Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Color(s) of the Year Come in All Different Shades
August 27,
2025 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
It’s that time of year, when Fall is just around the corner, the kids are back to school, the thought of your next pumpkin flavored beverage or snack treat is on your mind, and everyone is naming their favorite for the next ‘Color of the Year for 2026.’
Early color trends seem to be shaping the color palette for next year, according to a wide search of the web (and Google AI); warm tones are heating up the selections, and purples and violets are growing in popularity. Also referenced in various lists are reds, greens and neutrals, so which colors made the grade among those who name them?
Here are a few that have made their early selection, and are contenders for the “Color of 2026”:
Behr Paint has named Hidden Gem their choice for next year. It is described as “a smoky jade with an air of mystery and sophistication…(a) rich, dynamic color (that) creates spaces that feel both grounded and alive.
WGSN and it’s color platform Coloro (a data-driven, trend-forecasting service) has chosen Transformative Teal. They call it a “pivotal shade (that) can elevate your brand’s offerings and connect with the eco-conscious consumer of tomorrow.”
Keeping up with the “green” trend… Valspar has named Warm Eucalyptus as their color of choice. Their inspiration? “Mindful living — slowing down time and injecting restorative design to appreciate small moments. Color that is restful to the eye is restful to the soul.”
Glidden goes for the complimentary color to the green part of the color wheel by choosing Warm Mahogany. “A rich, grounded red that’s bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement. Any style, any space, any mood.”
In a wide deviation from green, Dutch Boy has chosen Melodious Ivory as their choice. “Melodious Ivory’s creamy warmth brings a nostalgic, elevated vibe, perfect for showcasing handmade pieces and bold layers. A timeless creamy shade that makes your space feel effortlessly you.”
Keeping up with the ‘neutral trend,’ Minwax has named Special Walnut their color of choice. This year, they are “taking it back to the authenticity and humanity of a trusted, time-honored favorite, helping you bring back the natural warmth and beauty of your wood projects.
Stepping out of the box this year, Sherwin- Williams has named a “Colormix Forecast” they have named 2026 – Anthology: Volume 2. The forecast has four palettes, including Frosted Tints (sophisticated pastels), Sunbaked Hues (earthy terracotta, saffron, and rich reds), Restorative Darks (luxurious burgundies and heritage navies), and Foundational Neutrals.
One notable trendsetter that hasn’t named their color of the year yet is Pantone. Waiting to hear what their choice will be the design community will have to wait. According to Pantone, their program choice “engages the design community and color enthusiasts in a conversation around color… (each year) Pantone selects a color that captures the global zeitgeist… a global mood and an attitude, reflecting collective desire in the form of a single, distinct hue.”
The world will have to wait a little while longer to hear, but here’s hoping for a green hue. It’s always been a favorite.