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Behr just dropped its 2026 Color of the Year, and it’s exactly the kind of moody, velvety shade that makes you wonder if your laundry room deserves better. (It does.) Hidden Gem—a smoky jade with blue-gray undertones—is subtle but layered, calm but intriguing. It’s the kind of color that makes you want to paint your powder room and your ceiling, and maybe even your cabinets while you’re at it.
“It’s full of surprises,” says Erika Woelfel, Behr’s VP of Color and Creative Services. “Each time you see it, it reveals something new.” According to Woelfel, this year’s pick taps into a growing desire for spaces that are both grounded and expressive—rooms that feel personal, soothing, and a little bit luxe. “It brings depth, dimension, and a sense of quiet intrigue to every corner of your home.”
Hidden Gem follows last year’s dramatic ruby red Rumors, but this time, Behr is leaning into something softer—more “retreat in the woods” than “red carpet moment.” Still, as Woelfel puts it, “It’s not just trendy.” According to Behr’s research, two in three Americans say the hue would make a space feel unique, create a sense of peace in their home, and stand the test of time.
So go ahead—paint the guest room, powder room, or the whole damn ceiling. Hidden Gem isn’t hiding anymore. Designers are on board. Here’s how they’re using the color—and why they think it lives up to its name.
Trish Lynn Says It’s the New Neutral—But Better
“For me, Hidden Gem is the perfect in-between,” says Trish Lynn of Colette Interiors. “It’s jade-meets-sage with a touch of shadow—grounding without going full drama.”
She’s picturing it in moody spaces that deserve more attention, like a powder room, a tucked-away library, or a utility space that’s secretly chic. “It pairs effortlessly with warm woods, brass, and soft linens,” she says. “Use it where you want depth without darkness, character without chaos.”
Galey Alix Is Already Imagining the Bold Pairings
“This is an immediate yes for me,” says Galey Alix of Galey Alix Design. “This is a shade of green you won’t get tired of because it has gray and blue undertones, making it malleable to redesigning your space without having to change the wall color.”
She loves it for a color-drenched living room, in a powder bathroom paired with a dark floral wallpaper, or on built-in cabinets in a walk-in laundry room. As for what to pair it with, she says: “Rich colors like this pair beautifully with most marbles, especially if Hidden Gem is on your wall with a marble backsplash or tile butting up to it. As far as complementary paint colors go, I think deep burgundies and navy would pair nicely.”
Rachel Sloane Sherman Wants It Behind the Bar
“I love the richness and depth of this color—it would certainly add moodiness to any space,” says Rachel Sloane Sherman of 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.”
Drew Michael Scott Says It’s a Statement Maker (Without Trying Too Hard)
“Wow, I love this color!” says designer and Lone Fox founder Drew Michael Scott. “The muted, smoky green has such calming energy—it’s subtle but still makes a statement.”
He’d bring it into a bedroom, bathroom, or bar nook and keep things cozy by pairing it with soft cream on the trim or ceiling. “It makes the whole space feel balanced and warm,” he adds.
Nicole Cole Sees It Anchoring a Whole Room
“Hidden Gem works well as an anchoring color,” says Nicole Cole of Vestige Home. “It’s great color-drenched on walls and ceiling or on a beautiful piece of large millwork.”
It plays well with way more colors than you’d think. She likes it paired with soft peaches, pale blues, or even aubergine.
Anissa Zajac Says It’s the Definition of Timeless
“Hidden Gem is such an everlasting color,” says designer Anissa Zajac of House Seven Design. “It brings depth and warmth to any space, creating richness while still offering a calming essence.”