Brown is the New Beige: Warm Earth Tones Take Over Home Decor

The trend in paint colors is shifting towards warmer tones, with earthy neutrals on the rise. According to Samplize's 2026 American Paint Color Report, warm tones now account for 69.4% of the paint colors Americans are sampling.

Browns are particularly popular, appearing on 13.4% of paint shortlists compared to just 9.2% two years ago. However, this new class of earthy neutrals is a departure from the muddy browns of past decades, with shades like mushroomy taupes and weathered stone gaining popularity.

London Clay by Farrow & Ball is one such shade, described as having underlying magenta tones that give it a richness that can shift from chocolate to plum depending on the light. Another option is Urbane Bronze by Sherwin-Williams, which was the brand's 2021 Color of the Year.