If you’re craving a fresh, rich paint color to transform your home in 2026, Behr Paint Company has delivered something truly magical. I’m here for it. Say hello to Hidden Gem 2N430-6A, a smoky jade hue that exudes sophistication, calm, and a touch of mystery. As one of the largest manufacturers of architectural paints, Behr continues to lead the way in setting the tone for the year ahead. This deep jewel tone is already making waves.
Are you planning a full-room transformation? Or, maybe you’re simply looking for a stunning pop of color. The Behr 2026 color of the year Hidden Gem is poised to be a go-to color.
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A Beautiful Color from One of the Best
Behr Paint Company, exclusively available at Home Depot, has a reputation for crafting high-quality products that speak to both professional contractors and design-savvy homeowners. Their full line of products, including Behr Dynasty, Behr Ultra, Behr Premium, and Behr Marquee, offers durability, rich pigmentation, and style you can count on.
Hidden Gem 2N430-6A is no exception. It’s a kind color, meaning it’s approachable, versatile, and layered with subtle sophistication. Whether you’re painting a front door, living room, or dining room, this hue is designed to leave a lasting impression.
Personally, I find Hidden Gem to be such a refreshing shift from the soft neutrals and warm whites we’ve seen dominate the last few years. It still feels grounded, but it introduces a cool, calming richness that breathes new life into a space. It’s the kind of color that sparks creativity while maintaining a sense of elegance.exactly the balance I love to bring into my design work.
A Word from the Experts
According to Erika Woelfel, Behr’s VP of Color and Creative Services, “Hidden Gem captures the balance between grounded comfort and creative expression. It’s bold, yet tranquil—ideal for making a personal statement.” We couldn’t agree more.
The Power of Deep Jewel Tones
In 2026, color is getting bolder, moodier, and more personal. And deep jewel tones like Hidden Gem are leading the charge. This rich hue brings an air of true elegance to any space, with a moody vibrance that pairs beautifully with earth tones, creams, and natural wood elements.
Looking to shake things up? Try Hidden Gem as an accent wall. Or, go all in with a full palette makeover using the collection of trend-forward colors in Behr’s Color Trends Palette.
Where to Use Hidden Gem in Your Home
Let’s talk about the fun part: where and how to use this standout shade.
Living Room or Family Room
Bring depth and intimacy to your everyday spaces by painting an entire living room or family room in Hidden Gem. Layer it with warm textures, brass accents, and clean-lined furniture to balance the moodiness.
Front Door
Looking for curb appeal that stands out? Hidden Gem makes a striking front door color. When paired with exterior paint trim in Behr’s Blank Canvas, the 2023 Color of the Year. The combination is timeless and modern all at once.
Dining Room Drama
For the ultimate dining room glow-up, try Hidden Gem in a gloss enamel sheen. It creates a soft, reflective quality that plays beautifully with candlelight and metallic finishes.
Can You Use Hidden Gem with Honey Oak?
Yes, and it can be absolutely stunning. If you have honey oak cabinets, trim, or flooring, you might be wondering if a bold, moody color like Hidden Gem will clash. Nope, this smoky jade green actually complements the golden warmth of honey oak beautifully when styled with intention.
Because Hidden Gem has a cool, muted depth, it creates a gorgeous contrast against the warm, orangey undertones of honey oak. This adds balance and sophistication without fighting the wood tones.
RELATED: 10 Modern Kitchen Design Ideas with Honey Oak Cabinets
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Where It Works Best
Kitchen Island or Lower Cabinets:
If you’re not looking to paint all your cabinets, use Hidden Gem on your kitchen island. It grounds the space and adds a fresh, modern edge while still letting your oak cabinetry shine. Pair it with matte black or antique brass hardware to tie everything together.
Wall Color:
In a kitchen or bathroom with honey oak cabinets, painting the walls in Hidden Gem adds rich, moody dimension that actually makes the wood grain pop. It’s a great way to modernize the look without committing to a full cabinet refinish.
Accent Color for Built-Ins or Furniture:
Hidden Gem also works beautifully on built-ins, vanities, or accent furniture near honey oak floors. It gives just the right amount of color drama and breaks up the wood tones while keeping the space cohesive.
Pro Tip: Layer in creamy whites or warm taupes on the walls or trim to soften the look and tie everything together.
This color combo feels updated, intentional, and totally livable, proving that you don’t have to paint over all your oak to give your home a designer-worthy refresh.
Looking for more ways to modernize your oak kitchen without painting the cabinets? Explore our Wood Kitchen Update Palettes designed specifically for honey oak, golden oak, and other warm wood tones.
Designer Tip: Pairing Hidden Gem with Accent Colors
Not quite ready to commit to a full room? Hidden Gem plays well with subtle accents. Think wallpaper, cabinetry, or a powder room vanity for a dramatic little moment. If you’re drawn to similar shades, you’ll love pairing Hidden Gem with smoky grays, taupe-y tans, and muted terracottas to keep the vibe grounded yet rich.
Part of the Behr 2026 Color Trends Collection
Hidden Gem isn’t alone. It’s part of a full Behr Color Trends Palette for 2026 that includes other beautifully curated paint colors for full-room transformations. Think serene neutrals, moody earth tones, and playful contrasts—all designed to help you refresh your home with confidence.
Each color in the collection reflects Behr’s ongoing commitment to offering beautiful color, durability, and trend-forward style. Whether you’re DIY-ing your next project or working with a pro, there’s something for every home and every style.
Looking for a Similar Shade?
If you’re drawn to Hidden Gem but use other brands in your home, here are two standout alternatives that capture a similar essence:
Benjamin Moore – Narragansett Green HC-157
A refined, deep green with cool blue undertones—Narragansett Green offers a similar smoky elegance and timeless richness. It’s a beautiful choice for traditional or transitional homes that need a little depth without overwhelming the space.
Sherwin-Williams – Rocky River SW 6215
Rocky River is a gorgeous green-blue with just the right amount of muted vibrancy. It has that same relaxed sophistication as Hidden Gem, with a slightly lighter and airier feel. This shade works beautifully in full-room applications, or as a showstopping accent for front doors, bathroom vanities, or built-in cabinetry.
Both of these shades are ideal for those who love Hidden Gem’s vibe but are loyal to other premium paint lines.
RELATED: 20 Favorite Popular Green Paint Colors (Designer Picks)
Ready to Try Behr – Hidden Gem?
This stunning color is available at Home Depot in all of Behr’s premium lines, including Behr Marquee, Behr Dynasty, Behr Ultra, Behr Premium Plus, and Behr Premium Cabinet, Door & Trim Enamel. Whether you’re doing a DIY refresh or working with a designer, Hidden Gem offers that just-right balance of depth, softness, and drama.
What is the best way to sample paint colors?
Before committing to a color and an expensive paint job, for the best results, you absolutely must try the actual paint colors in the actual paint you’re considering in your space in different lighting (day and night). Using peel and stick paint samples is cleaner, easier to use, more affordable, and environmentally friendly.
I recommend Samplize. Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE to explore their range of options to choose the right colors.
1. Cost-Effective: Using peel and stick color samples are more budget-friendly than traditional methods like using a sample pot, which often require purchasing sample pots, rollers, and tag boards.
2. Easy to Use: Keep your Samplize samples on their white paper backing and you can effortlessly move them around the room to see how they look in different lighting conditions.
3. Speedy Delivery: Samplize samples arrive at your doorstep in just one day, depending on your location.
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE to explore their range of options.
Looking for more paint inspiration?
Explore our Paint Color Reviews or check out how to modernize your home with color in our Design Guides. From full palettes to finish details, we’ve got your next project covered.
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Looking for more color inspiration? Check out my designer-curated digital paint palettes for oak, maple, cherry, and brown wood tones—each designed to simplify your decision-making and elevate your home with ease. Learn more HERE!
