Sherwin-Williams’s 2027 Color of the Year is an Herbaceous New Spin on Green

Paint is said to be the easiest way to inject color into a room—a low-commitment alternative to changing tile or upholstery. But as anyone who’s stared at a wall of swatches well knows, choosing the right shade can feel paralyzing. No wonder we so often default to safe creams and beiges.When selecting the 2027 Color of the Year, the trend forecasters at Sherwin-Williams remembered that there’s no reward without risk. Their selection is Celery, a light green with a slight yellow undertone. It’s poppy and refreshing, yet soft and calm. And perhaps most notably, Celery is a clear departure from how design trends have used green in recent years.“This is a different interpretation that’s softer and more usable,” says Sue Wadden, the paint brand’s director of color marketing. “It’s herbaceous, but not super bright. I think people are going to be excited by the challenge of how to use it.”Celery on the walls Courtesy of Sherwin-WilliamsWadden considers green to be the overarching shade defining the last decade, but the 2027 Color of the Year takes its popularity in a new direction. Whereas longstanding trends may call for richer coats, Celery’s contrasting lightness is more like a visual exhale—encouraging more playfulness and less perfection. This sentiment is reflected throughout the brand’s Colormix 2027 Trend Forecast, of which Celery takes the lead.“While previous forecasts explored ideas of comfort, balance, and connection, this year’s forecast embraces greater confidence through color, texture, and unexpected combinations,” Emily Kantz, interior designer and color strategist at Sherwin-Williams, says. “We’re seeing people create spaces that tell a story about who they are and how they want to live.”The kaleidoscopic collection of 48 shades ranges from bold, like the bright pink of Grenadine and playful Forward Fuchsia, to serene, such as Honorable Blue and Secret Garden. Neutrals are still scattered throughout, and there are 10 so-called “continuity colors” that make it easier to achieve cohesion. In other words, design enthusiasts should think of the forecast as a chance to throw caution to the wind, but still make use of a guardrail set by the pros.“Color influences mood, shapes our experiences, and helps create meaningful connections to the places we spend the most time,” Kantz says. “Colormix 2027 is an invitation to embrace that potential and to design with intention, creativity, and confidence.” Here’s how you can let Celery take you out of your comfort zone, even just a little, while making the most of the kaleidoscope of shades in the Sherwin-Williams Colormix Trend Forecast 2027.Think (brighter) greenFor those ready to go bold and color-drench a room in Celery, Wadden points out that the hue’s yellow undertone will work particularly well in northern-facing spaces. In smaller iterations, Celery would be equally punchy on a kitchen island, console, or built-ins. “Even if you had white walls and white trim, just a moment of Celery would bring such a big impact,” she adds.Designer Corey Damen Jenkins agrees that Celery is exciting because of its adaptability. “As a foundation, it offers real versatility,” he says. “It can anchor a palette without overpowering it.” Wadden suggests pairing this light green with a vibrant red for an unexpected pairing, or sticking to a tried-and-true blue. Both options, and more, can be found within the Colormix 2027 Trend Forecast.Introduce richer shadesMidnight on the walls; Real Red on the bed frame Courtesy of Sherwin-WilliamsThis forecast looks toward the future, but traditional rooms will never go out of style. The right paint colors will only heighten that feeling of established comfort—like Midnight, a deep plum, and Salty Dog, a navy tone. For those who are more accustomed to lighter neutrals, Kantz recommends starting with a small dose.“One of the easiest ways to introduce richer color is by treating it as an accent that complements the neutrals you already love,” she says. “Whether it’s a painted island or built-in shelving, these moments can add depth without feeling overwhelming.” Over time, you’ll likely gain the confidence to be more daring, such as color-drenching a dining room in another Colormix rich pick, Roycroft Bronze Green.Embrace the tension of contrasting colorsLotus Petal on the walls Courtesy of Sherwin-WilliamsOne of the most exciting details of the forecast, Kantz notes, is the pairing of grounded shades with hues that pop. As people look to bring life into their homes—replacing picture-perfect vignettes with relatability—they’re seeking unexpected paint combinations. How about pairing pink Lotus Petal with green Jadite?A dresser painted in Jadite against a wall featuring High Sierra Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams“These work because they reflect how people are decorating today,” says Kantz. “They’re layering colors, materials, and finishes to create spaces with personality. The result feels curated, expressive, and uniquely intimate.”Use color to foster joyDutch Tile Blue on the walls Courtesy of Sherwin-WilliamsNeutrals help cultivate a sense of calm in a home, but these days, Kantz and the team have noticed that many people want their homes to inspire joy. Therefore, the forecast’s collection includes plenty of colors that feel nostalgic yet invigorating, like Real Red, a mustard yellow called Trinket, and Dutch Tile Blue.“We want to give people the confidence to see color as an opportunity rather than a design risk,” Kantz says. “Paint remains one of the most accessible ways to transform a space, and thoughtful color choices can completely shift how a home looks and feels.”