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If you’ve been feeling a little bored by safe neutrals lately, you’re not alone.
2026 paint trends are officially moving away from playing it safe — and honestly, it’s about time. Homeowners are craving depth, warmth, and color that actually does something for a space. Not loud. Not trendy-for-five-minutes. Just rich, intentional shades that feel designed instead of default.
PPG’s trending colors for 2026 lean into that shift beautifully. These aren’t colors you choose by accident. They’re confident, layered, and meant to anchor a room — whether that’s through an accent wall, cabinetry, or going all-in on all four walls.
In this guide, I’m breaking down three standout PPG paint colors you’ll be seeing everywhere in 2026:
- Warm Mahogany (PPG1060-7)
- Deep Emerald (PPG1148-7)
- Ruby Lips (PPG1052-7)
We’ll talk undertones, lighting, where each color actually works, what to pair them with, and when to pull back so you don’t regret your decision halfway through painting.
If you’re ready to move past beige — but still want a home that feels timeless and livable — you’re in the right place.
What Are the Top Trending PPG Paint Colors for 2026?
The top trending PPG paint colors for 2026 are:
- Warm Mahogany (PPG1060-7) – a rich berry-brown with cozy warmth
- Deep Emerald (PPG1148-7) – a saturated, refined green
- Ruby Lips (PPG1052-7) – a bold, sophisticated ruby red
These colors reflect the growing move toward deeper, more expressive interiors that still feel timeless and intentional.
Before You Paint: Read This First
Before you commit to Warm Mahogany, Deep Emerald, or Ruby Lips, there’s one thing I want you to pause and think about:
Bold colors are incredibly rewarding — but they’re also unforgiving if you skip the prep.
These shades react dramatically to:
- Natural light direction
- Artificial lighting at night
- Trim color and finish
- Surrounding furniture and flooring
A color that looks rich and stunning in one home can feel heavy or flat in another — even if it’s the exact same paint.
My professional advice:
Never choose a bold color straight from a screen. Always sample it on your walls and live with it for a full day. Morning light, afternoon light, nighttime — all three matter.
If you’re unsure, start smaller:
- A powder room
- An accent wall
- Cabinetry or built-ins
It’s much easier to go bolder later than it is to repaint regret.
Take a breath. Test first. Your future self (and your paint budget) will thank you.
Warm Mahogany (PPG1060-7)
LRV 7
Warm Mahogany is bold — but in a quiet, confident way. It’s a deep berry-brown that feels cozy, elevated, and surprisingly versatile when paired correctly.
This is not your flat, dated brown from the early 2000s. It has warmth and depth that makes a room feel layered and collected.
Where It Works Best
- Dining rooms
- Home offices or libraries
- Living room accent walls
- Powder baths (for the bold)
What To Pair It With
- Delicate White (PPG1001-1) or Commercial White (PPG1025-1) for trim
- Pony Tail (PPG1086-4) or Sandstone Cove (PPG1082-2) for balance
- Warm woods and brass accents
How These Colors Look in Different Lighting
Before you commit to any of these shades, lighting matters more than you think.
North-facing rooms:
Colors will appear deeper and moodier. Warm Mahogany becomes richer, Deep Emerald leans dramatic, and Ruby Lips feels darker and more saturated.
South-facing rooms:
These shades soften and glow. Warm Mahogany shows more warmth, Deep Emerald feels balanced, and Ruby Lips reads lively rather than heavy.
Artificial lighting at night:
This is where undertones really show up. Reds deepen, greens ground themselves, and darker colors feel cozier — or heavier — depending on bulb temperature.
Design rule: Always sample in your lighting. One color can behave very differently from room to room.
Warm Mahogany vs Traditional Brown Paint Colors
Traditional brown paint colors can feel flat or muddy. Warm Mahogany has a subtle berry undertone that adds interest and depth.
If you love warmth but don’t want your walls to feel dated, this is a much more modern and intentional option.
Deep Emerald (PPG1148-7)
LRV 8
Deep Emerald is one of those colors that instantly makes a space feel elevated. It’s saturated without being murky, bold without being overwhelming.
Green continues to be one of the easiest “bold” colors to live with — and this shade proves why.
Where It Works Best
- Kitchen islands or lower cabinets
- Bedroom accent walls
- Built-ins or entryways
What To Pair It With
- Commercial White (PPG1025-1) or Frosty White (PPG1005-1)
- Stonehenge Greige (PPG1024-5) or Warm Sand (PPG1095-3)
- Marble, warm wood floors, and brass or matte black hardware
Deep Emerald vs Popular Dark Green Paint Colors
Compared to darker forest greens, Deep Emerald feels cleaner and more refined. Compared to soft sage tones, it brings drama without feeling trendy or temporary.
If you want a green that feels timeless but still impactful, this one hits the sweet spot.
Should You Use These Colors on All Four Walls?
Short answer? Sometimes.
All four walls can work if:
- The room has good natural light
- You balance with lighter furniture and trim
- The space is intentional (dining rooms, offices, bedrooms)
Scale back if:
- The room is small or windowless
- Ceilings are low
- You already have dark floors or heavy furniture
The happy medium:
Accent walls, cabinetry, interior doors, or powder baths let you enjoy bold color without full commitment.
Bold doesn’t mean reckless. It means intentional.
Ruby Lips (PPG1052-7)
LRV 7
Ruby Lips is for homeowners ready to stop playing it safe — but it’s far more sophisticated than classic bright reds.
This shade is deep, controlled, and intentional. More wine than fire engine.
Where It Works Best
- Dining rooms
- Statement powder baths
- Interior doors
- Accent walls paired with light neutrals
What To Pair It With
- Commercial White (PPG1025-1) or Cream Delight (PPG1009-2)
- Pony Tail (PPG1086-4) or Mocha Cream (PPG1097-3)
- Natural textures and warm metals
Ruby Lips vs Classic Red Paint Colors
Classic reds can feel overwhelming fast. Ruby Lips has depth that keeps it grounded and livable.
It’s bold — but thoughtful. The kind of red that feels designed, not accidental.
Designer Notes: How I’d Actually Use These Colors
If this were my own home or a client project:
- Warm Mahogany: Dining room or home office
- Deep Emerald: Kitchen island, bedroom accent wall, or built-ins
- Ruby Lips: Powder room, interior doors, or dining room with lighter furniture
Where I’d be cautious? Small, dark rooms with heavy furnishings. Dark paint needs balance to shine.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is pairing dark walls with dark furniture and wondering why the room feels heavy. Contrast matters.
Quick Room Guide for These Trending Colors
| Color | Best Rooms | Use With Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Mahogany | Dining rooms, offices | Small dark spaces |
| Deep Emerald | Kitchens, bedrooms | Windowless rooms |
| Ruby Lips | Powder rooms, dining rooms | Large open layouts |
Thinking About Going Bold in 2026?
If richer colors are catching your eye, you may also want to explore:
- Best Dark Green Paint Colors for Interiors
- Warm Neutral Paint Colors That Aren’t Beige
- How to Choose the Right White Paint for Bold Walls
Because once you start embracing deeper color… plain beige just doesn’t hit the same anymore.
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- The Best Gray Sherwin Williams Paint Colors
- Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Underrated Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams
- 10 Exterior Paint Colors for Brick Homes
I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.