Color of the year 2026

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News/USA Today Network

It’s always fun and interesting when paint companies announce their Color of the Year. My favorite is Benjamin Moore because it’s a company I’ve worked with for years in doing color consultations. I know how much time and effort goes into the selection of the color for their yearly announcement. And they always have a marketing component to back up their decision.

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator specializing in selecting color palettes, I like to write about it to give my readers and clients my take on the color, how they might think about using it (or not) in their homes, along with a few tips and words of caution! Over the years we have gone from jewel tones to white to beautiful neutrals and more.

Drumroll…..the Color of the Year 2026 is Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette (AF-655).

“An alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal, Silhouette AF-655 weaves a narrative of enduring style and grace, inspired by the modern take on classical suiting.” Trim and ceiling: Swiss Coffee OC-46. Photo: Benjamin Moore

The color is brown. Yes, brown.

Not just any brown. Benjamin Moore describes it as “an alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal. Balancing refinement and distinction, Silhouette AF-655 weaves a narrative of enduring style and grace, inspired by the modern take on classical suiting.”

But it is still brown. And it’s a broody, moody color.

Color brings us happiness and joy. It changes our homes and how we feel living in them. Homeowners will decide if this color does that for their lifestyle.

It’s a pretty, chic, edgy, rich, sophisticated hue. And we’ve been seeing this color in fashion for months. We know that home interior palettes do follow fashion trends. And we have to ask if brown is taking over as the new black. Maybe.

But it’s brown. Not the first color that is selected from the crayon box. Honestly, my guess for this year’s color was green because we have been seeing so many beautiful shades in home interiors.

“The connection between fashion and interiors has always been a source of inspiration but this year in particular, we’ve noticed a renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes; the resurgence of timeless pieces; and the growing interest in the brown color family,” said Andrea Magno, director, color marketing & design at Benjamin Moore. “Silhouette embodies these qualities with its depth and luxurious blend of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. Like a perfectly tailored suit, this hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional.”

From the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2026 palette, bathroom walls and ceiling in Narragansett Green (HC-157). Photo: Benjamin Moore

Color Trends 2026 palette

The exciting news is how Silhouette AF-655 is complemented by beautiful hues of the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2026 palette. These colors are artfully curated based on their ability to layer effortlessly for a sophisticated feel. With a focus on attention to detail, craftsmanship and refinement, the Color Trends 2026 palette reflects a graceful balance of pales that work beautifully alone or with Silhouette: AF-655, Raindance 1572, Swiss Coffee OC-45, First Crush CSP-310, Batik AF-610, Narragansett Green HC-157, Southwest Pottery 048, Sherwood Tan 1054.

Silhouette AF-655 is complemented by beautiful hues of the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2026 palette. These colors are artfully curated based on their ability to layer effortlessly for a sophisticated feel. With a focus on attention to detail, craftsmanship and refinement, the palette reflects a balance of pales that work beautifully alone or with Silhouette. Photo: Benjamin Moore

A few thoughts and tips

I actually love this color. And while I hope to find it in a pantsuit or jacket, I am not sure it works on walls in most homes.

• Proceed cautiously. Lighting is very important to make this color work.

• It needs to relate to what is in the room.

• Consider it for a gallery wall with beautiful and colorful artwork.

• It also brings a rich look to a paneled wall, ceiling treatment or bedroom.

• If your furnishings include antiques, this may be your color with colorful fabrics.

Color is meant to be fun and to bring us joy. Let’s not take it too seriously. Next year will bring another color idea for us to talk about!

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog