Some colours whisper. Others make an entrance. Behr’s 2026 Colour of the Year, Hidden Gem, does both—quietly captivating, yet impossible to ignore.
A smoky jade hue that shifts between forest green and moody lagoon, Hidden Gem is a blue-green hybrid that refuses to sit still. Depending on the light, it dances—revealing cool, mysterious depths in one moment and grounded, leafy calm in the next. It’s not just a paint colour; it’s a mood.
According to Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Colour and Creative Services at Behr, the choice of Hidden Gem wasn’t a single lightbulb moment but rather the result of careful observation. “We start our research a year in advance, looking at how people are living, where they’re travelling, what they’re wearing—a tapestry of life’s influences that eventually gets distilled down into paint,” Woelfel says.
The goal, she adds, is always to find a tone that is both of-the-moment and enduring. Hidden Gem, with its ever-shifting personality, ticks both boxes—offering familiarity and freshness in equal measure.
Interior designers seem to agree. “There isn’t a room where this colour doesn’t work,” says Manuella Moreira, a member of the Behr Designer Council. “It can be subtle or bold, and the way it plays with finishes just adds to the dynamic.”
This flexibility is what’s earning Hidden Gem its reputation as a “new neutral”—a shade versatile enough to serve as a quiet backdrop or a bold statement. It’s part of a growing design trend embracing blue-green tones for their calming presence and depth. Earlier this year, interior reports noted a surge in popularity for these hues, praised for their ability to be both dramatic and restorative.
Behr’s supporting palette makes it even easier to experiment. Think Curtain Call, a dusty amethyst for a hint of elegance; Urban Nature, a sage green that keeps things grounded; and Mocha Ice, a soft blush that adds warmth and whimsy.
Whether you’re painting a single wall, refreshing cabinetry, or going all-in with a full room transformation, the options are nearly limitless.
For homeowners still hesitant to commit, Behr suggests using Hidden Gem on smaller elements — perhaps a kitchen island or a bathroom vanity—for a touch of intrigue. But for the colour confident, drenching a room in the shade — from walls to ceilings and trims—can create an immersive, cocooning space.
Best of all, there are no caveats. “There’s no ‘watch out’ with this shade — no wrong room, no risk of a style skirmish,” says Woelfel.
From formal lounges to laid-back bedrooms, Hidden Gem blends in while standing out. It brings personality without overpowering, and elegance without pretension.
Woelfel’s final advice? Don’t overthink it. “Experiment, trust your instincts, and try it in whatever space catches your eye,” she says. “This is really a new neutral. I see us using it for a long time.”
Whether you’re staging a home for sale, refreshing a rental, or finally updating that spare room, Hidden Gem offers a modern twist on timeless comfort—and a reminder that the right colour can change everything.
Hidden Gem is a blue-green hybrid that refuses to sit still. Picture: ELLE DECOR
Picture: ELLE DECOR
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