For a long time, homeowners chose white walls, white trim, and white everything to keep things looking clean and modern. But that trend is fading as people move back to warm, inviting spaces that feel lived in. Benjamin Moore picked “Silhouette” as its 2026 Color of the Year, a soft, smo ky charcoal with a hint of green. It looks gray in the morning and slate-like in the evening. This subtle change is part of its appeal. Shifting to the Dark Side The move toward deeper, richer colors has been increasing after years of plain minimalism. Today, people are looking for cozy spaces that stand out from the crowd and want their homes to feel a bit more interesting.  Silhouette is part of a group of earthy colors like deep olive, warm brown, inky blue, and clay red designers love. These shades feel natural and make a home feel comfortable and personal, not just stylish. “I’m very much about form and function,” says Meg Salem, owner/designer of Meg Salem Design Corporation. “I believe they can coexist beautifully.”  There’s a practical side to this color shift, too. Darker walls do a better job hiding scuffs, fingerprints, and everyday messes. For families, new homeowners, or anyone tired of constant touch-ups, durability is important, and dark walls are easier to live with. A Color that Plays Well with Others One of the best things about Silhouette is its versatility. With warm wood and brass, it feels classic. With creamy linen and matte black, it looks modern.  “My favorite use of Silhouette was in a home bar. We did it in a high-gloss lacquer with antiqued mirrors behind the bar with beautiful, brushed brass fittings,” Salem recalls. “It brought some unique warmth to the room.”  Silhouette also looks great in photos, which is part of why it’s become so popular. If you look at design feeds, you’ll see similar shades behind bookshelves, around doorways, and on kitchen islands. In a home theater it creates a cozy, moody spot for movies or sports. “In the past five years, we’ve been seeing a bridge to warmer colors in general. I’m always a fan of some color,” Salem shares. “I love earthy colors, especially up here in the mountains. We’re moving back into sages and olives. I do think people are craving comfort in color.” For the Beige Believers Not everyone is ready to go all-in on dark colors. Many people have spent years creating calm, neutral spaces with oatmeal sofas, sand walls, and taupe rugs. For those homeowners, Salem suggests adding a bit of depth here and there rather than changing everything. Try starting with an accent wall that already stands out, like behind a bed or fireplace, and paint it with Silhouette. You keep the calm feeling with neutral colors but add a new focal point. “In Park City, you see a ton of tone-on-tone,” Salem remarks. “People are craving creativity and coziness. Warm color does that for you. It doesn’t always have to be heavy, bright, or too dark, but it can bring dimension to a room.”  Cabinets and trim are also great places to try this color without going overboard. Painting just the lower kitchen cabinets in Silhouette and leaving the upper ones light keeps things airy but adds depth. Do the same with built-ins, a kitchen island, or a bathroom vanity. It’s a small change that makes a big difference. “I tend to like heavier color looking into the house, and more earthy colors as you look out of the house,” Salem explains. “We have such amazing views here.” When it comes to trim, painting baseboards, window frames, and interior doors in a deep, smoky color can highlight your rooms. The walls stay light and neutral while the trim adds interest.  “You can also blend this color with a beautiful wallpaper that has a similar background with a metallic overlay,” Salem continues. “I really like things that have movement.”  Warm, layered neutrals usually stay in style because they come from nature, not just trends. If you choose these colors now, your home will still look fresh for years to come. See more in the 2026 Fall Home magazine The post The Color That’s Convincing Beige Lovers to Go Dark appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less