Taking a Look at Top Design Leaders’ Choices for Color of the Year 2026

Pantone is one of the world leaders in the color industry, and since 1999, their annual release of their Color of the Year has become a spectacle that designers look forward to. This year, however, Pantone went bold, or I guess the opposite, by choosing “Cloud Dancer” as their color for 2026. Don’t waste your time looking it up, it's literally just white. Pantone’s reasoning behind this is to create a fresh, clean slate for the new year amongst a chaotic society. Many spectators, us at View included, see it as just a lazy attention grab. 

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Luckily, color is not exclusive, and there are many other companies that also pick a color of the year, and this year they understood the assignment. Instead of hanging onto the disappointment of Pantone, let’s look at these other design leaders’ 2026 Color of the Year:

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Behr:

Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year is called “Hidden Gem”, a sophisticated smoky jade hue that blends blue and green with subtle depth, evoking grounded serenity and balance, offering a sense of calm while still delivering visual interest. Behr’s color experts selected Hidden Gem as a response to current design trends that favor colors that feel both timeless and fresh. The choice reflects a broader move toward colors that support personal expression and emotional well-being at home.

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Sherwin Williams:

Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year is “Universal Khaki”, a warm, mid-tone neutral with subtle yellow-beige undertones that evokes calm, grounded simplicity and timeless versatility. Selected by the brand’s color experts to reflect a shift toward intentional, comfort-driven design, Universal Khaki is described as a go-anywhere, understated shade that works beautifully with both natural materials and a wide range of other colors.

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IKEA:

IKEA’s 2026 Color of the Year is “Rebel Pink”, a lively and expressive shade of pink chosen to bring joy, energy, and personality into the home. Rather than sticking with calm neutrals, IKEA describes Rebel Pink as powerful, playful, and versatile enough to act as a “bold neutral” that livens up everyday spaces while still reflecting Scandinavian simplicity.

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WGSN + Coloro:

WGSN + Coloro’s 2026 Color of the Year is “Transformative Teal”, a rich blue-green hue. The color was chosen to reflect 2026 as a year of redirection and renewal, capturing a collective shift toward ecological awareness, resilience, and a deeper connection with nature. This restorative shade symbolizes change, balance, and an “Earth-first” mindset, offering designers and brands a versatile and emotionally engaging color that resonates across fashion, interiors, beauty, and product design.

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Benjamin Moore:

Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year is “Silhouette”, a rich, espresso-brown with subtle charcoal undertones that offers timeless sophistication and warm neutrality. Silhouette brings a sense of refinement and depth to any space, acting as a versatile alternative to stark black or traditional gray. Its elegant, grounded character makes it ideal for creating cozy, stylish environments that feel both contemporary and enduring.

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Valspar:

Valspar’s 2026 Color of the Year is named “Warm Eucalyptus”, a serene, nature-inspired green with warm undertones that’s meant to evoke calm, comfort, and a grounded sense of well-being. Designed to work in a variety of styles, Warm Eucalyptus encourages nurturing, timeless environments that feed on both the restorative power of nature and calm optimism.

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Glidden:

Glidden’s 2026 Color of the Year is “Warm Mahogany”, a deep, rich red with warm brown undertones that blends classic warmth with modern versatility. Celebrated for its ability to feel both bold and timeless, Warm Mahogany invites comfort, connection, and character. This hue reflects a broader trend toward colors that feel personal and emotionally resonant, offering a sophisticated shade that works beautifully in many spaces.

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Together, these selections prove that while Pantone may have chosen the most boring approach this year, the rest of the design world is bursting with creativity, personality, and intention. From nature-inspired greens to playful pinks, this year’s palette shows that color remains a powerful tool for shaping how we feel in our spaces, and thankfully, the industry leaders are still rising to the occasion with real colors.