Paint color trends come out every year by leading companies, but in coastal regions like Wilmington and the greater Cape Fear area, those trends tend to take on a character of their own. With homes built to have abundant natural light, embracing coastal landscapes, and architecture that blends traditional Southern homes with modern coastal design, the colors homeowners choose influence how a space feels.
The 2026 Colors of the Year from major paint brands reflect a broader shift in design. Neutrals are warming up, nature-inspired tones are gaining popularity, and deeper accent colors are making their way into modern interiors. These colors are embracing the personalities and characteristics of homeowners. Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr have each introduced distinctive colors for 2026 that fit surprisingly well within the style of homes found throughout Wilmington, Surf City, Ocean Isle Beach, and the surrounding Cape Fear region.
Whether you are building a new home, updating an existing one, or preparing a property for sale, these trends offer insight into where home design is heading this year.
Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki
Sherwin-Williams selected Universal Khaki as its 2026 Color of the Year, highlighting a growing shift toward warm, sandy neutrals. Unlike the cooler grays that dominated interiors for much of the past decade, this tone leans into natural warmth.
Universal Khaki feels grounded and versatile. Its subtle sandy undertones pair easily with natural materials commonly found in coastal North Carolina homes, such as light woods, woven textures, and stone finishes. In spaces with large windows and natural light, which are common in Cape Fear homes, this color adds warmth without overwhelming the room.
Homeowners are already using shades like this for:
- Open concept living areas
- Primary bedrooms
- Hallways and transitional spaces
- Exterior siding paired with crisp white trim
Because it sits comfortably between beige and taupe, Universal Khaki works well as a foundational color that allows other design elements to stand out.
Benjamin Moore 2026 Color of the Year: Silhouette AF-655
Benjamin Moore went in a deeper, more dramatic direction with Silhouette AF-655, a refined color that blends burnt umber with subtle charcoal notes. The result is a sophisticated neutral that adds depth and contrast to modern interiors.
While lighter tones still dominate most coastal homes, designers across the Wilmington area are increasingly incorporating darker accent colors to balance bright spaces. Silhouette offers a way to introduce richness without feeling too heavy.
In Cape Fear homes, this color works especially well in:
- Dining rooms
- Accent walls
- Home offices
- Built-in shelving or cabinetry
- Interior doors and trim details
When paired with lighter neutral walls or warm wood flooring, Silhouette creates a layered look that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Behr 2026 Color of the Year: Hidden Gem
Behr’s Hidden Gem introduces a different kind of trend for 2026. This smoky jade green reflects a growing interest in nature-inspired tones that bring the outdoors into the home.
Hidden Gem strikes a balance between bold and calming. Its muted green undertone gives it personality while still maintaining a sophisticated feel. In coastal North Carolina, colors that echo the surrounding landscape often resonate with homeowners, and this shade fits naturally into that palette.
Hidden Gem works particularly well for:
- Kitchen cabinetry
- Powder rooms
- Accent walls
- Entryways
- Built-ins or furniture pieces
- Or, if you want to go bold – color-drench a whole room!
When paired with brass fixtures, warm woods, or natural stone surfaces, this shade can add character without overpowering a space.
How These Colors Fit the Cape Fear Coastal Style
Homes across the Coastal Carolina region tend to follow a recognizable design pattern. Open layouts, abundant windows, and light-filled interiors are common, particularly in newer construction communities and custom coastal homes.
These architectural features naturally influence which paint colors work best. Lighter tones help maximize natural light, while deeper shades are often used strategically to add contrast and interest.
The 2026 color trends align well with these design characteristics:
- Warm Neutrals Are Replacing Cool Grays
For years, gray dominated interior paint selections. Now homeowners are moving toward warmer neutrals like khaki, sand, and soft taupe that feel more inviting and natural. - Nature-Inspired Colors Are Gaining Popularity
Muted greens, earthy browns, and warm neutrals reflect the natural surroundings of coastal North Carolina. These colors complement marsh landscapes, waterways, and wooded areas common throughout the region. - Accent Colors Are Becoming More Intentional
Rather than painting entire home exteriors in bold colors, many designers are incorporating deeper shades in specific areas such as offices, dining rooms, or built-ins to create visual balance.
Paint Colors and the Real Estate Market
Paint color choices also play a role in how homes perform on the market. Neutral palettes remain the safest and most effective option when preparing a property for sale.
Buyers often prefer spaces that feel move-in ready, and neutral colors allow them to imagine their own furniture and décor within the home. Warmer neutrals like Universal Khaki are especially appealing because they add personality without feeling overly customized.
Homes with updated, modern paint colors tend to photograph better, show better during tours, and require fewer updates from prospective buyers.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Home
While national color trends provide inspiration, the best paint color for a home ultimately depends on the architecture, lighting, and surrounding environment.
In our area, several factors influence how a color will appear:
- Natural coastal light can brighten and soften many tones
- Large open layouts often benefit from cohesive neutral palettes
- Outdoor views and landscaping may influence interior color choices
- Wood flooring and trim styles can affect how a color reads in a space
Testing paint samples in different lighting conditions remains one of the best ways to determine which shade works best in a particular home.
A Year of Warm, Grounded Design
The 2026 paint color trends reflect a broader movement toward comfort, warmth, and connection to natural surroundings. Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki offers a versatile foundation, Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette adds depth and elegance, and Behr’s Hidden Gem introduces a calming touch of nature.
Together, these colors capture a design direction that feels particularly fitting for homes across the Wilmington and Cape Fear region. As homeowners continue updating interiors and builders shape the next generation of coastal communities, these palettes are likely to appear throughout the area in the year ahead.
Tour the homes in this year’s parade to see these and similar paint colors in action! View Homes