2026 Colors of the Year: Nature-Inspired Hues

Every year, new color trends reveal more than just what’s popular—they reflect how people want their homes to feel. The 2026 Colors of the Year show a clear shift toward calm, grounded, and nature-inspired palettes that offer balance in a fast-paced world.

From soft greens to warm neutrals, these hues invite renewal and connection, helping homeowners create spaces that feel restorative and timeless. For many, this approach to color isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building a home that mirrors the way they want to live—peaceful, warm, and deeply personal.

At Thayer Design Build, we believe in designing spaces that evolve gracefully with your life. By weaving these thoughtful color choices into a remodel, our team can help you achieve a look that feels fresh today while standing the test of time.

Meet the 2026 Colors of the Year

This year’s paint selections from leading brands share a common theme: renewal through nature. Each hue draws inspiration from organic elements—earth, foliage, and the soft transition of light—to create palettes that feel grounded yet full of life. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or planning a full remodel, these tones offer a beautiful way to connect your home’s interior to the natural world outside.

Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki (SW 6150)

A soft, warm neutral that blends seamlessly into any space. Its organic undertone pairs well with natural wood and stone, creating a timeless backdrop for both traditional and modern interiors. See product details for Universal Khaki. (Pictured above)

Behr: Hidden Gem (N430-6A)

A smoky jade that bridges blue and green, offering a rich, calming presence. Perfect for cabinetry, accent walls, or built-ins, it adds character without overwhelming a space. See product details for Hidden Gem. (Pictured below)

Benjamin Moore: October Mist (1495)

This silvery sage brings a sense of quiet sophistication. Its gentle hue complements layered textures and materials, making it ideal for homeowners who favor refined simplicity. See product details for October Mist. (Pictured below)

Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus (8004-28F)

Muted and earthy, this green-gray tone balances beautifully with warm metals and natural textures. It works particularly well in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways where calm and balance matter most. See product details for Warm Eucalyptus. (Pictured below)

PPG: Secret Safari (PPG1110-4)

A cheerful yellow-green that feels both adventurous and grounded. It infuses light and energy into creative or family spaces without losing its natural ease. See product details for Secret Safari. (Pictured below)

Dunn-Edwards: Midnight Garden (DE5657)

Deep and moody, this green makes a stunning statement in rooms that call for intimacy or luxury. Whether on cabinetry or an accent wall, it brings depth and drama in the best way. See product details for Midnight Garden. (Pictured in banner above)

Together, these colors offer more than style—they provide a sense of place and belonging. Each one invites warmth, balance, and a subtle reminder of the beauty found in nature’s palette.

How to Use These Colors in a Remodel

Bringing new color into your home is one of the simplest ways to transform how it feels. When integrated thoughtfully, these 2026 shades can elevate your remodel from beautiful to truly intentional.

Start by considering where color will make the most impact. In kitchens, muted greens like Hidden Gem or Warm Eucalyptus can add depth to cabinetry while maintaining a sense of calm. Warm neutrals such as Universal Khaki create versatile backdrops for living areas, complementing both natural light and layered textures. For those drawn to moodier tones, Midnight Garden brings striking contrast to statement walls or built-ins without overpowering the space.

At Thayer Design Build, our design team can help homeowners test how each hue interacts with natural and artificial light, surrounding materials, and architectural features. The goal is not just to choose a color that looks good today, but one that continues to feel right over time.

To create a cohesive palette, pair these nature-inspired shades with materials that echo their origins—oak or walnut cabinetry, soapstone or marble counters, and woven or matte finishes that bring warmth and texture. The result is a home that feels balanced, authentic, and connected to its environment.

Color in Action: Creating Spaces That Feel Like Home

Color has the power to shift the entire atmosphere of a home. When used with intention, it can make older spaces feel renewed, warmer, and more in tune with how you live today.

In recent projects with us, homeowners have already begun to embrace similar tones to the 2026 Colors of the Year. Soft greens and muted neutrals have refreshed and brightened outdated living areas, while deeper greens have added sophistication to kitchens. These choices not only reflect modern design sensibilities but also celebrate the character and craftsmanship of each home.

Each remodel we design begins with how you want the space to feel. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of October Mist or the bold elegance of Midnight Garden, our team helps you layer color, texture, and light in ways that create a cohesive story throughout your home. The result is a space that feels inviting, lived-in, and unmistakably yours.

Ready to Refresh Your Home?

If these 2026 colors have you imagining new possibilities, now is the perfect time to start planning.

At Thayer Design Build, our design team helps you explore color with confidence. We’ll guide you through options that complement your home’s natural light, materials, and character, creating a look that feels effortless and timeless. From the first design conversation to the finishing touches, every detail is chosen with intention so your home feels as good as it looks.

Let’s talk about how these 2026 colors could inspire your next remodel.