Behr’s 2027 Color of the Year: How to Use Grounded at Home

Luxury at home is becoming less about perfection and more about how a space makes us feel. The most compelling interiors now feel collected, comfortable and deeply connected to the natural world. Behr’s 2027 Color of the Year fits that shift beautifully.

Grounded (T27-01) is a mossy olive green with subtle brown undertones. Rich without feeling overly dramatic, it brings depth and character to a room while maintaining the calming quality that makes nature-inspired colors so enduring.

Unlike a cool sage or saturated forest green, Grounded sits between olive, moss and earth. Its brown undertones soften the shade, allowing it to function almost like a neutral when paired with warm woods, natural stone and tactile fabrics.

Why Grounded Feels Right for 2027

Behr describes Grounded as a reflection of the desire for homes that feel restorative, lived-in and connected to nature. According to research commissioned by the company, 86% of Americans say home design projects help them create a safe, comforting place to retreat and recharge.

That sentiment is shaping a broader design movement. Stark white rooms and cool gray palettes are giving way to warmer, more expressive interiors layered with organic color, natural materials and personal detail. Grounded captures that evolution without feeling overly trendy.

It is sophisticated but approachable—a color that can make a newly designed space feel established and an older home feel thoughtfully refreshed.

Where to Use Behr Grounded

Kitchen Cabinetry

Grounded offers a refined alternative to white, navy or black cabinetry. Pair it with creamy stone countertops, unlacquered brass hardware and warm oak or walnut accents for a kitchen that feels elevated yet inviting.

For a more restrained application, use it on a kitchen island, pantry cabinetry or built-in bar while keeping the surrounding walls softly neutral.

Living Rooms and Libraries

In a living room, office or library, Grounded can create an enveloping atmosphere—especially when carried across the walls, trim and built-ins. This color-drenched approach emphasizes architectural detail and makes artwork,

books and warm metals stand out.

If the room has limited natural light, use Grounded on one architectural feature or built-in rather than every surface. The shade will appear deeper and moodier as daylight fades.

Bedrooms

Grounded’s subdued earthiness works beautifully in bedrooms. Combine it with ivory linen, oatmeal wool, aged wood and soft brown leather for a layered retreat that feels warm rather than heavy.

Dining Rooms and Powder Rooms

Smaller or more formal rooms offer an opportunity to embrace the color’s depth. Decorative molding, a statement ceiling or walls finished in a subtle sheen can give Grounded a particularly polished quality.

Exteriors

Grounded also translates well outside, where it naturally complements stone, brick and wooded surroundings. Consider it for siding, shutters, doors or exterior cabinetry. Against warm white trim, it creates contrast without the severity of black.

Colors That Coordinate With Grounded

The key to a cohesive palette is working with the shade’s warm brown undertone.

Warm whites and soft beige: Behr Coastal Beige and other creamy off-whites create a relaxed contrast that feels softer than crisp white.

Muted greens: Wheat Grass, Environmental and Laurel Tree build a tonal, nature-led palette with varying levels of depth.

Clay and earth tones: Tuscan Terra, Ancient Root and Cocoa Nutmeg bring out Grounded’s warmth and work especially well in textiles, tile and accent furniture.

Dusty pinks: Sedona Pink adds a quiet, unexpected softness without making the palette feel overly sweet.

Airy blues: Denim Light, Fresh Tone and Blue Moon Bay provide a cooler counterpoint while preserving the palette’s organic quality.

Deep accents: Nightfall, Sarsaparilla and Mozart add definition through lighting, furniture, doors or smaller architectural details.

Materials and Finishes That Elevate Grounded

Grounded is at its best when surrounded by materials with visible texture and warmth. Consider pairing it with:

• Natural oak, walnut or burled wood
• Travertine, limestone or softly veined marble
• Aged brass, bronze or antique gold
• Cognac leather and chocolate-brown accents
• Linen, wool, boucle and woven grasscloth
• Handmade tile and earthenware ceramics
• Cream, camel, tobacco and muted rust textiles

Bright chrome, icy gray and blue-white finishes can make the color feel dull or disconnected. Warmer materials allow its olive and brown dimensions to come forward.

Choosing the Right Finish

For most walls, a matte or eggshell finish will emphasize the shade’s soft, organic character. Satin works well for cabinetry, built-ins and doors, while a higher sheen can bring drama to a compact powder room or lacquered architectural detail.

As with any nuanced green, sampling is essential. Grounded will look greener in bright daylight, browner beside warm wood and considerably deeper in a north-facing or dimly lit room. Test a large sample on more than one wall and observe it throughout the day before committing.

A New Kind of Neutral

Grounded may be Behr’s color for 2027, but its appeal extends beyond a single design cycle. The balance of moss, olive and brown gives it the versatility of a neutral while offering far more personality.

Used thoughtfully, it can bring warmth to contemporary architecture, depth to a traditional home and a sense of permanence to a newly renovated space. It is a reminder that luxury does not always need to announce itself. Sometimes, it is simply the feeling of being completely at home.

Ready to explore homes designed with equal attention to beauty, comfort and place? Connect with LUX Real Estate Company to begin your search.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Behr’s 2027 Color of the Year?

Behr’s 2027 Color of the Year is Grounded (T27-01), a mossy olive green with subtle earthy brown undertones.

Is Behr Grounded a warm or cool color?

Grounded is a warm green. Its brown undertones distinguish it from cooler sage, jade and blue-green shades.

What colors look best with Behr Grounded?

Grounded coordinates especially well with creamy whites, warm beige, natural wood tones, clay and terracotta shades, dusty pink, muted blue and deep brown-black accents.

Can Grounded be used as an exterior paint color?

Yes. Behr recommends Grounded for interior and exterior projects. It works particularly well with natural stone, brick, warm white trim and wooded surroundings.

Should I sample Grounded before painting?

Yes. Its balance of green, olive and brown will shift with exposure, artificial lighting and nearby finishes. Test a large sample in the intended room and review it at different times of day.