Behr Announces 2026 Color of the Year: Hidden Gem, a Smoky Jade

Behr Paint Company has announced "Hidden Gem," a smoky jade hue, as its 2026 Color of the Year. The color, part of the BEHR 2026 Color Trends Palette, is designed to create interiors that are grounded and energizing, embodying understated elegance and timeless sophistication. The color has been found to have a profound impact on one's confidence, with 82% of Americans acknowledging its impact. Behr is hosting a sweepstakes with a chance to win $50,000 by purchasing BEHR products at The Home Depot.

Title: Behr Paint Company Announces "Hidden Gem" as 2026 Color of the Year

Behr Paint Company has announced "Hidden Gem," a smoky jade hue, as its 2026 Color of the Year. This color, part of the BEHR 2026 Color Trends Palette, is designed to create interiors that are grounded and energizing, embodying understated elegance and timeless sophistication. The color has been found to have a profound impact on one's confidence, with 82% of Americans acknowledging its impact. Behr is hosting a sweepstakes with a chance to win $50,000 by purchasing BEHR products at The Home Depot.

The selection of Hidden Gem as the 2026 Color of the Year is based on a survey commissioned by Behr, which found that nearly four in five Americans (79%) would choose color palettes that will add timeless luxury over riskier, trendy colors if they were to paint their house (inside or out) [1]. The color's versatility and emotional resonance make it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a balance between livability and enduring appeal.

Behr's vice president of color services, Erika Woelfel, explained that Hidden Gem was selected because it embodies the grounded sophistication and quiet confidence that today’s homeowners and clients are seeking. The smoky jade hue brings a sense of balance and depth that feels both timeless and fresh. It can be used in various settings, both indoors and outdoors, to create a calming and restorative atmosphere [2].

The 2026 Color Trends Palette features approachable, adaptable shades designed to pair effortlessly with Hidden Gem. This palette arrives at a perfect moment, as 88% of Americans are seeking home improvement projects that will make their homes feel more personalized [1]. Hidden Gem's smoky jade tone is an ideal companion for both warm and cool tones, allowing for a wide range of design combinations.

The color's impact extends beyond aesthetics; it has been shown to influence one's confidence and emotional state. Woelfel notes that Hidden Gem can be both subtle and striking, capturing a sense of understated elegance and inviting people to reimagine their spaces in a way that feels fresh, personal, and enduring [1].

Behr's announcement of Hidden Gem as the 2026 Color of the Year reflects a broader trend in the home improvement industry. Homeowners are increasingly seeking colors that create a sense of place and evoke feelings of comfort and clarity. This shift is evident in the selection of Hidden Gem, which offers a balance between the boldness of last year's Rumors and the more neutral selections of 2024's Cracked Pepper and 2023's Blank Canvas [3].

In conclusion, Behr Paint Company's choice of Hidden Gem as the 2026 Color of the Year is a strategic move that aligns with current trends in home design and consumer preferences. The color's versatility, emotional impact, and timeless appeal make it an attractive choice for homeowners and investors alike.

References
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/terriwilliams/2025/07/31/behrs-2026--color-of-the-year-is-a-hidden-gem/
[2] https://www.behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2026-color-of-the-year/
[3] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/hidden-gem-the-2026-behr-color-of-the-year-is-a-grounding-green-hue-that-shines-in-any-setting