Posted by Andrea Durway
2026 Color of the Year
Every year, the major paint manufacturers announce their “Color of the Year” selections, setting the tone for design trends in homes across the country. For 2026, the palettes lean into warmer neutrals and muted nature-inspired tones, making them especially well-suited to St. Louis’ diverse mix of historic brick homes, mid-century gems, and modern builds.
Here’s a roundup of the standout shades and how they work in local spaces.
Color of the Year in St. Louis Homes
Sherwin-Williams / HGTV – Universal Khaki (SW 6150)
Warm, calm, and endlessly versatile.
This neutral anchors handsome brick homes in St. Louis (think Craftsman, transitional styles). Pair with charcoal trim, natural wood floors, or deep greens.
Behr – Hidden Gem (N430-6A)
A sophisticated mix of blue + green.
Use as an accent wall, painted cabinetry, or in a breakfast nook. Compliments: warm walnut wood, matte black fixtures, linen neutrals.
Glidden – Warm Mahogany (PPG1060-7)
Rich, moody, and grounding.
Use for an accent wall, built-ins, or a bold front door. Complements: warm neutrals 0ff-whites, leather, black iron hardware.
Valspar – Warm Eucalyptus (8004-28F)
Nature meets calm.
Great in bedrooms, mudrooms, or enclosed porches. Pair with sandy neutrals, clay pots, oak cabinets, golden brass, and deeper greens for depth.
Dutch Boy – Melodious Ivory (313-2DB)
A soft, warm foundation.
Ideal for entire interiors in St. Louis homes with variable light. Pair with medium woods, saturated color accents, and mixed metals.
Paint Notes
- Some brands, like Benjamin Moore, release their picks late in the year (or even early next year). More 2026 announcements may still be on the horizon.
- The selections so far signal a move back to muted, nature-inspired shades rather than bold brights.
- Fun fact: Zillow research shows paint color can impact home value. Olive green kitchens, for instance, were associated with $1,597 higher offers, while navy bedrooms saw a boost of about $1,815.
St. Louis Style Tips
- Brick is everywhere: Use neutrals like Universal Khaki to soften the warmth of red or orange brick.
- Black trim is trending: Let these new hues serve as subtle backdrops that make trim pop.
- Wood floors abound: Pair green and muted tones with pine or oak for a natural harmony.
- Historic character matters: These colors help modernize while honoring classic St. Louis architecture.
Final Thoughts
Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a home. In Missouri, professional interior painting averages around $3.69 per square foot, and the paint industry here represents over $300 million in retail sales annually. With that much investment in color, it’s no wonder Color of the Year announcements spark so much buzz.
Need help picking paint for your St. Louis space? We can help match trends to your home’s style or help you pick the best colors for resale purposes. Reach out any time.
