Behr Paint Debuts Their ‘Versatile’ New Color of the Year for 2026: a ‘Timeless’ Smoky Jade

A jewel-toned beauty, Behr’s pick for the Color the Year 2026 more than lives up to its namesake. 

On July 30, Behr announced “Hidden Gem” (N430-61) as their selection—a dynamic blend of blue and green that Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr Paint, labeled a “smoky jade.”

“Hidden Gem is a color that feels approachable, it’s versatile,” Woelfel tells Realtor.com® exclusively. “It’s current but also stands the test of time.”

Time for a refresh that will last

Hidden Gem is a strong departure from 2025’s shade, “Rumor” red. Still, for those who appreciate a lustrous shade, the same effect can be achieved. 

“While Rumors is a more bolder confidence, this is a more quiet confidence,” Woelfel explains.

And the company’s research backs this up. According to a survey they conducted, 4 in 5 (82%) Americans say the paint colors in one’s home have the power to impact one’s confidence.

With many homeowners staying put in their homes longer, renovations are on the rise and painting projects tops the list of remodels that add value. With that in mind, if you’re thinking about changing up the look of your home, Hidden Gem will add radiance without feeling radically out of date very quickly. 

“It’s timeless because it is subtle and nuanced,” says Woelfel. “It’s a color that you feel you’ll never tire of. But if you’re a person who loves color, then you can build on it. It layers so nicely.”

Where Hidden Gem stands out best 

At the press event held at Wildflower Farms in the Hudson Valley, Behr and their partners at The Home Depot shared several practical installations, showcasing several rooms elevated with the use of Hidden Gem. 

Its “ecological, urban nature,” as Woelfel calls it, pairs incredibly well with grounding neutrals, as well as bright hues, like gold and pink, making it a stand out choice for rooms like the kitchen and living room. 

Then again, its rich blue-green hue lends itself perfectly to a bathroom, giving a spa-worthy, oasis feel to the room that has for so long been discarded as “functional” rather than fanciful. 

But perhaps the best room that benefits from the color upgrade of Hidden Gem is the one room that’s fallen by the wayside during the past few years: the dining room. 

“It evokes such a mood,” Anna Miller, director of Trend and Design at The Home Depot shares with Realtor. “It really sets the tone. Dim the lights down, and it really is enveloping and special. It looks great throughout the day; and in bright sun, it plays well with a glittering chandelier and other more formal elements.”  

And it sounds like customers agree. In their survey, Behr found that more than half of people surveyed (58%) agreed that a room painted with Hidden Gem would be captivating.

“Color holds the power to express who you are—it tells your story without saying a word,” adds Andy Lopez, SVP and head of global marketing at Behr Paint Company. 

“Hidden Gem empowers DIYers, designers, and paint professionals to craft spaces that are both purposeful and expressive—delivering lasting value through our high-quality products.”

Here, you can see some of the ideas we had for our mood board, using Hidden Gem as a base.