Behr has announced its 2027 Color of the Year as Grounded, a muted olive green with warm undertones. The shade was revealed at a celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the company’s Color of the Year program. This announcement, made on August 26, 2026, was accompanied by an exclusive first look at the color, described as a subtle, subtle, and earthy mid-tone that seamlessly blends olive, moss, and brown hues. Hunker, a leading design publication, praised the choice, noting that it perfectly embodies the concept of green as nature’s neutral.
According to Kayla Kratz, Behr’s Sr. Director of Color and Design Strategy, Grounded is designed to balance vitality, warmth, and depth. “We worked with our color lab with dozens of iterations, different expressions of the color, to find the perfect balance of vitality, warmth, and also the depth,” Kratz explained. In an exclusive interview with Hunker, she elaborated that the color echoes the green found in shadows, capturing a sense of depth and richness that sets it apart from other greens.
A Living Neutral
Grounded is described as a “living neutral”, a term that highlights its ability to function as a neutral while still bringing green and color to a space. Kratz explains, “When we think about Grounded as a living neutral, it’s not bland or boring… It brings green and color and life to a space.” The color’s warm brown undertones shift it toward neutral territory, while its mossy olive hues maintain a connection to nature. This balance appeals particularly to those seeking to introduce color into their homes without overwhelming the space.
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Applications and Recommendations
For those considering Grounded, it is recommended for use on the exterior of homes, especially those surrounded by natural elements like trees. The shade’s ability to blend with natural surroundings gives it an raised yet humble aesthetic, making it ideal for properties seeking to harmonize with their environment. Additionally, its dual green and brown tones offer a fresh alternative to traditional exterior colors, allowing homeowners to stand out subtly.
The color also excels when applied to millwork and cabinetry, where its texture and depth are prominently displayed. Dynamic shades like Grounded enhance the visual interest of textured surfaces, making it a perfect choice for walls with molding, paneling, or trim. Incorporating a satin or semi-gloss sheen further raises the color, adding a touch of sophistication that complements its organic tones.
However, Grounded may not be ideal for plain walls, particularly when paired with white trim. To make the color stand out, Behr suggests the color drench paint trend, where at least the trim is included in an alternate sheen. Kratz notes, “If you get a little more of the sheen, you get more of that vitality of the moss transferring through… With the flat, you get more of the even, neutral expression of Grounded.” Combining sheen and flat finishes can create an attractive color story, highlighting the shade’s subtle shifts in depth and undertone.
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A Fresh Take on Green
Grounded offers a fresh alternative to the once-popular sage greens, which were often muted with gray or greige. This shade is particularly appealing for color newbies, recovering neutral addicts, and anyone cautiously introducing color into their homes, as it promises the best of both worlds.
By choosing Grounded, Behr has introduced a color that is both approachable and sophisticated, offering a middle ground that appeals to a wide range of design preferences. Whether used as a statement color or a subtle accent, Grounded promises to bring warmth, depth, and a touch of nature into any space, making it a versatile and timeless addition to the design world.
