Color of the Year 2026: A Return to Craft, Artistry, and Nature

For 2026, we find ourselves reflecting back to honor the legacies that shape how we live today. From the intricate details of architectural ornamentation to the enduring allure of natural materials, we’re inspired by a time when artistry, detail, and ritual were woven into everyday life. This year marks a return to design that nourishes the soul—rich with depth, purpose, and beauty. Our Color of the Year,  C2 Epernay #639, embodies this ethos. This refined, earthy soft ochre with hushed mineral undertones feels rediscovered: timeless, grounded, and inherently elegant.

Historically, this pale, sophisticated yellow was prominent in European interiors during the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical periods and was admired for its versatility, warmth, and connection to the natural world. Today, it reemerges in contemporary design, bringing age-old elegance into modern spaces. Its classic hue recalls life’s essential luxuries: the tactile surface of a handmade bowl, the hand-carved lines of ornamental millwork, and the grounding presence of nature—those often-overlooked details that give a home its soul.

“C2 Epernay has long been tied to European influences and is now emerging in contemporary design for its classic, versatile ambiance. This historic hue helps us retell the wondrous stories woven through history via the inseparable threads of color, art, furnishings, and nature. It reminds us to appreciate the personal touches that make a home uniquely ours—and to live with reverence for the stories we’re creating every day.”
— Philippa Radon, Interior Designer + C2 Color Specialist

The 2026 En Terre Palette: A Revival of Craft. A Return to the Earth.

The En Terre palette for 2026 celebrates nature as mentor and muse, reinterpreting timeless elements through a modern lens and reflecting a growing desire to reconnect with design details that are rooted and meaningful. The colors echo the lived-in tones of generational gardens, weathered facades, and natural fibers warmed by sunlight. Together, this palette honors a deeper movement toward heritage, craftsmanship, and mindful design—an aesthetic that speaks to the stories embedded in everyday spaces. It’s an appreciation of those familiar-yet-forgotten moments that connect and ground us in a world that moves so fast.

Featured colors: Epernay 639, Parador 922, Spearmint 700, Potato Leek 914, Snowsky (BD15), Blueberry (BD26)

C2 Epernay — Epernay evokes the serene charm of the French countryside, where delicate champagne hues dance in the sunlight and warm stone walls absorb the golden glow of dusk. This refined color, with subtle, balanced undertones, brings an air of understated elegance.

C2 Parador — Parador blends the richness of weathered stone with the softness of earthen clay. Softened by olive and mushroom undertones, it’s a warm, sophisticated choice for interiors that call for depth without darkness. Named after the historic Spanish inns known for their rustic elegance and rooted sense of place, Parador exudes heritage and restraint.

C2 Spearmint — A soft, mineral-washed green that lives between mint and sage; it’s fresh without feeling sugary. Hushed gray undertones keep it calm and sophisticated, while just enough clarity lifts a room like a cool breeze. In warm light it leans a touch sage and cozy; in cooler or north light it reads cleaner and fresher.

C2 Potato Leek — A soft, herbal-toned neutral with quiet complexity. With a whisper of green and a velvety beige base, it’s both fresh and grounded, blending the subtle beauty of organic ingredients and simple pleasures. Elegant yet understated, it offers spaces a warm, restorative feel.

“Color helps us tell our stories without words. As a brand built on quality and craftsmanship, we sense a collective craving to rediscover beauty in everyday moments and surround ourselves with meaningful color that brings depth to our homes and lives. We are thrilled to have designer Barry Dixon as part of our 2026 En Terre palette; his penchant for color, attention to detail, and appreciation of the natural world authentically align with our brand.”
— Tia Clarida, Marketing Director

Featuring selections from Barry Dixon’s “The Naturals” Collection

Included in this year’s En Terre palette are two standout shades from interior designer Barry Dixon’s “The Naturals” Collection  for C2 Paint:

Snow Sky BD15 — A porcelain off-white with a whisper of sky; it’s an elegant field color for walls and ceilings and a calming companion for trim.

“These colors draw from the deepest wells of memory and materials—earth, wind, fire, and water. They’re the shades of lived experience and layered interiors. I believe color, when chosen with soul, becomes the most honest form of storytelling.”
— Barry Dixon, Interior Designer

VIEW THE NATURALS COLLECTION BY BARRY DIXON

More About C2 Paint:

At C2 Paint, we are proud color artisans who celebrate the craft of color and the spirit of innovation. Every product we create is infused with soul—carefully crafted, backed by uncompromising quality, and trusted by small businesses, designers, and creatives alike. We honor the homes we’re welcomed into and the individuality of every person we serve. Rooted in the values of craftsmanship, community, and creativity, we proudly stand in support of Main Street and embrace the beauty of small, independent businesses.