The color forecast for 2026 color palette brings warmth, personality, and timeless elegance to both interiors and exteriors. Homeowners across Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and the surrounding areas are moving away from cold grays and sterile whites, choosing instead natural, inviting tones that reflect balance and comfort.

At Henry’s Painting & Contracting (HPC), we’ve studied the leading color predictions from Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore to help you stay ahead of the trend and make every project look fresh, modern, and resale-ready.

1. Warm Earth Tones Lead the Way

2026 will highlight organic, sun-baked warmth. Expect shades of terracotta, clay, honey beige, mushroom, and sand taupe. These colors create an earthy, grounded atmosphere and pair beautifully with wood textures, stone accents, and matte finishes.

Top Trending Picks

• Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki (SW 6150) – versatile, timeless, and perfect for open spaces.

• Behr Weathered Clay – natural warmth that feels both cozy and refined.

• Benjamin Moore Natural Linen – a balanced neutral ideal for trim and cabinetry.

💡 Pro Tip: For exteriors, pair soft neutrals with black or bronze accents to achieve a clean, modern farmhouse look.

2. Teals and Deep Blues Bring Calm and Sophistication

Rich, oceanic tones are dominating the 2026 palette. Shades such as Transformative Teal, Hidden Gem, and Deep Cobalt add elegance and tranquility to any space.

Where to Use These Shades

• Accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms

• Kitchen islands and built-ins

• Front doors or shutters for instant curb appeal

These blue-green hues balance serenity with bold character — perfect for modern and traditional homes alike.

3. Muted Pastels with a Refined Finish

Soft, dusted colors are evolving into elegant pastels with depth. Expect muted rose, lavender mist, sage green, and powder blue to replace bright tones of previous years.

Best Pairings

• Muted pastels with creamy neutrals for warmth

• Light tones contrasted with dark trim for subtle dimension

💡 Designer Tip: Try pairing a clay-rose wall with deep taupe trim for a modern yet inviting finish.

4. Restorative Darks for Statement Spaces

In 2026, dark tones will be used as grounding elements in both interiors and exteriors. Rich shades of charcoal, espresso, plum, and navy black create contrast, depth, and luxury.

Top Choices

• Sherwin-Williams Inkwell – a dramatic accent color for cabinetry or statement walls

• Behr Night Club – modern, bold, and perfect for moody design aesthetics

Dark colors are ideal for balancing light interiors or highlighting architectural features like built-ins and fireplaces.

5. Sun-Drenched Neutrals for Exteriors

Exterior palettes in 2026 emphasize warmth and approachability. Creams, almonds, and sandstone tones create timeless curb appeal.

Recommended Exterior Palette

• Main Body: Accessible Beige (SW 7036)

• Trim: Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)

• Front Door: Iron Ore (SW 7069)

This combination provides a cohesive, durable, and high-end look suitable for all home styles.

6. Nature-Inspired Greens Return

Greens remain a favorite in 2026, shifting toward soft sage, olive, and mossy undertones that promote calm and connection to nature.

Popular Picks

• Evergreen Fog (Sherwin-Williams) – a muted, modern green

• Olive Grove (Behr) – classic yet contemporary

• Moss Ring (Benjamin Moore) – ideal for exteriors and accent walls

These tones work beautifully in sunrooms, kitchens, or outdoor living spaces.

7. Choosing the Right 2026 Color Palette for Your Home

Before you finalize a color scheme, keep these professional tips in mind:

• Test colors in natural light throughout the day.

• Match undertones — warm colors complement other warm accents.

• Start small with accent walls or cabinetry updates.

• Create flow by coordinating your interior and exterior palettes.

Transform Your Space with 2026’s Most Stunning Colors

At Henry’s Painting & Contracting, we specialize in bringing these emerging color trends to life through premium paint finishes, expert craftsmanship, and detail-oriented service. Whether you’re updating your living room, exterior siding, or deck, our professional team ensures flawless results from start to finish.

📞 Schedule a free color consultation today or request an estimate at www.henryspaintingcontract.com