The “Color of the Year” announcements are a fun, creative moment in design cycles. While they often have more marketing flair than blueprint precision, they also tell us what style narratives are trending right now.
Whether you’re thinking about refreshing a home for market or just love staying ahead of design trends, tracking these announcements can spark smart ideas. Let’s walk through the 2026 picks so far — what they mean, where they overlap, and how Colorado homeowners and sellers can think about using these palettes wisely.
How Color of the Year Decisions Get Made
No single authority picks the color of the year. Instead, paint brands — from Sherwin-Williams to Behr, Valspar to Dutch Boy — each choose a hue (or palette) they believe captures emerging direction in design, mood, and consumer behavior.
These choices often reflect broader themes — returning to nature, softness, grounding neutrals, or subtle contrasts. The design world watches to see if trends converge or diverge.
What the 2026 Trends Are Saying
Here’s a snapshot of some of the notable 2026 color choices announced so far:
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Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki — A warm, earthy neutral leading their “Tailored & Timeless” trend
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Behr: Hidden Gem — A smoky jade tone, muted and elegant
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Glidden: Warm Mahogany — Rich, warm red with grounded presence
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Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus — A gray-green that leans toward soothing and organic
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Dutch Boy: Melodious Ivory — A creamy, soft neutral with light warmth
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Krylon: Coffee Bean — A deep, moody neutral with bold undertones
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Minwax: Special Walnut — A wood stain option embraced as a tone trend
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Graham & Brown: Divine Damson — A rich, saturated purple with luxury undertones
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C2 Paint: Epernay — A soft, earthy yellow inspired by European interior trends
What you’ll notice is a tendency toward tones that feel grounded, muted, and versatile — not extreme or overly bold. Several picks lean toward warm neutrals or nature-inspired hues.
Why These Colors Matter for Homeowners and Sellers
Color influences perception. Even if you don’t repurpose an entire palette, knowing which tones are trending can help in how you stage homes, highlight finishes, or select accent colors.
Here’s how to think about applying them in Colorado real estate markets:
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Use trending neutrals or earth tones in staging to help buyers mentally layer their own style
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Incorporate muted accent tones (greens, soft greys, mochas) in small spaces or accessories rather than full rooms
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Understand that bold color might be polarizing. Muted versions of trending tones often offer broader appeal
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Choose color treatments where resale or buyer flexibility is high — kitchens, bathrooms, feature walls
Aligning with 2026 color trends doesn’t mean repainting your home ahead of listing. It’s about being thoughtful in design, showing you’re on the pulse, and giving buyers a canvas that feels both current and adaptable.
If you’d like help testing which of these tones might enhance your home’s appeal — or staging insights that reflect local buyer preferences — let’s work together. Visit www.corken.co or call 303-858-8003 to build a refresh plan that blends design with market strategy.
Corken + Company Real Estate Group
Real Estate Solutions Without Limits.
