Clark+Kensington's 2026 Color of the Year Is Hazelnut Crunch
This rich, neutral color launching at Ace Hardware reveals what's in store for 2026 home trends.
Colors of the year set the tone for upcoming home trends; not only do they create a foundational palette to draw from, but they will also determine the mood of a space. So when Ace Hardware announced the launch of Hazelnut Crunch (09A-5), Clark+Kensington’s 2026 Color of the Year, it revealed a lot about what people are looking for when designing their living spaces: comfort, tranquility and a home that feels more connected to nature.
This warm, reddish-brown shade was selected by Clark+Kensington's design team and their trend forecasting partners Colour Hive. It draws comparisons to natural elements like iron-rich soil, fox fur, redwood trees and, of course, hazelnuts. And as consumer trends point towards biophilic design, a style that incorporates more natural elements and materials into the home, it’s the perfect accompaniment to cozy, minimalist wooden and neutral accents.
Hazelnut Crunch (09A-5) is a part of Clark+Kensington’s premium line of paint and primer in one; a formula that’s beloved by both professionals and DIYers thanks to its smooth-to-apply formula and exceptional coverage. It comes in six long-lasting finishes, including satin and hi-gloss, and is available in both interior and exterior paint types. This color of the year truly showcases how you can create a home that feels harmonious, relaxing and inspired by nature.
How To Use Hazelnut Crunch At Home
Hazelnut Crunch (09A-5) is exclusive to Ace Hardware, and is perfect for a living room or bedroom that you want to evoke a grounded, more nature-rooted feel in. The deep brown would look perfect in rooms with natural light, and would go especially well with lush greenery and plenty of plants to create a forest-like oasis. That means it could even be great for a closed-in patio or sunroom, too, especially when highlighted with ivory, gray and even some terracotta accents. It would also pair well with other Clark+Kensington paint colors, like the cooler shade Morning Coffee (N-W24), for a muted but eye-catching contrast.
