Behr Paint has announced its 2026 Color of the Year: an artful blend of blue and green called Hidden Gem (N430-6A).
Behr states that it’s a hue that “exudes a quiet confidence,” adds an air of mystery and sophistication, and this “rich, dynamic color creates spaces that feel both grounded and alive.” Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr says, “We wanted something surprising and unexpected; current, but also timeless.”
As HGTV reports, with thousands of colors to choose from, finding the right one was a tall order. The Behr team considered a variety of factors, including how we live, how we feel in today’s society and what interests us. Finally, they landed on Hidden Gem — a smoky jade shade that signifies a collective shift toward crafting warm, playful and more natural, “green” spaces.
As The Spruce reports, variations on green have been popular for several years and had a particular surge in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. However, those hues had tended toward olives, sages, and other lighter-toned greens. Hidden Gem feels like a fresh take on a classic—just as versatile and appealing, but with a newly-invigorated, modern edge.
As Home Depot describes it, the hue adds depth and elegance to any room or statement-making accent; it nurtures calm with its blue-green undertones and encourages self-expression with its vibrancy. Anna Miller, The Home Depot’s Director of Trend & Design, believes the connection with nature gives green such an everlasting appeal. “We are all constantly inspired by nature—you just can’t go wrong,” Miller says. “Harkening back to the palette of greens makes you feel confident that you’re going to love it every time.”
How to Use Hidden Gem at Home
To ensure Hidden Gem held up to its namesake, Behr execs gave interior designer Manuella Moreira a challenge: Use Hidden Gem to evoke a variety of ambiances in different spaces throughout a home. Of course, the now-not-so-hidden gem passed the test with flying shades of blue and green. “You can pair Hidden Gem with any of the colors in the larger palette and get a unique result,” Manuella tells HGTV. “It can translate into so many different feelings.”
How to Use Hidden Gem at Home
Though Hidden Gem is the crown jewel of Behr’s larger 2026 Color Palette — which boasts grounding earth tones (sage, olive and mineral blue), as well as warmer pastels (terra cotta, iced copper and pale yellow) — when used with any of the 19 other shades, it becomes casual, traditional, modern, eclectic and more.
For a modern look, try Hidden Gem on the walls. Then, bring in luxe textures like velvet or stone in natural shades — Ecological (S380-6) or Baronial Brown (N170-7).
For a bold look, layer Hidden Gem into a neutral space. Here, the hue is striking against warm white walls — Blank Canvas (DC-003) — and wood accents.
For a traditional ambiance, try color drenching (i.e., covering the walls, ceilings and trim in one color) a larger, well-lit room. Then, bring in classic accessories. You can go fully cool-toned or warm it up with terra-cotta-colored accents.
Manuella also recommends playing with Hidden Gem’s various finishes: “In a narrow hallway or a space with lower ceilings, you can try vertical stripes with the same color in alternating finishes (e.g., matte and high gloss). You’ll see the depth the paint offers.”
Smaller DIY projects Hidden Gem lends itself to include painting your front door (interior or exterior), refreshing a room’s trim or coating the inside of a closet or the back of built-in shelving.
“Blues and greens have been very popular over the last several years,” says Erika. “And we don’t see that going away anytime soon.”
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