Is the reign of neutral paints finally over? Behr's kicking off Color of the Year season with a smoky jade tone that's as sophisticated as it is bold

Deep green painted living room with fireplace, large windows, beige sofa, leather ottoman and cream armchairs.

August and September are Colors of the Year season. We see the biggest paint and color brands announce what their 'color' is going to be for the year ahead. They give a real insight into the mood of the interiors world (and beyond), and I find they provide me with a good indication of what's to come in terms of broader trends too.

First up is Behr's Color of the Year 2026 – Hidden Gem. And I am pleasantly surprised. While color trends aren't all about the neutrals, but they do tend to dominate, so seeing a deep smoky teal like Hidden Gem is a good start.