Published January 1, 2026

Colors of The Year 2026:
Earthy Shades Rule the Roost

When building homes that inspire you to live your best life, David Weekley Homes often turns to experts for a bit of inspiration of our own. Beyond partnering with some of the nation’s most trusted manufacturers and suppliers, we tap into the talents of the world’s most celebrated interior designers and color specialists to create environments that exude a certain sense of welcome, warmth, comfort and luxury.

You’ll find this intersection of form and function best exemplified in our professionally curated model homes across the country. Commemorating one of the most exciting times of the year for builders and interior designers, many of the globe’s leading paint manufacturers and color experts have released their Colors of the Year for 2026. Representing a robust range of nature-inspired neutrals and terrestrial tones, we offer a close-up of the Colors of the Year for 2026, with photos that showcase how we’ve used similar hues in our thoughtfully designed model homes.

Soothing Sands

For our first earth-inspired shade, we look to a paint and coatings company with a 160-year history. Sherwin-Williams introduces Universal Khaki as its 2026 Color of the Year. Tailored and timeless, this mid-tone neutral boasts a slight yellow undertone that Sherwin-Williams says elicits a “satisfying simplicity at the core of contemporary comfort.” Reminiscent of the sands that line Zuma Beach in Malibu, “Universal Khaki is the easygoing neutral that makes every room feel pulled together,” according to Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing and Trend Team Leader Sue Wadden.

Sweeping Skies

We need only look up to see where the inspiration may have come from for Benjamin Moore, C2 and Dutch Boy’s Colors of the Year for 2026. Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette calls to mind a night sky just after dusk.The brand calls Silhouette a highly “distinctive color that weaves luxurious burnt umber with delicate notes of charcoal.” On the opposite end of the spectrum, C2’s Epernay and Dutch Boy’s Melodious Ivory are reminiscent of sunlight. Epernay is named after the French village known for its rolling vineyards and limestone architecture. It “channels the warmth of sunlit stone, the muted richness of vintage textiles, and the opulence of champagne—reflecting the essence of refined French charm,” said C2. The similarly cheery Melodious Ivory offers a timeless, creamy warmth that Dutch Boy said “brings a nostalgic, elevated vibe, perfect for showcasing handmade pieces and bold layers.”

Comforting Clays

PPG and Glidden seemingly found a similar inspiration in the soft red clay of Georgia or the towering mahogany trees of the Florida Keys. For its 2026 Color of the Year, PPG’s Warm Mahogany is rich, grounded and deeply versatile. The brand said that “its burnished tone evokes heritage but feels distinctly contemporary when used in big doses or sleek designs.” Glidden attested that Warm Mahogany is “a rich, grounded red that’s bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement – making it ideal for any style, any space, any mood.”

Glamorous Gems

Aptly named Hidden Gem, Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year garners inspiration from a jade stone. A smoky hue with an air of mystery and sophistication, Hidden Gem exudes quiet confidence that Behr called “both gentle and captivating – revealing a new layer of depth in every detail.”

Graceful Greenery

Flora serves up loads of inspiration to color experts each year. That is certainly the case with Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus and Dunn-Edwards Paints’ Midnight Garden. Valspar described its nod to an earthy green as “naturally restorative and serene.” At the same time, Dunn-Edwards claimed its own deep, muted green “captures the quiet elegance of nature and embodies serenity, sophistication, and the tranquility of a lush garden under the moonlight.”

Heavenly Harvest

Krylon and Graham & Brown sowed their own seeds of color inspiration in the coffee fields of South America and the fig groves of Turkey. According to Krylon Color Marketing Manager Lisbeth Prada, Krylon’s 2026 Color of the Year, Coffee Bean, has a “rich, earthy depth [that] lays a harmonious foundation for projects that echo the beauty of nature.” With hints of mulberry and garnet, Graham & Brown’s Divine Damson draws upon the lush tones of ripe damson and fig for a shade that they said “evokes a sense of elegance, luxury and sophistication.”

David Weekley Homes Partners with You to Bring Color to Your New Home

At David Weekley Homes, our Team is here to help you draw inspiration from the 2026 Colors of the Year to showcase your individual style and personality. Whether your taste leans classic or contemporary, trendy or timeless, our curated interior and exterior paint colors make it simple to bring your vision to life in your new home.

Contact us today to learn more about finding your dream home with David Weekley Homes.