Last updated on November 19th, 2025
Every year, colour experts try to capture the spirit of the moment in a single shade — and this time, Behr has truly nailed it. Say hello to Hidden Gem, the brand’s 2026 Colour of the Year — a rich, blue-green tone that feels equal parts calming and confident.
It’s the kind of colour that makes a space feel instantly pulled together without trying too hard. Fresh, restorative, and endlessly versatile, Hidden Gem is the modern antidote to sterile whites and overused greys. Here’s why designers can’t stop talking about it — and how to bring it home beautifully.
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A Calm Yet Confident Colour
Hidden Gem strikes that perfect balance between serenity and strength. It’s deep enough to feel luxurious but soft enough to stay approachable.
Behr describes it as “where blue meets green in perfect harmony,” and it truly lives up to the name — grounded like nature, but polished enough for city apartments or minimalist homes. It’s the kind of hue that instantly resets the mood of a room.
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Why Designers Love It
Designers are embracing colour again — but not the loud, look-at-me kind. Hidden Gem fits the new mood of “quiet confidence.” It adds depth and character without overpowering a room, pairing beautifully with everything from warm woods to cool stone.
It’s versatile enough for a statement wall, a kitchen island, or even cabinetry. Think of it as colour with composure — bold but not brash, elegant but not cold.
Pair It with Neutrals That Glow
Hidden Gem looks stunning next to warm neutrals like cream, mushroom beige, and soft greige. These tones balance their richness while letting the colour stay the star.
Want a slightly moodier vibe? Pair it with charcoal, aged brass, or walnut wood. For a fresher look, go with white oak, natural linen, or soft gold accents.
It Works in Every Room
Unlike bolder accent colours that are hard to live with, Hidden Gem transitions beautifully across spaces.
- Living rooms: It grounds open layouts and pairs perfectly with beige or ivory sofas.
- Bedrooms: It’s a cocoon of calm — soothing yet sophisticated.
- Bathrooms: Unexpectedly chic, especially with gold fixtures and white tile.
- Home offices: Inspires focus while reducing visual clutter.
It’s rare for a colour to work equally well in airy daylight and cosy evening light — but this one truly does.
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Styling It the HomeBliss Way
Hidden Gem plays beautifully with the year’s biggest décor trends — think natural materials, vintage accents, and textural layers.
Add woven baskets, light wood furniture, and plants to create balance. Metallics like brushed brass or antique gold warm it up, while black accents add just enough edge. Don’t over-style — let the colour breathe and anchor the space.
A Colour with Heart and Depth
Behr’s Hidden Gem is more than just a trend — it’s a reflection of how we want to live in 2026: grounded, warm, and at peace in our own spaces.
Whether it’s a bold statement wall or a subtle cabinet refresh, this shade adds soul without shouting. It’s versatile, timeless, and beautifully human — a true hidden gem in every sense.
Because the best colours don’t just transform your home — they transform how it feels. And that’s what makes this one pure HomeBliss.
