2026 Colors of the Year: Trending Palettes Perfect for Colorado Living
Expert-approved inspiration and nature-inspired palettes to elevate every room
December 3, 2025 - Rankin, Goulder, Kissinger
The 2026 Colors of the Year are in, and leading paint brands are embracing soothing, grounded tones inspired by nature. Earthy shades, muted greens, and warm neutrals rise to the forefront, signaling a collective shift toward comfort and calm. Beyond the trends, they underscore the power of paint—an easy, affordable way to transform your home’s atmosphere and bring new life into any room.
This year's warm and grounded hues reflect a return to what truly matters: rest, connection, and creativity—just like a quiet Colorado morning.
Here are the standout shades from the most influential paint brands for 2026—each offering a unique way to bring comfort, character, and calm into the home:
A return to warm neutrals and earthy tones is a common theme in 2026 colors.
Sherwin-Williams & HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams — Universal Khaki (SW 6150):
A warm, grounded neutral that adapts effortlessly to any style. Universal Khaki brings a sense of quiet sophistication, making it ideal for open-concept layouts, living rooms, or any space craving understated elegance. Its balanced warmth pairs beautifully with natural textures, wood tones, and layered lighting.
Valspar — Warm Eucalyptus:
This soft, muted sage—with gentle gray undertones—creates an instant connection to the outdoors. Warm Eucalyptus brings a peaceful, botanical feel to interiors, making it perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and spaces designed for calm. It’s both modern and soothing, ideal for anyone embracing nature-inspired design.
2535 California Street in Denver, recently listed by Jane Goulder & Amy Kissinger, is a perfect example of how transformative paint can be with jewel-green accent walls instantly energizing and elevating the entire home.
Behr — Hidden Gem:
A smoky jade that behaves like a “new neutral,” Hidden Gem blends blue and green with a touch of depth and mystery. It offers richness without overwhelming a room, making it suitable for accent walls, cabinetry, or full-room applications. This shade adds dimension, serenity, and a modern twist to traditional color palettes.
Benjamin Moore — Silhouette (AF-655):
A deep espresso-brown kissed with charcoal undertones, Silhouette is a luxurious and sophisticated neutral for 2026. It brings drama without harshness, creating moody, intimate environments. Ideal for dining rooms, dens, and cozy retreats, it pairs beautifully with soft whites, brass, and natural textures.
A beautifully refreshed space by Rankin, Goulder & Kissinger highlights how complementary paint colors can instantly brighten and elevate an entire space.
Dutch Boy — Melodious Ivory (313-2DB):
This creamy beige delivers warmth, comfort, and timeless appeal. Melodious Ivory works effortlessly across traditional, modern, and transitional styles, offering a soft glow that enhances natural light. It’s a versatile backdrop for artwork, colorful accents, or layered neutrals.
Glidden — Warm Mahogony: Warm Mahogany is a rich, grounded red—bold enough to turn heads and timeless enough to feel right at home in any mountain or metro Colorado space. Any style, any mood, it settles in effortlessly.
Graham & Brown — Divine Damson:
A bold, opulent plum with hints of burgundy, Divine Damson adds depth, glamour, and sophistication. It’s perfect for feature walls, powder rooms, or any area where you want a dramatic focal point. This color brings richness and emotion, making it a standout shade for expressive interiors.
How to Use 2026’s Top Shades in Your Home
Warm Clay Neutrals like Universal Khaki
These rich, earthy neutrals are perfect for living rooms, entryways, and kitchens. Warm Clay tones instantly create a sense of coziness and invite comfort into your space. They pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood, leather, and brass, and can serve as a versatile backdrop for both modern and traditional décor. Whether you’re highlighting a statement furniture piece or creating a layered, inviting environment, Universal Khaki brings grounded elegance to any room.
Sage Greens like Warm Eucalyptus

Sage greens are ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices. Their soft, muted tones foster a sense of calm and tranquility, making them perfect for spaces where you want to relax, focus, or recharge. Warm Eucalyptus, in particular, evokes the serenity of nature, blending beautifully with wood accents, crisp whites, and natural textiles. This shade encourages balance and mindfulness, helping create an environment that supports both rest and productivity.
A creamy ivory tone pairs effortlessly with wood, stone, and metallic finishes creating spaces — like this one at 3050 N. Gaylord Street (sold by Rankin, Goulder, Kissinger in 2025) — that feel brighter, more open, and warmly inviting.
Warm Whites like Melodious Ivory 

Warm whites are timeless and endlessly flexible, making them ideal for whole-home palettes, trim, cabinetry, or even accent walls. Melodious Ivory adds a touch of warmth without feeling heavy, offering a soft, inviting backdrop for any décor style. Its creamy tone complements wood, stone, and metallic finishes, creating spaces that feel open, airy, and welcoming. Perfect for both modern minimalist designs and traditional, layered interiors.
Smoky Blues like Hidden Gem

Smoky blues are versatile and soothing, making them a great choice for dining rooms, nurseries, or any area where you want a serene, classic feel. Hidden Gem, a smoky jade-blue, blends subtle blue-green tones for depth and sophistication. These shades work well with warm neutrals, metallic accents, and natural textures, providing a calming yet refined atmosphere that adds personality without overwhelming a space.
The 2026 Colors of the Year aren’t just about trends—they’re about creating spaces that nurture your mood, reflect your personality, and elevate your daily life. A simple paint choice can define how you wake up, unwind, entertain, create, and feel inside your home.
If you’re looking to refresh your space for the new year, consider exploring these restorative, nature-inspired hues. Whether bold or soft, warm or cool, the right color has the power to turn an ordinary room into a place that feels unmistakably you.
If you are considering buying or selling anywhere in the Denver area, reach out to Allison Rankin, Jane Goulder, or Amy Kissinger today! Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or an experienced homeowner looking to upsize or downsize, we possess the experience, resources, and relationships to assist you.
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