The 2027 Colors of the Year
Every fall, paint brands reveal their Color of the Year selections, and audiences typically nod along with the consistent preference for crisp white walls. However, 2027 appears to herald a significant departure from this convention.
Every autumn, paint brands share their intended Color of the Year selections, prompting viewers to either comply with long-standing preferences for pristine whites or follow the latest avant-garde movements.
My count includes six distinct brands offering their favorites, and this collection tells a strikingly uniform story. The common thread runs from mossy olives and soft sages to smoky blues and warm clay neutrals—colors defined by quiet richness rather than aggressive statement. There is no neon, and the dominant aesthetic feels hand-sculpted from the earth itself.
To understand if these predictions hold water, I consulted Chicago-based interior designer Kristen Ekeland of Kristen Ekeland Interiors regarding the validity of the various palettes described above.
“These are precisely the pigments I am loving and applying to my own project,” she states. “There has been a powerful evolution away from the all-white treatment that dominated seven years ago. We are now embracing earth tones, rich olives, and sage greens to craft warm, layered interiors that feel deeply connected to nature.”
The prevailing sentiment among these brands suggests a shift toward harmony over spectacle. Three of the six leading selections echo the concept of grounding, featuring near-identical smoky hues and leafy green tones, while nowhere can be found a bright, high-energy accent color.
Why Green Keeps Winning
Evidence suggests consumer behavior aligns with these expert insights. Behr’s prior choice, the smoky jade Hidden Gem, topped the list of top-selling non-neutral colors across 31 states last year alone.
Ekeland’s curated palettes validate this trend; earthy tones, luxurious olives, and botanical greens feature prominently to counteract years of monochromatic walls. Other practitioners concur that sustainable variations of green function as true neutrals, easily layering beneath brighter accents.
There is also compelling economic momentum behind this shift. A 2026 Zillow analysis indicated that sage-green interiors could command price premiums exceeding $1,000 on Zillow listings.
The Powder-Room Pairing We’re Stealing
When examining the specific applications of these trending shades, Ekeland highlights a strong affinity for intentional color pairing during transformation projects.
“Currently, I am installing a powder room designed to complement Farrow & Ball’s Oval Room Blue, paired with a marble vanity rich in aubergine and oxblood hues,” she shares. “The result is a juxtaposition of a steel-blue ocean meeting deep-earth tones, creating a vibrant yet grounded composition.”
This approach resonates with contemporary residential habits. Some designers note that while individuals gravitate toward pieces that reflect their personal taste rather than current market metrics, clever collaging of unexpected hues—such as dusty clay against cobalt or earthy brown with a punch of green—introduces dynamic tension without losing warmth.
What Else Designers Are Watching
When designers were asked to forecast 2027 specifically, responses extended far beyond the greenery dominating the conversation.
Warm neutrals. Hues like limewash beige and oat offers depth where pure white falls short. Consider options from Behr Pro’s French Beige or Color Atelier’s Wabi.
Dusty pink. Subtle mauves and warm blushes provide presence without overt sweetness. House of Hackney’s Sakura and Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster serve similarly.
Vintage red. Aged wines and bricks mellowed with mauve appear frequently. Meritage by Portola Paints fits this profile perfectly.
Blackberry. A confident fuchsia that hints at coral, such as Benjamin Moore’s Bordeaux Red or Love Affair.
Deep blue. Moving away from coastal vibes, nuanced shades like Benjamin Moore’s Dark Harbor appeal to softer sensibilities.
Nuanced gray. Grays infused with blue or green undertones, like Sherwin-Williams’ Morning Fog.
Optimistic yellow. Grounded historical yellows like Farrow & Ball’s Babouche round out the spectrum.
Will Anyone Actually Paint Their Walls Olive?
The transition from minimalist standards to earthier experiences is not universal. A 2025 survey revealed that eighty-four percent of real estate agents still recommend leaving residences in white, gray, or beige to enhance property appeal on the market.
Yet, a pivotal study by Houzz—covered by Axios—indicates a decisive change in consumer mindset. Homeowners are increasingly treating their estates as personal projects rather than investments geared solely toward resale, blurring the gap between aspirational trends and lived reality.
How to Try a 2027 Color Without Committing
For those uncertain about a full-overwall commitment, designer-friendly entry points exist.
Kristen Ekeland recommends exploring Sherwin-Williams’ new Cascade Sage Light, a sophisticated yet soft option. This shade works exceptionally well on cabinetry or simply applied to ceilings through trim, baseboards, and molding painted Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore, allowing for instant visual impact without permanent alteration.
Additional strategies for testing bold shades include evaluating swatches under varying weather conditions to catch shifts in lighting, starting with smaller surfaces like doors or cases, and utilizing a strategy of advancing trim and detailing with deeper tones to establish polish before tackling larger areas. Pairing these synthetic hues with natural fibers—such as wood, stone, linen, and unpolished brass—ensures the result feels substantial and timeless.
In conclusion, regardless of your ultimate decision, the overarching theme of 2027’s palette is simplicity achieved through substance. Whether anticipating official releases from Pantone or waiting for new benchmarks from major paints, the core message remains: choose colors that invoke a sense of history, comfort, and personal attunement. Our winter home-decor guide serves as a practical starting point until these final designations arrive.
