Roundup: Color of the Year Picks Reflect Trend Toward Warm Neutrals
Over the past few years, home design professionals have been noting a shift away from cool tones to warm, earthy colors. Houzz’s 2026 Fall Design Trends report, for instance, shows that clients are increasingly asking for warm neutral color palettes rather than the whites and grays that made up interiors in years past.
This trend has become even more evident as paint manufacturers release their 2027 Color of the Year selections. We're taking a look at the most recently announced selections to see where color trends are headed:
Celery from Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams' Celery is a soft, herbal shade of green with a warm yellow undertone that brings a sense of comfort and calm to the home. The color was selected for its balanced quality, according to the company. The green overtone is energized, while warm yellow undertones add a sense of tranquility to the shade.
The shade also pairs well with several other earthy neutrals from Sherwin-Williams, including White Flour, Artichoke, Cocoon, and Plum Brown, among others.
"Celery was chosen as the 2027 Color of the Year because it reflects today's priorities: wellness, balance, and connection," says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. "Homeowners and designers are increasingly prioritizing wellness at home, seeking soothing environments that support mental health and overall well‑being." [Learn more about how wellness was integrated into the selection process]
Cottage Blue from Valspar
Valspar’s 2027 pick for Color of the Year also reflects the growing trend of calm living. The mid-tone neutral blue is described by Valspar as both “authentically lived-in” and “quietly confident”.
Cottage Door is a modern take on timeless color rooted in minimalism and organic layering, says the company. It pairs well with Valspar’s Moon Shot, a soft, warm-toned gray; and Valspar’s Apricot Blush, a soft, creamy shade of pink.
"Cottage Door celebrates the unique beauty inside us all," says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. "This mid-tone neutral blue is reflective and warm, with a timeless appeal that feels personal and grounding. Cottage Door captures blue's natural sense of security and trust while serving as a colorful new neutral that layers effortlessly into the home." [Learn more about the color’s grounding qualities].
Grounded from Behr
Behr’s selection for Color of the Year reflects the growing trend toward deep, warm neutrals in the home. The shade Grounded is a multi-dimensional olive green with brown undertones. According to Behr, the color is designed to bridge the gap between the indoors and the natural world.
The color pairs with warm woods, other earthy neutral shades, and organic textures. [Learn more about how the color looks in different settings]
Deep Rooted from Dutch Boy Paints
Dutch Boy Paints’ Deep Rooted is a warm, earthy orange that also evokes the natural world.
"Deep Rooted offers a color that feels rich, grounding, and deeply human. Its earthy orange tone creates a versatile foundation for spaces that celebrate individuality through bold contrasts and layered textures," says Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager for Dutch Boy Paints.
The color brings authenticity and emotional clarity into the home, according to the company, and is best paired with three Dutch Boy color palettes: the Essence Palette, Bliss Palette, and Clarity Palette. [Learn more about the brand’s pairings]
About the Author
Catherine Sweeney, Content Strategist/Staff WriterCatherine Sweeney, Content Strategist/Staff Writer
Catherine Sweeney is a content strategist and staff writer for Pro Builder and Custom Builder Online, with a focus on design trends, new products, and environmental issues. Contact her at csweeney@endeavorb2b.com.