It’s that time of year when color predictions begin making headlines. Leading the way is Pittsburgh Paints Company (PPG) with its 2026 Color of the Year: Warm Mahogany.
This deep, refined shade feels both bold and grounding. Its rich tones may signal a broader design shift toward earth-inspired palettes. Color trends are cyclical — when optimism runs high, bright and saturated hues dominate, but in moments of uncertainty or change, people often turn to the comfort of nature and timeless neutrals.
Warm Mahogany captures this balance beautifully: the warmth of cozying up under a blanket on a crisp fall day, paired with the elegance of sipping a cocktail in a dimly lit jazz club.
What Warm Mahogany Tells Us About 2026 Trends
Return to Earth Tones: Expect to see more natural, wood-inspired hues emerging in design as people seek stability and connection with nature. Warm Mahogany suggests a move away from icy grays and cool whites and toward rich, comforting shades that anchor a space.
Layered Warmth: Instead of one-dimensional color schemes, 2026 may bring layered tones — warm bases paired with lighter neutrals for depth and balance.
Blending Cozy and Refined: Colors will lean into versatility, feeling equally at home in casual settings or elevated, modern interiors.
Pairing with Our New Finishes
Just as PPG sets the tone with color, we’re seeing the same direction with finishes. Our newest additions, Whiskey Walnut and Blonde Oak, align seamlessly with this natural, grounding trend.
Blonde Oak: Light, airy, and natural, Blonde Oak complements deeper hues by providing contrast and brightness. It reflects the trend of mixing darker tones with lighter woods to create spaces that are inviting and versatile.
Whiskey Walnut: Rich and warm, this finish mirrors the depth of Warm Mahogany, bringing a sense of luxury to everyday living. It pairs beautifully with darker accent walls, leather textures, and metallic details.
Together, these finishes create opportunities for layering: pairing Whiskey Walnut with Blonde Oak offers both richness and balance, allowing homeowners to create spaces that feel grounded yet modern.
How These Colors Work in Real Life
In Living Rooms: Warm Mahogany accent walls with Blonde Oak shelving add warmth without making the space feel heavy.
In Closets: Whiskey Walnut finishes create a luxurious boutique feel, especially when accented with brass or matte black hardware.
In Kitchens: Blonde Oak cabinetry with Warm Mahogany accents brings together sophistication and natural simplicity.
The unveiling of Warm Mahogany as 2026’s Color of the Year is more than just a design prediction — it’s a reflection of where we’re headed as a culture: toward balance, grounding, and timeless beauty.
With the introduction of Whiskey Walnut and Blonde Oak, we’re embracing the same movement. Together, these colors and finishes prove that design in 2026 will be all about creating spaces that feel both comforting and elevated, grounded in nature yet ready for modern living.
