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2026 Colors of the Year: Beige Makes a Comeback
Every year, the major paint brands announce their “Colors of the Year,” and while it can feel like a marketing stunt, it’s also a useful snapshot of where the design world is headed. For homeowners here in the greater Seattle area, these color picks can offer helpful inspiration for everything from accent walls to full repaints.
Below are the colors our two paint manufacturers of choice, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, have selected for 2026, along with the latest from Pantone.
Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki (SW 6150)
Remember when everybody ditched beige in favor of gray? It’s time to embrace warm tones again with Sherwin-Williams’ pick of Universal Khaki, a mid-tone neutral that feels grounded and flexible. This isn’t a flashy color. It’s soft, warm, and blends well with both cool and warm accents.
For Pacific Northwest homes, this warm, earthy color fits right in. It pairs nicely with natural wood, muted greens, and off-whites. Of course, these are elements that already show up in a lot of Seattle-area interiors. It also works well for homeowners looking to modernize lighter beige or tan walls without jumping to gray.
While it’s not bold, it is practical! If you’re repainting with long-term resale or rental value in mind, this is the kind of dependable, low-drama color that will play well in a variety of spaces.
Universal Khaki is the easygoing neutral that makes every room feel pulled together. Its warm, earthy tone works with natural finishes, crisp whites or bold pops of color – bringing timeless style to your home.
-Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing and Trendsight Team Leader
Benjamin Moore: Silhouette (AF-655)
Benjamin Moore’s pick is much moodier; Silhouette is a rich espresso brown with a soft violet-gray undertone. It’s dramatic, but not overly so, and in the company’s words, represents Refined Elegance.
This could be a great choice for a bedroom, dining room, or powder room where you’re going for something more interesting. If you’ve got good lighting and a clear design vision, it can be a strong choice for accent walls, wainscoting, or perhaps even cabinetry.
Just be aware that it’s not the kind of color you want to throw up in a whole room without testing first. Lighting plays a big role here, and this one could easily turn too dark if the space doesn’t get enough natural light.
PANTONE: 11-4201 Cloud Dancer
Early speculation pointed toward a bold direction, such as that of WGSN and Coloro, which selected “Transformative Teal” as its color of the year. However, Pantone went in a completely different direction with Cloud Dancer.
Clearly the softest and most versatile color of the bunch, Pantone described it best:
…a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.
How We Think About Trends
At Sound Painting Solutions, we pay attention to the trends, but we don’t chase them. Our job is to help you find the colors that work for your home. This means the color works in your lighting, with your furniture, and for your day-to-day life. If a Color of the Year helps spark a conversation or gives you a new idea, that’s great! But we’ll always recommend speaking with a color expert or testing it out in real conditions before making any major decisions.
Inspired to plan your next interior refresh?
Contact us for a free quote on your interior painting project! Whether your project involves walls, ceilings, trim, doors, cabinetry, or all of the above, it would be our pleasure to bring your vision to life. Sound Painting Solutions serves Seattle, WA and surrounding areas.