House Beautiful August 9, 2025
Buyer
Behr is commencing color of the year season early this year. The paint color company just announced Hidden Gem (N430-6A) as its Color of the Year for 2026. A smokey jade, Hidden Gem is a quietly expressive shade that feels familiar yet maintains mystery.
“People are still living in blues and greens and so we thought, you know, what if we merge into that sweet spot—taking the best blue and the best green, the most usable tone, and put it into a blue-green that feels very, very intentional… but still isn't going to overwhelm a space because we know people are still living in neutrals,” Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company, tells House Beautiful.
The name Hidden Gem is a nod to how, sometimes, the best finds are unexpected—whether it’s an antique you discover at a flea market or a place you stumble upon in a new city. Underneath the surprising aspect is also a slight connection to nature, with mineral tones and watery pastels. Within Behr’s 2026 Color Trends Palette, Hidden Gem is supported by colors like the soft yellow Beehive and red-orange Terra Cotta Urn. The brand's 2025 Color of the Year, Rumors, is also part of the palette. While Hidden Gem may seem like a departure from the deep ruby red, the two shades complement each other as rich jewel tones.
Hidden Gem’s adaptability makes it a frontrunner as the new neutral, whether you’re into modern or traditional styles and warm or cool tones. In a kitchen, designer Manuella Moreria recommends using the sophisticated blue-green to paint lower cabinetry and island base cabinets. Paired with open wood shelving on top or neutral-painted upper cabinets, Hidden Gem brings a subtle burst of color.
For a more impactful look, Moreira loves color drenching. Paint the walls, moldings, and ceiling in Hidden Gem to create a moody twist on a Parisian living room or an endlessly cozy dining room. You can even play with framed wall art by painting half or an entire piece in Hidden Gem. When hung against a Hidden Gem-painted background, the artwork melts into the walls, resulting in a fresh, playful display.
Whether you're eager to paint the inside of your closet or the exterior of your home in Hidden Gem, which is exclusively sold at The Home Depot, the possibilities are endless. In fact, there's not a single use for the shade that Woelfel and Moreira wouldn't recommend. “[Hidden Gem is good for] inside, outside, any decor style,” says Woelfel. “There really isn't a watch-out. I can't even think of one.”
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