Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year: Hidden Gem Sets a Smoky Jade Standard
Discover how Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year, Hidden Gem, redefines interiors with sophisticated depth and calming blue-green vibrance.
Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year: Introducing Hidden Gem
Hidden Gem (N430-6A) has been revealed as Behr’s Color of the Year for 2026, marking a shift toward nuanced, dramatic interiors. Defined by its smoky jade appearance—a blend of blue and green—Hidden Gem embodies depth, elegance, and understated sophistication that adapts effortlessly to changing light and décor styles.
According to Behr’s VP of Color and Creative Services, Erika Woelfel, the selection of Hidden Gem reflects a thorough investigation of lifestyle, travel, and fashion trends, with the resulting color being both current and timeless, approachable yet filled with complexity.
A Smoky Jade with Dimension
Hidden Gem is more than just a blue-green: its hue dances between the mysteries of moonlit lagoons and the lush canopy of forests. In different lighting, undertones shift—sometimes more blue, sometimes more green—a duality that prevents it from feeling overly earthy or predictable. The result is a shape-shifting color that appeals to diverse tastes and design sensibilities.
- Blue undertones add cool depth and anchor spaces, balancing warmth and tranquility.
- Green presence keeps the shade grounded, natural, and versatile.
- Luminosity and moodiness enable Hidden Gem to serve both bold statements and subtle background roles.
Designer Manuella Moreira notes, “There isn’t a room where this color doesn’t work. It can be subtle or bold, and the way it plays with finishes just adds to the dynamic.”
The Inspiration Behind Hidden Gem
Behr’s color research starts more than a year in advance. It factors in how people live, travel tendencies, wardrobe choices, and the ongoing evolution in personal style. For Behr, the aim is always to land on a shade with enough dimension to surprise you but enough approachability for daily life.
- Current yet timeless – Hidden Gem draws on trends but isn’t a fleeting fad.
- Personal connection – Behr’s research shows 82% of Americans believe paint colors in their home can impact their confidence.
- Expressive and purposeful – Hidden Gem is designed for DIYers, designers, and professionals to craft spaces brimming with character.
Hidden Gem’s Place in the 2026 Trends Palette
Hidden Gem headlines Behr’s 2026 Color Trends Palette, which features an ensemble of shades: from grounding earth tones to deep jewel hues and soft, relaxed pastels. The palette is rooted in warmth and comfort, with playful undertones for reinvention.
- Grounded earth tones offer warmth and stability.
- Jewel tones, including Hidden Gem, convey luxury, depth, and a statement-making edge.
- Pastels bring a lighthearted and calming vibe to living spaces.
From Blank Canvas to Hidden Gem: Behr’s Recent Color Journey
| Year | Color of the Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Blank Canvas | Warm, neutral white emphasizing fresh starts and openness. |
| 2025 | Rumors | Deep jewel tone; rich and dramatic, not teal but similarly bold. |
| 2026 | Hidden Gem | Smoky jade; vibrant, moody, combining sophistication and versatility. |
This series showcases Behr’s deliberate evolution from minimalist tranquility toward embracing jewel tones and deep, expressive finishes.
Expert Opinions: Why Hidden Gem Works
Designers and color experts praise Hidden Gem’s adaptability and emotional resonance:
- Manuella Moreira (Behr Designer Council): “Hidden Gem is bold without being shouty, a tough balance that means it feels fresh in every room.”
- Erika Woelfel (VP, Behr): “Hidden Gem’s refinement and depth meet the desire for colors that are eternally stunning and stylish.”
- Anna Miller (The Home Depot): “It’s a confident choice for anyone looking to create soulful, personal spaces.”
How Hidden Gem Influences Mood and Confidence
Behr’s internal research demonstrates the psychological power of color:
- 58% of Americans agree that a room painted with Hidden Gem would be captivating.
- 67% feel Hidden Gem would make a space unique.
- 66% believe it creates a sense of peace and stands the test of time.
- 82% acknowledge the impact of paint color on personal confidence.
In this way, Hidden Gem is more than decor—it’s a tool for shaping the ambiance and psychological well-being of a home.
Where to Use Hidden Gem: Room-by-Room Inspiration
- Living Room – Hidden Gem envelops the space with luxurious calm. Pair it with velvet sofas, antique mirrors, gold sconces, and natural woods for a rich, elegant atmosphere.
- Dining Room – Use as a bold accent on walls or cabinetry, complemented by modern lighting, marble tables, and textured glass for dramatic gatherings.
- Bedroom – Provides a cozy, serene retreat. Pair with soft fabrics, oak furniture, and warm metallic accents for restful sophistication.
- Kitchen – Modern kitchen islands and cabinetry get an instant upgrade with the deep jade hue, especially when balanced by metallic touches and organic textures.
- Entryways & Doors – Create an unforgettable first impression using Hidden Gem on entry doors or accent walls.
- Commercial Spaces – Healthcare, hospitality, and offices benefit from its calming yet energizing effect, fostering comfort and creativity.
Styling Tips: Pairings and Finishes for Hidden Gem
- Soft textures (velvet, boucle) amplify Hidden Gem’s sense of quiet luxury.
- Rich leathers and natural woods ground the color’s vibrancy with organic warmth.
- Metallic accents—gold, brass, or bronze—add refinement and contrast.
- Monochromatic schemes create immersive calm, while bold contrasts highlight the color’s depth.
- Pale pastels and muted earth tones from the Trends Palette offer gentle complements.
Hidden Gem in Action: Transforming Spaces
Beyond serving as wall paint, Hidden Gem is a transformative presence for:
- Front doors – Welcoming and memorable.
- Bookshelves and built-ins – Provides dramatic backdrops for decor and books.
- Ceilings – Adds unexpected depth and coziness.
- Furniture makeovers – Revitalize flea-market finds with this jewel-tone moodiness.
Color Psychology: The Power of Blue-Green
Smoky jade combines the soothing stability of green and the contemplative coolness of blue, which together evoke feelings of:
- Tranquility – Encourages relaxation and peace.
- Confidence – Inspires self-expression, boldness, and individuality.
- Timelessness – Promotes lasting appeal and stylistic endurance.
This aligns with the broader appeal of Hidden Gem as a truly universal paint option for nearly every interior setting.
DIY and Color Statement Trends
Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year celebrates personal creativity, especially for homeowners and designers eager for transformation.
- Accessibility – Hidden Gem is available at The Home Depot, supporting all levels of renovation and redecorating.
- Versatility – Works for full-room painting, accents, DIY projects, and professional interiors.
“Color holds the power to express who you are—it tells your story without saying a word,” says Andy Lopez, SVP Head of Global Marketing at Behr Paint Company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the hex code or ID for Hidden Gem?
A: Hidden Gem is officially designated as N430-6A in the Behr color catalog.
Q: How does Hidden Gem differ from 2025’s Rumors color?
A: While both are deep jewel tones, Rumors leans darker and moodier, whereas Hidden Gem combines teal and smoky jade for vibrancy and adaptability, feeling less brooding and more luxurious.
Q: Is Hidden Gem suitable for small rooms?
A: Yes. Its depth makes small spaces feel enveloping and cozy; contrasting accents and good lighting ensure the color energizes rather than overpowers.
Q: Will Hidden Gem work with multiple design styles?
A: Absolutely. The color pairs well with modern, eclectic, traditional, and transitional décor, seamlessly interacting with diverse materials and finishes.
Q: Where can I buy Hidden Gem?
A: Hidden Gem is available through Behr paint retailers, including The Home Depot, in various formulations and finishes.
Your Time to Shine: Celebrating Behr’s Color of the Year
To mark the launch, Behr is hosting a $50,000 giveaway for DIYers and professionals from July 30 to August 13, 2025. To participate, purchase any BEHR product from The Home Depot, upload your receipt, and follow BEHR Paint on social media.
Conclusion: Why Hidden Gem Is More Than a Trend
Behr’s Hidden Gem (N430-6A) sets a new standard for color trends by blending classic tranquility with modern drama. Its adaptable nature, psychological influence, and seamless integration into a variety of palettes make it a foundational choice for homeowners and designers seeking to craft spaces defined by elegance, individuality, and enduring beauty.
References
- https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color/a65540737/behr-color-of-the-year-2026/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm1VDroIgnI
- https://corporate.behr.com/news/behr-paint-company-announces-2026-color-of-the-year-hidden-gem-a-smoky-jade-that-embodies-understated-elegance-and-timeless-sophistication
- https://corporate.homedepot.com/news/products/behr-announces-2026-color-year-hidden-gem
- https://www.behr.com/colorfullybehr/color-of-the-year-2026-hidden-gem/
- https://behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2026-color-of-the-year/
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