Staging matters when appealing to buyers. A thoughtfully staged interior has proven to increase sale price as well as expand the buyer pool. And one of the quickest ways to set the stage is with color.
A change of color can update and refresh living spaces, kitchens and cabinetry, bedrooms and bathrooms. Consider the feeling you want to evoke, the style of your home’s architecture and the environments buyers are seeking — as indicated by current trends in the design world.
In 2026, paint color trends have shifted away from cool grays and stark whites. Homebodies are seeking warm, nature-inspired shades that create a tranquil feel, as well as deep jewel tones that convey moody sophistication. This is reflected in the signature hues announced by major brands this year: Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette (benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color-of-the-year-2026), a coffee brown with a hint of charcoal; Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki (sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-of-the-year/2026), a tan with yellow undertones; Behr’s Hidden Gem (behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2026-color-of-the-year), a smoky jade; and Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus (valspar.com/en/colors/color-of-the-year-2026), a muted sage.
For living spaces, consider desert-inspired tones like terra cotta, clay and burnt orange. Warm neutrals, such as ivory, champagne and “greige” create a soft, inviting glow. Berry and rich purples add elegance and drama. For a bold effect, emerald, sapphire and dark plum are popular, particularly on accent walls, as well as soft, candy-colored shades for a refined yet lighthearted feel.
For kitchens and cabinetry, trends this year favor creamy, organic neutrals and rich earth tones. Colors such as mushroom, olive and walnut bring nature indoors. Rich hues like deep indigo, navy and charcoal are popular for accent cabinets, islands or lower cabinets. Two-tone combinations — pairing lighter, neutral uppers with earth-toned or wood-grain lower cabinets — add interest and dimension, and natural wood shades create a warm, textured look.
In bedrooms and bathrooms, people are seeking personal wellness sanctuaries that feel cozy and luxurious. Trends in 2026 indicate a move toward comfort and rejuvenation, using natural shades for calming, spa-like retreats. Green is a “new neutral,” with colors like thyme and sage for a restorative haven, and nature-inspired blues for an uplifting, light-filled environment. And don’t forget the hardware: copper and other natural metals on cabinetry complete the setting.
Need some inspiration? Ask your real estate agent!
Kim Foemmel
Foem
mel Fine Homes
1 Lumber Street, Suite 207C
Hopkinton, MA
(508) 808-1149
Kim.Foemmel@gmail.com
FoemmelFineHomes.com
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