The 2026 Interior Colors of the Year

Color‑of-the-year season is officially a thing, and yes, it’s time to ditch the beige‑gray snooze fest and step into 2026 with some actual personality. This year’s palette brings a mix of mood‑boosters, nostalgic neutrals, and dramatic elegance for every vibe.

Behr: Hidden Gem

Leading the visual charge, Behr’s Hidden Gem is a smoky jade—somewhere between blue and green, with a moody but approachable richness. It’s dramatic enough for a color-drenched room, yet subtle enough to work as a trim or kitchen island accent. Think velvet coziness meets soothing nature.

Glidden: Warm Mahogany

Glidden’s pick is Warm Mahogany (PPG1060‑7), a warm, brown‑red that feels retro mid‑century but still totally on‑trend. It’s the kind of cozy hug hue that works for an entire room—or just pops nicely on built‑ins or wainscoting. In a nutshell: classic, bold, and timeless.

Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus

Want serenity with a splash? Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus is a sage‑green that feels spa-worthy. Warm undertones give it a calming, grounded vibe—perfect for kitchen nooks, bathrooms, or wherever you want a slice of zen.

Dutch Boy Paints: Melodious Ivory

If you’re still leery of color but want to keep it fresh, Melodious Ivory is your friend. This creamy, nostalgic beige goes with anything: woods, fabrics, even that weird throw pillow you can’t part with.

Minwax: Special Walnut

Let’s not forget wood lovers—Minwax’s Special Walnut brings rich, earthy depth to stained surfaces. Think furniture, floors, trim that ages gracefully. It’s comfortable, familiar, but updated.

What These Picks Tell Us

1. Mood Over Monochrome – Goodbye stark whites and cool grays; 2026 is about warmth, depth, and emotional resonance.

2. Goodbye Primary Overload – Designers are steering clear of bold primaries and neons—this year wants color with substance, not just eye candy.

3. Greens in Charge – From Warm Eucalyptus to the leafy vibe of Hidden Gem, green is king—always safe, now stylish again.

How to Use These Shades Without Going Overboard

• Start small. Brush on an accent wall, paint that tired bookshelf, or swap cabinet doors. A little color goes a long way.

• Pair smart. Hidden Gem pops against creams or jewel tones; Mahogany feels grounded with natural woods or greens; Eucalyptus calms when paired with soft blues or earth tones.

• Go bold…or don’t. Full room color-drench is daring—and fun. But even a subtle application (trim, furniture, ceiling) packs style without commitment.

What not to do in 2026? Designers are collectively side-eying two things for next year: bright, cool whites (they feel cold and impersonal) and shouty neons. If you’re after a modern feel, go for cozy neutrals or moods with character instead.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

5 Late‑Summer Home Projects to Tackle

As summer winds down here in Connecticut, now is a golden opportunity to tackle home improvement projects with maximum return. Late summer offers warm, dry days that are perfect for outdoor work before the wet chill of fall sets in. Here are five smart projects every homeowner should consider while there’s still daylight (and deck furniture to enjoy).

1. Exterior Painting or Staining

August and early September give you cooler, less humid weather which are ideal conditions for paint and stain to dry evenly without peeling or blistering. Whether it’s freshening up siding, restoring your deck, or repainting trim, late summer ensures the new finish cures properly for a long-lasting result.

2. Roof Inspection & Minor Repairs

Summer storms can loosen flashing and shingles, and if left unchecked, those small issues become leaks once the snow flies. A roof check now helps you avoid water damage and insulation headaches. Plus, contractors in Connecticut can often still fit this work into their schedules before fall gets busy.

3. Gutter Cleaning & Guard Installation

Leaves haven’t started falling yet, so now’s the best time to clean out your gutters and downspouts. While you’re at it, consider adding gutter guards. This prepares your home for leaf season and keeps you off the ladder in cold weather. It’s an investment you won’t regret. 

4. Window Sealing or Replacement

Drafty windows? Now’s the time to replace or seal them before the heating season hits. Caulking and weatherstripping stop cold air in its tracks, while double‑pane, energy-efficient replacements reduce your heating bills. Connecticut homeowners can tap into rebate programs for these upgrades. Check out Energize CT for information.

5. Driveway Sealing or Repairs

Sealcoating your asphalt driveway protects it from salt, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice damage, just what Connecticut winters bring. Asphalt requires daytime temps above 50 °F to cure; late summer givesplenty of time before cooler weather sets in.

Late summer may feel like the calm before the leaf blowers, but it’s also prime time for smart homeowners to take care of the jobs that will protect and preserve their homes into the colder months. A little time and effort now can go a long way toward keeping your home dry, warm, and efficient all season long.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Eight Quick Home Projects to Tackle This August

August is a great time to roll up your sleeves and knock out some easy home improvement jobs before fall rolls in. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s value or just give it a little glow-up, these projects don’t require a contractor or a ton of time. Just a weekend, some elbow grease, and maybe a cold drink or two.

1. Clean and Seal the Deck

Your deck’s taken a beating all summer through the sun, rain, foot traffic, and maybe a few BBQ sauce mishaps. Give it a good power wash and reseal it. You’ll prevent wood rot, keep splinters at bay, and extend the life of the wood. Bonus: it’ll look brand new heading into Labor Day.

2. Swap Out Air Filters

Your HVAC system’s been running hard. Dirty filters make it less efficient and kick dust and allergens back into the air. Swap in clean filters and breathe easier. It’s cheap, fast, and makes a real difference for indoor air quality.

3. Caulk Windows and Doors

Feel a breeze where there shouldn’t be one? August is your last call to stop drafts before cooler weather hits. A $5 tube of caulk can save you serious cash on heating bills down the line.

4. Add a Smart Thermostat

Speaking of heating bills, installing a smart thermostat is an easy DIY with big returns. It helps you manage energy use and can pay for itself in a year. Many are compatible with Alexa or Google Home, if you’re into that kind of thing.

5. Declutter and Donate

This one’s less about tools and more about tackling the post-summer mess. Sort through the garage, basement, or that closet you’ve been ignoring. You’ll make space for fall gear and maybe even uncover something useful you forgot you owned.

6. Freshen Up the Front Door

Curb appeal matters, even if you’re not selling. A fresh coat of paint on your front door or new hardware (like a modern handle or knocker) can give your entryway a whole new vibe. Go bold or classic, just make it intentional.

7. Clean Out the Gutters

August is dry, which makes it the perfect time to clear out gunk from your gutters. You’ll be glad you did once the leaves start falling. Bonus: you’ll prevent water damage, mold, and unwanted pests.

8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It takes five minutes, and it could save your life. Replace batteries, test the alarms, and make sure you’ve got one in every key area. Safety first, always.

You don’t always need a full-blown renovation to make your home better. These projects are simple, affordable, and perfect for that August energy before school starts and the busyness of the fall season begins.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.