Denver's Gray Era Fades as Warm Colors Make Comeback
Denver's architectural landscape is undergoing a significant shift as homeowners increasingly opt for warm, earth-toned exteriors over the gray-dominated designs of recent years. According to Harmony Painting, a Denver-based residential and commercial painting company, this trend is already evident in the city's historic neighborhoods.
The paint industry has weighed in on the change, with Sherwin-Williams naming Universal Khaki SW 6150 as its 2026 Color of the Year, a midtone warm neutral reminiscent of Persian dust or earth. Benjamin Moore chose Silhouette AF-655, described as a mix of rich espresso hues and subtle notes of charcoal.
Spencer Melfi, CEO of Harmony Painting, noted that this shift towards warmth is partly driven by homeowners' desire for colors that 'belong to the architecture.' He explained, 'When the color fits the house, it tends to feel timeless.'