Plus, tips from our editors on how to style this cozy, earthy pick from Ace Hardware’s exclusive paint line.
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It’s that time again: Paint brands are rolling out their 2026 Colors of the Year. And if you’re planning a home refresh, the timing couldn’t be better to jump on trends early and lock in next year’s hottest hues.
So far, Behr, Valspar, Glidden and others are leaning into cozy blue-greens and warm, grounded browns. Enter Clark + Kensington’s pick: Hazelnut Crunch. It’s a rich, earthy shade that packs a ton of warmth and depth, and we’re swooning at the thought of using it for a color-blocked arch in a home office or nursery.
Here’s the full scoop on why we’re obsessed with this hue—and where you can get it.
Hazelnut Crunch
Looking for paint inspo? Check out Clark + Kensington's 2026 Color of the Year.
What is the Clark + Kensington 2026 Color of the Year?
Clark + Kensington has officially named Hazelnut Crunch its 2026 Color of the Year—and it’s a warm, earthy neutral that’s all about comfort and connection. Chosen by the brand’s design team in partnership with trend forecasters at Colour Hive, the shade draws from rising trends in cozy minimalism and nature-inspired living.
Think grounded, sensory spaces that feel as good as they look.
Hazelnut Crunch brings depth and versatility, pairing beautifully with mineral shades, jewel tones and creamy neutrals. It’s the kind of color that plays well in any room, adding warmth without being overwhelming.
Why We Love Hazelnut Crunch
I polled Family Handyman editors to get their opinions on the Clark + Kensington 2026 Color of the Year. Here’s how they envision using Hazelnut Crunch in their own homes.
“I am obsessed with moody dining rooms, and Hazelnut Crunch is the perfect rich neutral—without being too dark,” says Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski. “I can already envision holiday feasts paired with plenty of candlelight. For even more drama, I’d pair it with a gallery wall and antique brass frames.”
Deputy Editor Ethan O’Donnell shares some tips about working with brown paints like Hazelnut Crunch. “They are best in rooms with warm lighting and pair super well with cream trim and cabinetry. Plus, brown hides dirt and wall imperfections well.”
“As a millennial, I’m officially over sad grays and beiges,” says Content Director Nicole Doster. “I’ve been itching to get into the color-drenching trend. I can envision Hazelnut Crunch being a bold, warm choice to upgrade our bedroom.”
“I can see this color as a nice alternative to pink in a nursery,” says Content Director Kirsten Schrader.
Senior Set Designer Melissa Franco says, “I would pair Hazelnut Crunch with natural wood tones, creamy white colors or even a deep charcoal. I like the idea of creating a color block painted arch on the wall behind the desk in my home office. Paired with the natural wood of a desk and brass accents, it would bring depth and warmth to a space.”
“I’m slowly renovating my mid-century cape cod, and I’m trying to lean heavily into that aesthetic. It’s been difficult to find a good wall color that balances my love of color while still capturing the cozy, lived-in feel of mid-century homes,” says Shopping Editor Emily Way. “Hazelnut Crunch is exactly the color I envision for my living room. Warm, inviting and neutral enough to go well with whatever kitsch I throw at it!”
Where to Buy
Hazelnut Crunch
Clark + Kensington's 2026 Color of the Year is a rich, warm, earthy hue.
Ace Hardware has officially launched Hazelnut Crunch (09A-5), Clark + Kensington’s 2026 Color of the Year. It’s available exclusively at participating Ace stores nationwide and online at The Paint Studio.
Ready to try it? You can grab a gallon in any finish for under $50 or test the waters with a quart for about half that—perfect for accent walls, color blocking or smaller projects that pack a punch.
