Glidden's 2027 Color of the Year Is a Shade You Likely Reach for in Your Closet

Design is not fashion. So when trends persuade you to try something new, it’s important to remember that a fresh coat is harder to change than an of-the-moment outfit. That is, of course, unless you choose a timeless shade — and there’s one specific hue that’s usually a safe bet for wardrobes and walls alike.

Glidden's 2027 Color of the Year: Artifact

Glidden's selection for the Color of the Year is Artifact (PPG10-16), a warm blue that’s relatable, but still striking. Think of it like your favorite pair of blue jeans, ready to accommodate your sense of style.

“Consumers today want color that feels like their call, not a design rule,” says Ashley McCollum, paint color marketing manager at Glidden, in a press release. “A smoky blue like Artifact behaves like a modern ‘choose your own adventure’ color that doesn’t force a story or a specific design style onto you.”

As the team behind this Pittsburgh-based company considered which shade should define the coming year, they found that consumers are looking for simplicity, and a backdrop that elevates their otherwise cozy routines. They didn’t want a color they couldn’t relate to. So, Artifact fit those parameters with its grounding, familiar feel. “It’s the color of reset, but without erasing your personality,” Ashley adds.

How to Use Artifact Throughout Your Home

Given the inherent flexibility of Artifact’s easygoing blue, this shade can likely blend into any palette. It’s generally muted, but has a turquoise undertone that brightens its finish in different settings, such as in a room with lots of natural light.

Consider color drenching a living room in Artifact for the most daring embrace of the shade, which will make the space feel current yet comfortable. In a dining room, try Artifact on the walls and a complementary gray on the ceiling, creating a welcome setting for a patterned rug and eye-catching light fixture.

In a kitchen, Ashley suggests Artifact as an approachable shade on cabinetry for transitioning away from strictly neutral settings. “It adds depth and a sense of freshness,” she says.

Artifact “brings a sense of ease and relaxation” to a bedroom (for adults and kids alike) and “blends easily with natural surroundings” on exteriors, Ashley notes. This is the type of blue that will always look good with creams, beiges and greens, but don’t be afraid to pair it with rich purple, deep magenta or dark red if you’re seeking more dimension. No matter how you use it, Artifact is a color that will continue to stay in fashion.