers are signaling a desire for nostalgic joy and comfort. Warm Eucalyptus meets this moment, channeling vintage palettes and playful color-blocking techniques that evoke emotion and optimism.

Renters and homeowners are evolving their spaces to offer more than just living; they're creating havens for rest and renewal. Warm Eucalyptus complements this shift, encouraging thoughtful, multifunctional design. Its soothing tone creates a sense of comfort and reassurance while providing a peaceful canvas for self-expression.

Supporting Colors
Earthy, supporting colors perfectly complement Warm Eucalyptus, making it easy to create a cohesive, soothing home inside and out:

Degas Blue 8004-35B: A breezy light blue warmed by hints of green and gray, evoking soft nostalgia and quiet joy.

Groundbreaking 8005-8F: A cozy deep brown with gray undertones, inspired by natural materials and the understated luxury of earth tones.

Versatile by Design Valspar has a wide variety of interior, exterior, and specialty products available to tint in Warm Eucalyptus, including:

Interior Paint: Valspar® Ultra, starting at $29.98 per gallon (price varies by sheen), Valspar Reserve®, and Valspar Signature®

Exterior Paint: Valspar® DefenseÔ, Valspar Duramax®, Valspar SeasonFIex®, Valspar SeasonPlus®, Valspar StormCoat®

Exterior Stain: Valspar® One-Coat Solid Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer, Valspar® Solid Color Concrete Stain

Specialty Products: Valspar® Cabinet & Furniture Oil-Enriched Enamel, Valspar® Door & Trim Acrylic Enamel with Swift Dry Technology, Valspar® Direct-to-Metal Acrylic Paint

Whether color-drenching living rooms, soothing bathrooms or enhancing curb appeal, the hue elevates both form and function with ease. The ability to tint multiple products formulated for homeowners and professionals in the Color of the Year sets Valspar apart and gives DIYers, contractors and tradespeople the ability to use this versatile shade in a variety of applications inside and outside the home.

Warm Eucalyptus 8004-28F is available exclusively at Lowe's stores, on Lowes.com and the Lowe's mobile app. A comparable color, Sage Slate V143-5, is available at independent home improvement retailers nationwide.

Valspar’s 2026 Color of the Year Slate Sage can be found at independent retailers in the U.S. along with coordinating shades Windblown Blue V139-2 and Crater V135-6.