Behr Paint Company has announced Hidden Gem (N430-6A) as its 2026 Color of the Year. The smoky jade — a refined blend of blue and green — strikes a balance between grounded serenity and energizing sophistication, offering a color that stands out for its depth and timeless appeal.

“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, vice president 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.”

Credit: Behr

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According to research commissioned by Behr Paint, 82% of Americans believe the colors in a home can impact confidence. Of those surveyed, 67% said a space painted with Hidden Gem would feel unique, while 66% said it would create a sense of peace and stand the test of time.

“Color holds the power to express who you are — it tells your story without saying a word,” said Andy Lopez, senior vice president, 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.”

Hidden Gem is part of the BEHR® 2026 Color Trends Palette, which includes earthy tones, jewel hues, and soft pastels reflecting a move toward warmth, comfort, and playfulness. The palette supports design styles ranging from modern to traditional and can be used across residential and commercial spaces. Some of the highlights include:

Credit: Behr

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• Earth tones like Wheat Bread, Baronial Brown, and Rodeo Tan bring grounded warmth and comfort
• Pastels such as Beehive, Watery, and Dainty Lace offer soft, serene elegance
• Terracottas and warm neutrals — Terra Cotta Urn, Iced Copper, Mocha Ice — add cozy depth and richness
• Blues and greens like Adirondack Blue, Dragonfly, and Ecological create a restorative connection to nature
• Jewel tones such as Curtain Call and Rumors (the BEHR 2025 Color of the Year) provide moody, luxurious impact
• Signature neutrals — Blank Canvas (the BEHR 2023 Color of the Year), Cracked Pepper (the BEHR 2024 Color of the Year), and Urban Nature — ground the palette with timeless versatility

To celebrate the launch, Behr Paint is hosting a sweepstakes through Aug. 13, 2025, offering a $50,000 prize. Customers can enter by purchasing any BEHR® product from The Home Depot, uploading their receipt, and following BEHR Paint on Instagram or TikTok. Full rules and entry details are available at behr.com/2026COTYsweepstakes.

BEHR® products, including the 2026 Color of the Year and Color Trends Palette, are available in BEHR DYNASTY®, BEHR MARQUEE®, BEHR ULTRA® and BEHR PREMIUM PLUS®, sold exclusively at The Home Depot.

To learn more about Hidden Gem and explore the full palette, visit behr.com/2026coty.

Explore more Color of the Year anouncements, past and present, from PCI Magazine.