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    8 Stunning Fall Annuals That Are Worth Planting This Season

    As your summer garden fades, fall offers one last chance to bridge the gap between summer blooms and winter’s dormancy. With the right choices, you can fill your landscape with color, texture, and life well into the cooler months. So what exactly counts as a fall annual? They are annual plants that flourish or re-bloom in mild to cool temperatures. Depending on your region or USDA hardiness zone, some may even last until the first frost or beyond. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best fall annuals along with planting tips and care advice to keep your garden vibrant through autumn.How to Choose Fall Annuals Choosing the best fall annuals for your garden starts with understanding how they perform in cooler weather. Look for plants that tolerate light frost and keep blooming from late summer through the first frost. Check each plant’s light requirements, as some thrive in full sun, while others prefer part shade or shade. Also, ensure your soil drains well to avoid rot during rainy fall days. For long-lasting beauty, choose annuals with colorful foliage, unique textures, or decorative seedheads that keep your garden interesting even after blooms fade. Finally, boost your garden’s ecosystem by planting native and pollinator-friendly species that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife.Complete Your Fall GardenTop Fall Annuals to PlantAs the weather cools, these fall annuals bring lasting color, texture, and vitality to your garden. From cheerful blooms to striking foliage, each plant offers something special for your autumn landscape.Bachelor’s Buttons (Cornflower)Tomasz Bobrzynski//Getty ImagesBachelor’s buttons add cheerful pops of blue, pink, and white to fall gardens. These hardy, easy-to-grow flowers attract bees and butterflies and make excellent cut blooms. They generally resist most pests and diseases but can spread easily, so plant them in an area where naturalizing won’t be a problem. For successful growth in cooler climates, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. In areas with mild winters, you can sow seeds directly outdoors in the fall.Botanical Name: Centaurea cyanusMature Size: 12–36 in. tall, 12–24 in. wideZones: 2–11Sun: Full Best Uses: Cutting gardens, borders, wildflower meadowsPests/Diseases: Aphids, fungal leaf spotsSpecial Notes: Long-lasting flowers; reseeds easily for naturalized plantings.DianthusAlbert Fertl//Getty ImagesDianthus is technically a biennial or short-lived perennial, but is mostly grown as an annual. It’s a hardy, cool-season bloomer known for its clove-like fragrance and frilled petals in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and is ideal for borders, rock gardens, and containers. With regular deadheading, it provides a long season of color and attracts butterflies to the garden.Botanical Name: Dianthus chinensisMature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 6–12 in. wideZones: 6-9Sun: Full to part shadeBest Uses: Borders, rock gardens, edging, containersPests/Diseases: Aphids, rust, crown rot, slugs, and potential root rot in poorly drained sitesSpecial Notes: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering; deer-resistant and tolerant of light frost.Dusty Millerde-nue-pic//Getty ImagesDusty Miller is a cool-season favorite valued for its silvery-white, velvety foliage that brings texture and contrast to fall gardens. Its lobed leaves complement brightly colored flowers, making it an excellent accent in mixed borders, beds, and containers. While primarily grown for its foliage, Dusty Miller may produce small yellow blooms in summer, though most gardeners pinch them back to maintain compact growth. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and cooler weather, holding its color and form even after light frosts.Botanical Name: Jacobaea maritimaMature Size: 6–18 in. tall, 6–12 in. wideZones: 7–10Sun: Full to part shadeBest Uses: Foliage contrast, edging, containersPests/Diseases: Root rot in poorly drained soilSpecial Notes: Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant; holds color through light frost.Ornamental Cabbage & KalePakin Songmor//Getty ImagesOrnamental cabbage and kale are cold-hardy annuals that add dramatic color and bold texture to the fall and winter garden. Their tightly ruffled or feathered leaves come in rich shades of green, purple, pink, and creamy white that become more vibrant as temperatures drop. Unlike their edible relatives, these varieties are grown for their stunning foliage rather than taste, making them perfect focal points for cool-season beds, borders, and containers. They thrive in sunny, cool conditions and can withstand frost, often lasting well into winter when most plants have faded. Pair them with pansies, dusty miller, or ornamental grasses for long-lasting seasonal displays.Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea (Ornamental Group)[4] Mature Size: 12–18 in. tall, 12–18 in. wideZones: 2–11 (grown as annual)Sun: FullBest Uses: Borders, mass plantings, containersPests/Diseases: Aphids, cabbage wormsSpecial Notes: Thrives through frost; ideal for late-season displays.Pansy / ViolaMilky Way//Getty ImagesPansies and violas are cool-season charmers that bring vibrant color and cheerful faces to the fall and early spring garden. Both thrive in cool weather, blooming steadily through light frosts and even bouncing back after brief freezes. Though pansies are technically short-lived perennials, they’re most often grown as annuals during the cool or cold season for reliable color. Violas, which can be annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials, are also typically used commercially as annuals for their abundant, smaller blooms and extended flowering period. Together, these hardy plants add long-lasting beauty to containers, borders, and beds when most other flowers have faded.Botanical Name: Viola × wittrockiana, Viola tricolorMature Size: 6–10 in. tall, 3–12 in. wideZones: 6-10 (Pansy), 2–9 (Viola)Sun: Full sun to part shadeBest Uses: Containers, borders, garden bedsPests/Diseases: Aphids, slugs, mildewSpecial Notes: Cold-tolerant and long-blooming; perfect for continuous color.SnapdragonKatrin Ray Shumakov//Getty ImagesSnapdragons add vertical color and whimsy with their dragon-shaped blooms that thrive in cool weather. They’re excellent for borders and make long-lasting cut flowers. Technically classified as a short-lived perennial, they’re most often treated and grown as annuals, especially in colder climates, because they rarely persist or bloom vigorously beyond their first season.Botanical Name: Antirrhinum majusMature Size: 12–36 in. tall, 6–12 in. wideZones: 7–10 Sun: Full Best Uses: Cutting gardens, borders, containersPests/Diseases: Aphids, rustSpecial Notes: Performs best in cool weather; can overwinter in mild climates.Sweet AlyssumOlgaKorica//Getty ImagesSweet alyssum forms a fragrant carpet of tiny white, pink, or purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. This low-growing, mat-forming plant excels as a filler in containers, between larger perennials, or as an edging, especially in cooler months. Though it’s generally easygoing, it can self-seed prolifically. It may naturalize in some areas, so plant it where spread won’t be problematic.Botanical Name: Lobularia maritimaMature Size: 4–8 in. tall, 6–12 in. wideZones: 5–9Sun: Full to part shadeBest Uses: Groundcover, edging, containersPests/Diseases: No serious insect or disease problems.Special Notes: Easy to grow and self-seeding; thrives in cool weather.Curly ParsleyCurly parsley is a cool-season herb prized for its bright green, tightly curled foliage and dual role as both an ornamental and edible plant. Technically a biennial, it is most often grown as an annual because leaf quality declines after the first year when the plant begins to flower and set seed. In addition to its culinary appeal, parsley plays an important ecological role—it serves as an essential host plant for the larvae of swallowtail butterflies, particularly the black swallowtail, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Its compact, decorative form makes it ideal for borders, containers, and kitchen gardens where it adds texture, fragrance, and habitat value.Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispumMature Size: 9–12 in. tall, 9-12 in. wideZones: 2–11 Sun: Full to part shadeBest Uses: Edible borders, containers, herb gardensPests/Diseases: Aphids, caterpillarsSpecial Notes: Dual-purpose herb that enhances both garden beauty and kitchen flavor.More Gardening TipsDebbie Wolfe is a writer, photographer, and author. She has contributed hundreds of home and garden articles and DIY tutorials to leading media outlets and retailers. Debbie covers all home and gardening topics and has published hundreds of DIY tutorials with step-by-step photography for leading home and garden media outlets. More

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    6 Kitchen Cabinet Colors Design Pros Say Will Be Huge in 2026

    No one wants to get bored of their kitchen. It’s where you inevitably spend the most time, and where guests will likely linger, so the last feeling you want to have in the space is “blah.” Think of the shades that might lead you to that conclusion. Did neutrals make the list? If your answer is no, you’re not alone. “We’ve been surprised and excited at how quickly clients have moved away from the all-white kitchen,” says Cheryl Stauffer, the principal of Crimson Design Group. “Clients are asking for colors that feel connected to nature, paired with materials that bring depth and texture. This momentum is going to carry us into 2026.”Related StoryA neutral kitchen will never go out of style, but the moment is calling for more. As renovators look ahead for shades that speak to current trends while having lasting personality, designers are noticing that the top kitchen cabinets of 2026 are much more daring than they have been in the recent past. “My biggest advice? When repainting cabinets, choose anything but white. White is out. Embrace depth, mood, and color,” says designer Amy McCoy of McCoy Design Studio. Here’s the rainbow six pros expect to see on kitchen cabinets next year—let’s just say they’re far from boring. Farrow & Ball’s PigeonDesign: Alexandra Gater; Photo: Lauren KolynMore than one designer recommended this gray-green shade for its traditional-meets-modern finish that can complement a spectrum of designs. It’s natural, without feeling too bold. “This color ties in well with richer stained woods like espresso,” says designer Erin Coren of Curated Nest Interiors. To complete the look, Coren would install tumbled limestone for the countertops and antique bronze hardware throughout.EXPLORE THE SHADESpace Theory’s Azzurre Design: Dunham Robinson; Photo: Nicholas VeneziaBlue feels like a “safe” choice, since it’s a color that’s universally appealing. But in keeping with the overall push to be more confident in kitchen design, architect and founding partner Rachel Robinson of Dunham Robinson says that this sky-bright color ups the ante just so. “Saturated blues make a kitchen feel fresh, and this shade brings a vibrant, elegant energy to the space,” she notes. “Homeowners are gravitating toward this hue as a way to inject personality while still feeling timeless.” Robinson would underscore this color with walnut or white oak, matte black hardware, and a subtle tile backsplash. EXPLORE THE SHADE Behr’s Hidden Gem Courtesy of BehrWhether you have a small kitchen that you’d like to transform into a jewel box, or a larger footprint just waiting to make a statement, the smoky-jade hue of this pick—Behr’s Color of the Year for 2026—will deliver. “This color is very versatile and works well in many different settings,” says Manuella Moreira, founder of Manuella Moreira Interiors. “It pairs well with light oak tones and lighter stones, making the space feel casual yet sophisticated.” EXPLORE THE SHADE Benjamin Moore’s Peale GreenDesign: Dunham Robinson; Photo: Nicholas VeneziaIf you’re noticing a trend for green-covered cabinets, you’re right: This natural hue is somewhat in between the aforementioned picks, and Robinson thinks it’s the ideal middle ground in more ways than one. “Green bridges tradition and modernity,” she says. “It feels right at home with classic Shaker cabinetry, but can also be styled to be as incredibly fresh and current.” Robinson would use this color in a kitchen with clear views of the outdoors, and pair it with brass knobs and a patterned backsplash.EXPLORE THE SHADESherwin-Williams’s Expressive PlumDesign: McCoy Design Studio; Photo: Anna ThomasAs McCoy plans her projects for the coming year, she’s noticing two details: Clients are requesting darker stains for wood, and to go with that, they’re not shying away from purple. Her pick? This muted iteration on fresh fruit. “Expect plum to keep showing up, not just in kitchens, but on islands and bar cabinetry too,” she says. In the case of combining dark woods with plum accents, keep the backsplash to a minimal shape and finish so as to not compete.EXPLORE THE SHADE Farrow & Ball’s India YellowCourtesy of Farrow & BallIf you’d prefer for your cabinetry to be a sunny welcome first thing in the morning, then perhaps yellow is the right shade to choose. “We’ve been seeing the rise of ochre colored cabinets—a deep golden yellow that reads traditional or contemporary, depending on the other elements in the kitchen—and this hue will continue to rise in popularity due to its warmth and versatility,” says designer Anne Sage. The brown undertone makes it feel more grounded, she says, giving it the ability to work with more minimalist counterparts seamlessly. EXPLORE THE SHADEMore Kitchen Design InspirationKelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications.  More

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    10 Things to Throw Out Before Halloween, According to Home Editors

    1Throw blanketsVeranikaSmirnaya//Getty ImagesBuying cozy throw blankets can be tempting, but you only need so many. “Every fall, I like to take stock of my collection to confirm that they’re all still in good condition,” says Home Design Director Monique Valeris. “I also make sure my heated blanket is still functioning well, since I can’t stand to be cold during the night.” New or gently used throw blankets can be donated to local charities or animal shelters. 2Burned candlesAnastasiia Krivenok//Getty Images”Going through my storage closet, I realized I saved a few fall and winter-scented candles from last year that barely have any wax left,” says Laura Millar, assistant lifestyle editor. “Now is the perfect time to sort through those candles and get rid of any that are burned-down.” Added bonus: you can repurpose them as storage jars or fall decor. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Fall decorationsMadelyn Wilkime//Getty ImagesNow that I’ve decorated for Halloween, I’m donating anything that I didn’t put on display. You can bring fall decor to thrift stores, like Goodwill, or inquire if local community centers or schools are accepting donations. I suggest doing it sooner over later, so someone else can use the decor before the season ends. 4Outgrown Halloween costumesGrigoriosMoraitis//Getty ImagesParents, it’s time to re-evaluate that collection of Halloween costumes. “I can’t hang on to every single one of my kids’ old Halloween costumes (of course, it breaks my heart a little),” says Monique. Many organizations would be happy to accept clothing donations for families in need.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Winter shoes and bootsEThamPhoto//Getty ImagesBefore buying anything new this season, I recommend sorting through your collection of fall and winter shoes. Try on every pair to ensure they fit, and evaluate them individually for wear and tear. Anything with deteriorated cushioning or soles should be thrown out, and gently wore pairs can be donated. 6Summer clothesKinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesBefore you pack summer clothes into storage or push them to the back of your closet, take stock of what you own. “I find that once summer is over, it’s much easier to figure out which clothes I actually wear regularly versus what’s just taking up space,” says Laura. “Donating summer gear means more space for my fall and winter clothing.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Expired and forgotten pantry itemsBrian Hagiwara//Getty ImagesIf you’re planning to host this holiday season, it’s the perfect time to declutter the pantry. I recently went through my spice cabinet, and found a bunch had expired—same with random snacks in my pantry that we’re hiding in the back. 8Makeupblue sky in my pocket//Getty ImagesMakeup is something that needs to be periodically decluttered. Toss anything that’s damaged, broken, or expired (look out for Period After Opening symbols). “I always replenish my go-to products and make room (within reason) for some new staples—think blush and lipstick in deeper tones for the cooler months,” says Monique.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Freezer foodMoyo Studio//Getty ImagesFrom meats to breads to desserts and beyond, the freezer can quickly become overcrowded. “I find going through my freezer a couple times throughout each season helps keep it mostly clear for new items, especially with Thanksgiving on the horizon,” says Laura. 10Winter jacketsSnapper//Getty ImagesThis week, I’m planning to hang my winter jackets in my entryway—but not without purging any I no longer like. I recommend trying on every fall and winter jacket, and only keeping the ones that still fit and you still plan to wear. Search your area for a local coat drive or bring used jackets to a local charity. Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

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    I Tried the 90/90 Rule—Here’s My Honest Take on the Popular Decluttering Method

    The 90/90 decluttering rule states to get rid of any item you haven’t used in the last 90 days and won’t use in the next 90 days.I spoke to organizers about whether the rule is effective and used their advice to try it out myself. Read on for my honest take on the decluttering method.There are some areas of the house that tend to become hotspots for clutter over time. For me, that’s my junk drawer, nightstand, and hallway closet. Whenever I don’t know where to put something, it magically ends up in one of those three places. And the worst part is, it gets hidden in all the clutter and I wind up forgetting it’s even there. That’s where certain organizational methods can come in handy. As a home editor, I’ve tried plenty (the 30-second rule and the 10-10 decluttering method are a couple of my favorites). Most recently, I took on the 90/90 decluttering rule while organizing my nightstand drawer, and, surprisingly, it helped me get through the space without feeling overwhelmed. What Is the 90/90 Rule? Made popular by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, the method suggests getting rid of any item you haven’t used in last 90 days and won’t use in the next 90 days. “The 90/90 rule is simple, catchy, and easy to remember, which makes it appealing in a world where decision fatigue is real. When you’re standing in front of an overflowing closet or garage, the idea of a clear rule can feel like relief, or a welcomed boundary for your mind,” says organizer Holly Blakey of Breathing Room. However, it might not be for everyone. Blakey suggests using it as a tool rather than a hard verdict, especially when it comes to sentimental items or seasonal products. When used this way, the method can help homeowners really reflect on what they need versus what they’re just holding onto. “We have become overwhelmed with clutter, both physical and digital. People are really yearning for a detox, and using this rule is really helpful in creating that simplicity in your home,” says organizer Emily Mass of Spaces by Emily. Pro Tips to ConsiderWhile the 90/90 rule can be a helpful, simpler way to think about decluttering, that doesn’t mean it can’t feel overwhelming. Pro organizers share their tips and tricks to keep in mind while taking on the method. Westend61//Getty Images✔️ Start small: “Instead of trying to apply it to your entire home, begin with one drawer, one shelf, or one category. Success in a small space builds momentum without overwhelm,” says Blakey. ✔️ Schedule it: “I like to tell my clients to set a physical date on their calendar in their phone to revisit items they think they might want to declutter. Creating a habit out of it also helps you evaluate items you’re bringing into your home,” says Mass. ✔️ Reflect: “If you find yourself holding on tightly, pause and ask: ‘Is this item giving me peace, or is it adding weight?’ Sometimes the 90/90 rule surfaces the deeper feelings we have about our stuff: guilt, fear, or attachment. Naming those feelings creates room for grace,” says Blakey. ✔️ Celebrate an organized space: “Don’t focus only on what’s leaving. Notice how much lighter the room feels, how much easier it is to find what you need, and how your nervous system responds to less clutter,” says Blakey. More Organizing TipsMy ExperienceTo try the 90/90 rule, I started small, working through my nightstand drawer. I tend to throw instruction manuals, miscellaneous wires, and other random items I don’t need right away in my nightstand so it’s out of sight, out of mind. But whenever I open it up to find something I actually need, I get overwhelmed. Laura MillarI started by taking everything out of the drawer and then going through each item, asking myself the same two questions: Have I used this item in the last 90 days? Will I use this item in the next 90 days? If I couldn’t say yes to at least one of those two questions, I put it in a pile to either donate or get rid of for good. After tossing a few items—a couple old wires, an instruction manual, an empty pill bottle, and more—I was able to reorganize my drawer in a way that felt much less overwhelming. I also moved a few hair clips and headbands I had lazily left in my nightstand into my bathroom instead. Laura MillarI only organized a small space in my bedroom, but the 90/90 rule helped me reflect on what I actually needed, what I never used, and what didn’t actually belong in that space in the first place. While I’m not sure it’s applicable to all items in my home, I plan to keep this method in my toolbox when I need to make hard decisions on what’s worth keeping. Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

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    The Verdict Is In: Modern Heritage Is the Hottest New Design Style of 2026

    These days, homeowners are drawn to modern spaces that still feel rooted in history.Designers Barry and Jordan of The Brownstone Boys coined this new style ‘Modern Heritage.’Read on for more about the latest interior design style, plus how to take part. Lately, designers and homeowners alike have been embracing pieces rooted in history—think antique mirrors, vintage glassware, and more. Retro design trends have taken over interiors, yet there isn’t just one specific style or decade that people keep coming back to. It’s a combination of different eras, all mixed within a home that somehow still feels modern. To learn more about what homeowners are truly craving in their spaces, we asked 15+ pro designers what interior design style or trend will be most popular in 2026, and the majority had a pretty similar answer. People want spaces that pay homage to the past yet still embrace a modern way of living.Designers Barry and Jordan of The Brownstone Boys even coined a name for the new style: Modern Heritage. “Think restored woodwork paired with a contemporary sofa, or antique lighting alongside playful wallpaper. People want spaces that feel rooted in history but lived for today—designs that feel both personal and enduring,” says Barry and Jordan. Ahead, we discuss what modern heritage really is, why it’s so popular, and tips for taking part, all according to interior designers who have seen this new style come to life. What Is Modern Heritage?As mentioned above, modern heritage pairs the old with the new for a more personal, collected space. “It’s all about honoring the past while designing for how people actually live today. It’s a balance of preservation and play, keeping the architectural soul of a space intact but layering it with contemporary comfort, expressive color, and personality,” says The Brownstone Boys. Frank Frances StudioAnd it’s not just Barry and Jordan who have noticed this style come to life recently. Other designers agree, too. Designer Betty Ann Gilrain of Betty Ann Gilrain Studio says this style has actually been alive for quite some time, but now, homeowners have easier access to the heritage pieces they need to pull it off. “It has always been in style going back decades! Partly because of the love of so many different design eras and not wanting to be siloed into just one, but also because there are more ways to source vintage and antique pieces than ever before online with retailers like 1st Dibs and Chairish,” says Gilrain. Heather Ison PhotographyGilrain paired these vintage Delft blue plates she found on Etsy with modern furniture for a space that reflects modern heritage. Photo by: Heather Ison PhotographyFor designer Maryline Damour of Damour Drake, modern heritage encourages homeowners to create a home that doesn’t look like anyone else’s—a highly personal space that tells their own story. “As an interior designer, it’s great to see more makers creating these unique pieces, whether it’s furniture, ceramics, or lighting. I think this is more than a trend; it’s a style of design that connects people to their surroundings and reflects who they are at home,” says Damour. How to Get Involved According to designers, modern heritage is a style with real staying power. “After years of minimalism and ‘one-look’ interiors, people want to celebrate imperfection, craftsmanship, and history again. Modern heritage isn’t about replicating the past, it’s about carrying it forward. Because of that flexibility and emotional connection, we believe it’s here to stay,” says The Brownstone Boys. Phil MansfieldLuckily, there are plenty of ways to get involved if you haven’t already began to embrace modern heritage. Whip out any heirlooms that have been passed down to you, go for a trip to the thrift store, or simply identify the areas of your home that tell a story. Here are a few tips from pro designers to get started. ✔️ Preserve original features: “Keep the trim, moldings, or tile that tell your home’s story and let them become the foundation for your design,” says Barry and Jordan.✔️ Lean into what you have: “I love that my grandmother’s brass base lamp was handed down to me, originally feeling out of place in a more modern space until I added a fun, block-print linen pleated shade,” says Gilrain.✔️ Layer thoughtfully: “Pair an antique mirror with a modern light fixture, or a streamlined sofa with vintage art. It’s about balance, not matching,” says Barry and Jordan.✔️ Add color and pattern with confidence: “Rich, unexpected hues (like moss green or oxblood) and statement wallpapers bring warmth and depth that make a space feel lived-in, not just decorated,” says Barry and Jordan.✔️ Search Facebook Marketplace and Etsy: Both are treasure troves of old and new. You must be willing to do some digging, though,” says Gilrain. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

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    Benjamin Moore Just Released Its 2026 Color of the Year—and It’ll Pair Well With Your Morning Coffee

    Benjamin Moore officially announced its 2026 Color of the Year. Silhouette (AF-655) is a mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal.Ahead, the brand explains the color choice, diving deeper into the renewed appreciation for the brown color family. Benjamin Moore has announced its 2026 Color of the Year: Silhouette (AF-655). The popular paint brand describes the shade as “an alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal.”Courtesy of Benjamin MooreWhile the connection between fashion and interiors has always been quite strong when it comes to color trends, Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore, says this year’s color choice in particular was inspired by a “renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes” along with the resurgence of timeless pieces and rising popularity of the brown color family. The result? A sophisticated dark espresso with notes of charcoal that has real staying power beyond 2026. “Silhouette embodies these qualities with its depth and luxurious blend of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. Like a perfectly tailored suit, this hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional,” says Magno.The shade is refined yet distinct, according to the brand, a bold take on a classic neutral—a step away from the brand’s 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, which was a bit more vibrant (and described by the brand as “quietly colorful”). In 2026, there’s a shift towards colors that are more versatile and sophisticated, specifically ones in the brown color family that can be paired with both pale shades and darker hues. Courtesy of Benjamin MooreWhile Silhouette on its own is a more elegant, neutral choice, Benjamin Moore has also released its 2026 Color Trends palette, and there are plenty of enchanting pastels—like Batik and First Crush—and moody midtones—like Narragansett Green—to pair with the dark espresso brown. According to the brand, these seven complementary hues were carefully chosen for their ability to easily layer on top of one another for a “graceful balance.” Courtesy of Benjamin MooreCourtesy of Benjamin MooreWhile homeowners have definitely been experimenting with bright, bold color and wallpaper choices recently, there’s no denying the staying power of a dark, classic neutral. Plus, when paired with a couple more lively tones from Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends palette, homeowners can still achieve that vibrance in a more approachable way. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More