Fresh Paint, Fresh Mood: 2026 Color Trends Inspire Spring Home Updates

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 23, 2026) — Spring is one of the most popular times of year for homeowners to refresh their living spaces, and painting remains one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a home. In fact, about one in three homeowners will complete a painting project this year.

“Spring is a great time for homeowners to rethink their spaces,” said Jennifer Schadegg, director of merchandising for Ace Retail Group, parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware. “With just a few gallons of paint, you can create a room that feels calmer, cozier or more energetic — whatever mood you want your home to reflect.”

From calming greens to warm neutrals and dramatic accent colors, many homeowners this spring are turning to the 2026 Color Trends palette from Benjamin Moore, which focuses on calm, inviting, and sophisticated tones that create welcoming, comfortable spaces.

Cozy and Creative Moods
Earth-toned shades like Southwest Pottery 048 add warmth and personality, bringing character to a space without overwhelming a room. The color works well in dining rooms, bedrooms or on an accent wall.

Calm and Relaxing Spaces
Soft greens like Raindance 1572 bring a sense of nature indoors and create a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere. These shades work especially well in bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices where a calming environment is desired.

Warm and Inviting Living Areas
Neutral tones such as Swiss Coffee OC-45 or First Crush CSP-310 create warm, welcoming living rooms and kitchens while pairing easily with wood finishes and natural textures.

Sophisticated and Dramatic Looks
Deep hues such as Narragansett Green HC-157 or Silhouette AF-655 can give offices, libraries or accent walls a dramatic and elegant feel.

Tips for Painting Like a Pro

Before starting a painting project, homeowners can improve results by following a few simple preparation steps:

• Clean surfaces thoroughly to remove dust, grease and residue.
• Fill holes and sand rough spots to create a smooth surface.
• Use primer when needed to improve coverage and color accuracy.
• Apply two thin coats of paint for durability and a more professional finish.

Helpful supplies: High-quality paint, brushes, rollers, painter’s tape and drop cloths can help ensure a smooth, long-lasting result.