The Best Materials To Pair With Behr's 2026 Color Of The Year For A Timeless, Trendy Look

Looking for your next color obsession? Well, you're in luck — Behr's 2026 color of the year is here, and it's a lovely shade of smoky blueish green called Hidden Gem. This moody paint color is delightfully cozy, offering underlying warmth with a bold punch. It cultivates a grounded sense of relaxation. This earthy paint color pairs beautifully with natural materials such as linen and soapstone. Together, these elements work to cultivate a grounded, warm home retreat.

"Blue-green hues tend to sit in a naturally calming part of the spectrum. When those tones blend into a muted, mineral-like shade, they create an environment that supports emotional regulation and a sense of steady calm," designer Catherine Shuman shared with Southern Living.

You can use Hidden Gem in combination with natural materials throughout your home in a number of applications. If you're planning to use this color in 2026, you'll have no problem finding plenty of furniture and decor that evokes an earthy, natural feel. We're collectively shifting away from mass-produced home decor and instead opting for artisan, unique products with an organic feel. Expect to see far more handcrafted home goods made from natural materials such as stone, wood, and linen. If you're ready to dive into this earthy, grounding design trend, we'll help you find a solid jumping-off point.

Before you get too eager, give yourself some time to take stock of the areas you want to incorporate Hidden Gem in. This color will look lovely in most any application. You can use it as a primary wall color or try it out on doors, trim, or your ceiling. However, it may give off a slightly different mood depending on how well-lit your room is. In a sunny, south-facing room, the golden warmth of this jewel-tone really shines through, offering a robust glow. When used in a dimmer room, on the other hand, the moody effect of Hidden Gem comes out to play. Carefully consider the atmosphere you're aiming for and whether your lighting, combined with this color, will support that goal.

Once you've decided where to use Hidden Gem, your next order of business is selecting furniture and decor. There is an array of trendy natural materials that pair beautifully with this color. Catherine Shuman cited oak, soapstone, and linen as ideal materials to pair with Hidden Gem in her conversation with Southern Living. "These textures also help make the entire palette feel warm, grounded, and intentional. And as a front-door color, Hidden Gem signals hospitality, confidence, and understated elegance before guests even step inside." Play around with elements like unlacquered brass hardware and rattan furniture. The warm tones of these materials play nicely with the depth of Hidden Gem. Pair it with colors like caramel, creamy white, or burgundy to pull your look together.