If you live in the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill), and are thinking about freshening up your home’s exterior or interior, 2026 is shaping up to be a subtle, but strong year for color.
This year’s top paint color trends are warm, grounded, and inspired by nature. After many years of modern cool grays and bright whites, we’re seeing a return to earthy tones, layered neutrals, and deep, comforting hues that feel timeless yet modern.
In this blog post, we’re taking a look at the major paint manufacturers’ Color of the Year picks for 2026, what they mean for design direction, and how Raleigh homeowners can make the most of these colors both inside and out with the region’s humid conditions, varied architecture, and abundance of natural light.
In This Post
Why 2026’s Color Picks Matter for Raleigh Homes
When major paint brands like Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore announce their Color of the Year picks, they’re not just naming a favorite shade, they’re showcasing the cultural and aesthetic mood and design trends of the moment. These choices often influence what you’ll see in new home builds, remodels, and design magazines and shows for years to come. Whether you’re repainting a kitchen or freshening up your home’s exterior, these are the hot colors coming up for 2026 to consider.
Here in the Raleigh area, these color choices matter for a few reasons:
- Outdoor exposure: Our humid subtropical climate and long summers mean sunlight, shade, and moisture all affect how a color reads.
- Architectural variety: From brick ranches to modern craftsman homes, the Triangle’s mix of styles benefits from colors that complement natural materials.
- Curb appeal and comfort: Homeowners want colors that look just as good from the street as they feel inside.
In 2026, the direction is clear… we’re pivoting from cool grays and bleached neutrals to warmer neutrals, nature-inspired tones, and richer accents that pair perfectly with Raleigh’s abundant greenery and year-round light.
Big Paint Colors of the Year for 2026 (and What They Signal)
Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki (SW 6150)
Sherwin-Williams (and its sister brand HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams) chose the color Universal Khaki as their 2026 Color of the Year.
This paint color is a warm, grounded neutral that the brand describes as an “essential neutral” and a reflection of “strength in simplicity.”
This mid-tone tan/khaki is ideal for anchoring living spaces, both inside and outside.
Here’s why it works for Raleigh homes:
- On exteriors, Universal Khaki looks stunning on homes with mixed materials like brick, stone, and siding because it adapts well to natural light and reads soft and warm in both sunlight and shade.
- On interiors, it’s a perfect base for living rooms or kitchens where you want a timeless, flexible backdrop that will look great for years to come.
Not sure which paint color to go with or what factors to consider when choosing? Check out our guide on how to choose the best paint color for your house.
Behr Hidden Gem (N430-6A)
Behr’s top pick for 2026 paint colors is Hidden Gem, a smoky jade color that offers a mix of blue and green. While a bit bolder than Sherwin Williams’ pick, this stunning shade acts as a versatile “new neutral.” It’s rich without being overpowering, balancing the calming nature of green with the depth of blue.
For Raleigh homes, Hidden Gem pairs beautifully with the lush landscapes and natural surroundings.
Try it on:
- Accent walls or built-in shelving.
- Kitchen cabinets paired with brass or matte black hardware.
- A front door for a standout yet tasteful statement.
This color is a great example of how to add personality to your home while maintaining sophistication.
Benjamin Moore Silhouette (AF-655)
Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year is Silhouette, a rich espresso‑brown color with charcoal undertones. This color leans into the moodier, more luxurious neutral style, bringing warmth, contrast, and depth into your home. This color is more brown-based than grey, which is gaining massive traction in the design world.
Here’s why it works for Raleigh homes:
- On exteriors, it works beautifully as an accent color (think shutters, trim, or the front door) against lighter siding or brick.
- On interiors, use it in a home office, library, or dining room for a cozy, sophisticated, and enveloping feel.
This darker hue is elegant and timeless, proving that dark doesn’t always mean dramatic.
Emerging Trend Color Palettes for 2026: What to Keep an Eye On
Beyond the individual Color of the Year announcements for 2026, each major paint brand revealed broader palettes that hint at what’s next in the color world, giving direction to homeowners for combining colors. If you’re painting an entire home (exterior or interior) in the Raleigh area, these trends are some to keep your eye on.
Sherwin-Williams Palettes
Their 2026 “Colormix Forecast: Anthology Volume 2” includes 48 hues divided into four palettes:
- Frosted Tints: Soft pastels like airy blues, greens, and lavenders, perfect for tranquil interiors.
- Sunbaked Hues: Dusty yellows, terracottas, and golds, great for southern exteriors that get plenty of sun.
- Restorative Darks: Deep teals, bronze, and henna reds, ideal for accent walls or dramatic trim.
- Foundational Neutrals: Grounded tones like Universal Khaki, these serve as the anchor colors in the palette that tie everything together.
Behr Palettes
Behr’s 2026 Trend Palette emphasizes “elemental harmony,” colors inspired by nature, nostalgia, and technology, including:
- Smoky jewel tones (like Hidden Gem).
- Richer green-blues.
- Earthy taupes and terracottas.
- Soft pastels layered with richer tones.
In Raleigh’s naturally green, tree-lined neighborhoods, these combinations feel harmonious and connected to the outdoors.
Design Tip: Think about pairing Hidden Gem with warm woods, brass, or black hardware to complement your outdoor greenery.
What These Trends Mean for Your Raleigh Home
Exterior Considerations in the Triangle
- Sunlight & shade: Many Triangle-area homes get strong daylight, which can brighten colors significantly outdoors. Warm neutrals like Universal Khaki hold their tone in all lighting and tend to flatter brick and siding.
- Climate & materials: Our humid subtropical climate means breathability and durability matter, so stick with high‑quality exterior paints.
- Architectural fit: For craftsman and colonial homes, stick with foundational neutrals and bold trims. For modern homes, try pairing neutral siding with a Hidden Gem or Silhouette front door.
- Example combination: Main siding in Universal Khaki, crisp white trim, and a Hidden Gem front door for a timeless and modern look, all in one.
If you’re thinking about repainting your home before listing it for sale, check out this guide on the best color to paint a house for sale.
Interior Considerations
- Room function: Use Universal Khaki for main spaces like living rooms and kitchens to create a warm, cohesive flow. Want a bolder look? Try Hidden Gem! Bedrooms or cozy spaces like offices would look great with Silhouette or a Restorative Dark from Sherwin-Williams’ palette.
- Natural light: Raleigh homes often have large windows, so be sure to test swatches in different lighting and times of day before committing.
- Flow: Since open concept floor plans are common, sticking with a cohesive color palette helps. Using a neutral like Universal Khaki as a base allows you to introduce accent walls or cabinetry in Hidden Gem or Silhouette.
- Trend vs. timeless: These 2026 picks are timeless colors that will age well and look amazing in the long-run. If you’re going for longevity or will be selling in the coming years, these colors are a great choice.
Quick Picks for Raleigh Homeowners: Favorite 2026 Applications
Looking for a quick guide on the best 2026 paint colors and where to use them in your Raleigh home?
Check out these recommendations:
- Front Door: Hidden Gem or Silhouette for a stylish pop on the exterior of your home.
- Feature Wall: Sherwin Williams’ Restorative Dark or Hidden Gem is the perfect color to add depth in a living or dining room.
- Whole-Home Neutral Base: Universal Khaki is a great color choice for main living areas and stairwells, offering a fresh and flexible base color.
- Exterior Refresh: A neutral palette with warm undertones, like Universal Khaki, is perfect for siding with natural stone or brick, boosting the curb appeal.
- Kitchen or Bath Cabinets: Using a jewel tone like Hidden Gem on cabinets can elevate the space with color without committing to painting the entire room.
- Interior Trim or Doors: Use Silhouette for a dramatic, bold contrast and touch of sophistication.
How to Choose the Right 2026 Color For Your Home
Choosing the perfect paint color takes more than scrolling through inspiration photos on Pinterest (which can be overwhelming with all the options!). And the last thing you want is to choose something “trendy,” and end up regretting it.
Here’s some tips to help you choose the right 2026 color for your home with confidence:
- Test large paint swatches on multiple walls or exterior areas in your home.
- Check colors in different lighting, morning, afternoon, natural, and artificial light.
- Coordinate both exterior and interior finishes to keep a consistent visual flow between spaces (especially in homes where rooms open up to the outdoors).
- Consider fixed elements like brick, stone, roof, and landscaping before choosing a major new color.
- Don’t rush your decision; allow 24‑48 hours to view the color at different times of day.
- Invest in quality paint with good UV and weather resistance for exterior, as they’ll last longer in Raleigh’s humid conditions.
- Think long-term: While trends matter, the 2026 color picks lean toward long‑term appeal, which is good for homeowners thinking ahead to potentially reselling (or simply wanting to keep the same color for years to come).
Need more color inspiration? Start with our guide on how to find paint color ideas or learn more about our color consultation process.
Get Expert Paint and Color Consultation Services
2026’s paint color trends are all about balance, bringing in warm neutrals like Universal Khaki, rich nature-inspired hues like Hidden Gem, and deep, elegant tones like Silhouette. Together, they offer Raleigh homeowners a palette that feels current yet timeless. Plus, it aligns perfectly with our climate, architecture, and desire for smart, long-lasting design.
If you’re ready to bring these trends to life, whether through an exterior repaint, an interior refresh, or a full-home color plan, our team of paint and color experts are here to help.
Visit our contact page to schedule a color consultation and make your 2026 home refresh both stylish and smart.
We proudly work with homeowners all across the Triangle and look forward to learning more about your home and vision!
