Designers Are Divided Over Behr's 2026 Color Of The Year

Behr's 2026 color of the year is known as Hidden Gem (N430-6A). It's a darker green meant to have plenty of warmth to make a space feel cozy, but to be bold enough to stand out. Behr defined it on its website as: "Hidden Gem is a smoky jade that embodies an air of mystery and sophistication." This moody green shade has some cool blue undertones to add a bit of depth. It's certainly an interesting color, providing a jewel tone that manages to look sophisticated and not too bold on your wall.

Hidden Gem also manages to stand out from other listed colors for 2026. For example, Sherwin-Williams' 2026 color of the year is an ode to comfort, simplicity, and style, and is a safer option that fits with the still fairly popular neutrals. The boldness of the Behr color certainly creates an eye-catching and appealing choice, but it also makes a few designers nervous. For the most part, this color was met with positive opinions, but there are some concerns about the practicality and actual demands for a shade like this.

Behr's vice president of color and creative services, Erika Woelfel, explained why they chose Hidden Gem during an interview with PEOPLE. "The color is a little bit mineral, like a gem. It's subtle but striking," she said. "People have been using blues and greens in their homes for several years, and this is that intersection of both of them — it hits that sweet spot." 

For the most part, designers enjoyed Hidden Gem. Michelle Marceny of The Color Concierge said it is, "A gorgeous dark green that's not too dark, with blue undertones. I wouldn't call it a blue-green, and definitely not a teal. It's a definite green with cool blue undertones. This color is definitely the star of the show. It's a jewel for sure, that you can use in a number of different places." 

One of those places is the outside of your home, as the natural light brings out all the stunning hues of Hidden Gem and makes sure it doesn't feel too dark. It makes a drastic difference from Behr's 2025 top exterior paint colors that bring the perfect touch of warmth to your home, but it is a great choice if you want something bold and fun. "I love the richness and depth of this color — it would certainly add moodiness to any space," said Rachel Sloane Sherman from Rachel Sloane Interiors. "I'd use it in a butler's pantry or home bar and play off the tone with some funky marble on the countertop or backsplash." 

Hidden Gem is beautiful, but people might not be ready for this color enough to truly embrace it like some of the previous colors of the year for Behr. "Will it be the next IT color? I think it has legs, but it'll depend on how people use it," said The Paint People in a YouTube video.

House of Valentina, on her YouTube channel, brought up her issue with Hidden Gem. "Is it a color that I've seen a lot of people using? I really haven't." She not only mentioned that she hadn't found it much in homes, but also in fashion or publicly in general. While she didn't necessarily dislike it, she felt like it wasn't popular enough to make it a fitting color of the year. However, Valentina wasn't entirely upset with Behr's choices. "When we get down to the color trends palette for 2026, that's when things get exciting."

Maddie Camilli, a senior color designer at The Color Concierge, explained some of the limitations. "Hidden Gem would also work great on an interior as an addition to an overall palette. It would be beautiful as an accent wall in a light and neutral room, a color-drenched library or den, a cabinet color in a light-filled kitchen, or a splash of color in a powder room. We don't recommend darker and more prominent tones like this as whole-house colors or colors for very large rooms because they can get oppressive if they aren't balanced out by other lighter colors, but it's a great addition to an interior palette." While it might be a little intimidating to some, there are already some amazing tips and tricks on how to use Behr's 2026 color of the year in your home.