Paint and coatings company Behr has announced its Behr 2026 Color of the Year, a soft, warm gray beige named ‘Sanctuary.’ The company says the selection reflects a global shift toward creating calming, adaptable living spaces. The choice marks a move away from bolder, more saturated hues of recent years, signaling a growing consumer desire for tranquility and stability in home design.
Key Details of Behr’s ‘Sanctuary’
| Key Fact | Detail |
| Color Name & Code | Sanctuary (BNC-26) |
| Color Family | Warm Neutral (Gray-Beige or “Greige”) |
| Core Theme | Comfort, Versatility, and Tranquility |
| Market Availability | Immediately available in Behr Dynasty®, Marquee®, Ultra®, and Premium Plus® lines. |
A Response to Global Interior Design Trends
Behr executives state that the selection of ‘Sanctuary’ was a direct response to extensive research into global interior design trends and consumer sentiment. The data pointed to a collective yearning for environments that offer a sense of peace and refuge from an increasingly complex world.
“We are seeing a definitive movement away from the need for constant stimulation within the home,” said Sarah Richter, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr, in a statement released on Tuesday. “‘Sanctuary’ is a color that listens more than it speaks. It creates a quiet, reassuring backdrop that allows people to feel grounded and secure in their personal spaces.”
This selection continues a broader industry trend toward sophisticated neutrals. While previous years saw a focus on nature-inspired greens and earthy terracottas, 2026 appears to be the year of the highly adaptable neutral paint color. It is a hue designed to work with a wide array of architectural styles and decor choices, from modern minimalism to rustic farmhouse.
The Psychology and Versatility of ‘Sanctuary’
‘Sanctuary’ is described as a balanced “greige,” a mix of gray and beige that prevents it from feeling either too cold or too warm. This balance is key to its adaptability, making it a foundation for versatile home decor.
“The psychological power of a color like ‘Sanctuary’ lies in its subtlety,” explained David Morrison, a lead color strategist on the Behr team, during a media briefing. “It doesn’t demand your attention. Instead, it provides a stable visual field that can reduce mental clutter and promote a sense of calm. It’s the perfect canvas for homeowners to layer their own personalities onto through art, textiles, and furniture.”
Experts in color psychology agree that such neutrals can have a grounding effect. Dr. Elena Vance, a professor of environmental psychology at the Design and Arts Institute of California, notes that the move toward these colors is linked to a desire for longevity in design choices.
“Consumers are becoming more conscious of sustainability, and that includes the sustainability of their design decisions,” Dr. Vance said, who was not involved in Behr’s selection process. “A color like this won’t feel dated in three years. It’s a safe, intelligent investment for a homeowner who doesn’t want to repaint frequently. It reflects a desire for permanence in uncertain times.”
How ‘Sanctuary’ Compares to Past Selections
The choice of ‘Sanctuary’ is a notable departure from Behr’s more recent, vibrant selections. Its 2025 Color of the Year, ‘Orchard Green,’ was a rich, moody olive, while 2024’s ‘Cracked Pepper’ was a soft black. The selection of a light, airy neutral for 2026 suggests the company sees the pendulum of design trends swinging back toward brighter, more serene interiors.
The move also positions Behr within the competitive landscape of paint manufacturers, many of whom are also forecasting a return to warmer, softer tones. This industry-wide consensus reinforces the idea that homeowners are actively seeking comfort and flexibility from their environment. Behr suggests pairing ‘Sanctuary’ with natural materials like light-colored wood, stone, and woven fabrics. It also serves as an ideal backdrop for showcasing artwork or colorful furniture, allowing those elements to become the focal point of a room.
The new color is now available at The Home Depot stores nationwide in a variety of Behr’s paint lines. The company has also released a coordinating palette of 15 other colors designed to complement ‘Sanctuary,’ providing homeowners with a curated set of options for creating a cohesive design scheme. As consumers continue to prioritize well-being and flexibility, ‘Sanctuary’ is positioned to become a popular choice for interiors well into the coming years.
7 Colorful Shade-Loving Perennials to Brighten Up Your Garden Spaces