Meet Your Home’s New Obsession: BEHR’s Hidden Gem with Designer Manuella Moreira

Smoky jade is having a moment—and BEHR just made it official. Hidden Gem (N430-6A), the brand’s 2026 Colour of the Year, is a rich, refined blend of blue and green that brings depth, calm, and undeniable style to any space. We caught up with BEHR Designer Council member Manuella Moreira to talk about how to use this versatile hue at home, why it’s more than just a trend, and how Canadians can bring a sense of grounded luxury to their spaces—one bold brushstroke at a time. —Noa Nichol

• What was your first reaction to Hidden Gem being chosen as the Colour of the Year? Did you immediately envision a specific type of space or feeling? 

Behr has always been a leader in selecting a Colour of the Year, and 2026 is a standout. I was genuinely excited when I learned that Hidden Gem had been chosen. It’s such a powerful and nuanced colour. I immediately imagined the many possibilities for using it—there’s so much depth to explore. I couldn’t wait to dive into all the hidden potential it holds. 

• Hidden Gem is described as a smoky jade that balances grounding and vibrancy—how do you recommend using it to achieve that duality in a room? 

As a designer, I love when a paint colour has range—and Hidden Gem truly does. It can shift a space from subtle to bold depending on how it’s used. For a more calming and relaxed feel, pair it with cooler tones like Watery from the 2026 Colour Trends palette. For something bolder or more vibrant, try pairing it with Terra Cotta Urn or Beehive. Hidden Gem also holds its own—changing the sheen alone can transform the mood. A matte finish feels soft and understated, while a high-gloss finish brings drama and dimension. 

• For someone new to colour, what’s an easy, low-risk way to start incorporating Hidden Gem into their home without committing to a full room? 

Hidden Gem is one of those rare shades you can feel confident using almost anywhere. But if you’re looking for a starting point, try it in a smaller space or as an accent—like a kitchen island, a powder room, an entryway, or even a piece of furniture or art. A little goes a long way, and the colour’s versatility makes it easy to experiment with. 

• Which design aesthetics or home styles (modern farmhouse, mid-century, minimalist, etc.) does Hidden Gem naturally complement—and why? 

Hidden Gem is incredibly versatile. While designing the vignettes for the BEHR 2026 Colour of the Year reveal, I wanted to show the full dimension of the colour. It works beautifully in traditional spaces—fully drenching a room with prominent architecture adds depth and richness. In a dining room, it feels bold and layered, while in a bedroom, pairing it with a colour like Watery creates a serene retreat. 

For mid-century modern, I love it with natural woods like white oak or walnut. In minimalist spaces, pair it with polished stone or matte black finishes. And for traditional homes, bring in rich textures like mohair or velvet to complement the sophistication of the hue. 

• What are some of your go-to colour pairings or materials that work beautifully with Hidden Gem, whether it’s for paint trim, fabrics, or finishes? 

I love exploring the depth of Hidden Gem by pairing it with materials that bring out different sides of it. For a warm, inviting feel, try natural finishes like white oak, linen, and brass. For a bolder statement, pair it with polished marble, metals, or high-gloss finishes. Even just shifting the paint’s sheen can completely transform the mood of a space. 

• How does Hidden Gem behave with different lighting conditions—natural light, warm bulbs, cool-toned LEDs? Any tips for placement or testing? 

Lighting dramatically affects how a colour feels in a space. Start by considering your natural light: North- or east-facing rooms receive cooler light, while south- and west-facing spaces bring in warmer tones. Once you know what kind of light you’re working with, think about how you want the space to feel, then layer in textures and complementary colours accordingly. Hidden Gem responds beautifully to light, so test large swatches throughout the day before committing. 

• BEHR’s research found Canadians feel Hidden Gem makes a space feel unique and peaceful. In your experience, how does colour impact mood and energy flow in a home? 

Colour holds so much emotion and has the power to completely transform how a space not only looks but how it feels. I love Hidden Gem because of its versatility to transform from calm, to energetic and to bold. How you layer the colour is key. When aiming for more unique and peaceful spaces I suggest layering in natural textures and any of these colours from the 2026 Colour Trends Palette: Watery, Dainty Lace, Urban Nature and Blank Canvas. Any of these supporting colours will pair beautifully with Hidden Gem. 

• If you were designing a commercial space, like a boutique or wellness studio, how might you incorporate Hidden Gem to enhance the customer experience? 

Wellness is a personal priority for me, and I believe design should support that. In commercial spaces, people are craving calm, grounding environments that feel connected to nature. Hidden Gem fits perfectly into that vision. I’d layer it with natural textures—like white oak, linen, or stone, such as Aquabella Quartzite. I’d also incorporate earthy tones from the 2026 Colour Trends Palette like Ecological, Urban Nature, and Smoked Tan. These combinations make the space feel welcoming, grounding, and creatively inspiring. 

• What are some common mistakes people make when using rich colours like Hidden Gem—and how can they avoid them? 

One common mistake is not thinking about how you want the space to feel before choosing your palette. Hidden Gem is so adaptable—it works with both warm and cool tones. If you want a soothing, grounded space, pair it with cooler tones like Adirondack Blue, Nocturne Blue, or Watery. For warmth and coziness, try Iced Copper, Terra Cotta Urn, or Dainty Lace. Texture is also key—wood and metal accents can really elevate the colour. I especially love pairing Hidden Gem with brushed antique brass for a refined contrast. 

• Looking ahead, how do you see the 2026 Colour Trends Palette—especially Hidden Gem—reflecting broader shifts in lifestyle, design, or culture? 

The 2026 Colour Trends Palette is one of my favorites—it’s cohesive, versatile, and deeply considered. Each colour supports Hidden Gem in its own way, allowing it to adapt to so many aesthetics. As a designer, I’m often creating layered environments across a single home, so having a colour like Hidden Gem that feels grounded and expressive—but also plays well with others—is incredibly valuable. It reflects how people are designing today: with intention, emotion, and fluidity.