In 1996, paint manufacturer Pratt & Lambert introduced its first Color of the Year. But it wasn’t until 1999 that the concept hit the mainstream, when Pantone introduced its first one – cerulean, which would define the year 2000. Since then, at the close of each year, the world’s top paint brands unveil their picks, offering a snapshot of the moods and cultural currents shaping design. The palettes for 2026 reflect a range of emotions, from a craving for serenity to a renewed embrace of expressiveness. Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year is Cloud Dancer, a shade of white, while IKEA selected Rebel Pink, a bright shade of bubblegum. Below is a list of 10 trending colors to introduce in your hotel.
1. HIDDEN GEM BY BEHR
Allied Member Behr describes its 2026 Color of the Year as “a smoky jade with an air of mystery and sophistication.” The rich jewel tone is both enlivening and grounding. “There’s a growing appetite for colors that challenge convention and bring unexpected sense of wonder to everyday spaces,” Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative spaces at Behr, said in a press release.
2. UNIVERSAL KHAKI BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS
This timeless neutral by Allied Member Sherwin Williams brings warmth and stability to commercial spaces, pairing especially well with matte black or brushed bronze. “There’s something enduring about khaki – it bridges the past and the future in a way that feels both familiar and forward-thinking,” said Sherwin Williams color strategist and director of color marketing Sue Wadden.
3. SILHOUETTE BY BENJAMIN MOORE
Silhouette evokes elegance and luxury, and the shade – which “weaves rich espresso hues with refined notes of charcoal” – is inspired by perfectly tailored suits. “The connection between fashion and interiors has always been a source of inspiration, but this year in particular, we’ve noticed a renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes; the resurgence of timeless pieces; and the growing interest in the brown color family,” said Andrea Magno, director, color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore.
4. WARM EUCALYPTUS BY VALSPAR
This green shade is meant to usher in restoration, serenity, and mindfulness. “Its warm undertones create a grounded, welcoming mood while drawing inspiration from nature and the familiarity of retro design,” said Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar.
5. WARM MAHOGANY BY GLIDDEN
A rich red shade, Warm Mahogany is more than a moment – it owns the mood. “We’re torn between colors that feel authentic, personal, and safe, and those that give a rush of newness, risk, and excitement,” said Ashley McCollum, Glidden paint color expert. Warm Mahogany, she continued, is “bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement.”
6. MELODIUS IVORY BY DUTCH BOY PAINTS
Melodious Ivory is a warm, calming, and inviting neutral. The understated shade complements a variety of interior styles, offering “a classic backdrop that beautifully supports the textures, elements, and personal touches that make a space truly feel like home,” said Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager at Dutch Boy Paints.
7. SECRET SAFARI BY PPG INDUSTRIES
A contemporary honeydew green, Allied Member PPG’s Secret Safari balances grounding energy with freshness and vitality. The shade adapts to its surroundings, said Irina Hanhisalo, PPG color category lead, architectural coatings. “It evokes a sense of calm in natural daylight and reveals layered depth in shadowed or low-light settings.”
8. MIDNIGHT GARDEN BY DUNN-EDWARDS
Dunn-Edwards selected a deep, muted green as its 2026 Color of the Year. The earthy shade embraces the “tranquility of a lush garden under the moonlight” and captures a growing trend of bringing the outdoors in. “Midnight Garden is the green that works everywhere – from cabinetry and walls to accents and exteriors,” said Lauren Hoferkamp, color marketing manager at Dunn-Edwards.
9. DIVINE DAMSON BY GRAHAM & BROWN
Divine Damson, a deep red shade with hints of mulberry and garnet, radiates opulence and sophistication. The color “brings a dramatic flair to any space, its subtle violet undertone adding a touch of refined elegance,” said Paula Taylor, stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown.
10. EPERNAY BY C2
Named for a French village famous for its limestone architecture, Epernay is a pale-yellow shade reminiscent of sunlit stone. Long tied to European influences, “this historic hue helps us retell the wondrous stories woven through history via the inseparable threads of color, art, furnishings, and nature,” said Phillipa Radon, an interior designer and C2 color specialist.
Image: aksol/stock.adobe.com
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