The next big colors in home design

Driving the news: Paint giants Behr, Valspar and Sherwin-Williams recently announced their picks for the next big colors in home design.

• Behr chose Hidden Gem, a "smoky jade," as its 2026 color of the year.
• Valspar tapped "naturally restorative and serene" Warm Eucalyptus.
• Sherwin-Williams' lineup of 48 shades includes cozy clays, golden yellows, frosted lavenders, dark blues and more.

Between the lines: Top-sellers don't always match predicted trends, though Behr's pick for 2025 — ruby red Rumors — was its top-selling color in four states earlier this year, excluding neutrals, according to data shared with Axios.

What we're hearing: Lately, shoppers are reaching for all things retro — including warm, nature-inspired paints that are reminiscent of the '70s.

• "There's that innate warmth and comfort level with it, but there's also this sense of nostalgia that we keep seeing as a common theme, especially with the younger generation," Emily Kantz, Sherwin-Williams color marketing manager, tells Axios.

Calming blues and greens that became (and remain) popular post-pandemic are now joined by purples and getting a softer, pastel look, Kantz says.

Reality check: Neutrals are still on trend. Sherwin-Williams' forecast features familiar grays and whites, plus bolder picks like blue-black, charcoal and brown-black.

• Behr's 2026 palette includes warm neutrals like Rodeo Tan and Wheat Bread.

Friction point: Whatever tint's your vibe, good luck agreeing on it with your partner.

• Paint colors are one of the top home features that couples clash about, per a new survey by Houzz, a design and remodeling site.

What we're watching: Expect more pops of retro orange as Taylor Swift makes it the color of her new era.

Editor's note: This story and map were corrected to reflect that Rumors was Behr's top-selling color in four states (not 13).