SANTA ANA, Calif. — Behr Paint Company has revealed Taupe as its 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year. This is a refined and versatile shade designed to bring a sense of balance and harmony to the home's exterior, the company states. Blending soft brown with gentle gray undertones, Taupe delivers a contemporary look with timeless appeal.

"Taupe brings a sense of harmony and balance to exterior spaces," said Kayla Kratz, Sr. Director of Color & Design Strategy at Behr Paint Company. "Its calming presence fosters connection and transforms outdoor areas into serene, timeless retreats—making it a defining choice for 2026 and beyond."

Pairing Taupe with complementary Behr stain colors also offers an easy way to introduce contrast and highlight architectural details, like railings, trim, and decking borders, without a full renovation. You can pair Taupe with warm-tones like Cordovan Brown or cool-toned accents like Pewter to create subtle contrast that feels cohesive and modern.

Alongside the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, Behr is unveiling its first-ever Outdoor Accent Color Collection. It is a curated selection of 18 exterior paint colors designed to enhance and personalize outdoor spaces. Whether embarking on a full exterior refresh or adding pops of color to smaller projects, homeowners can use this palette as a resource to help revamp their home's outdoor aesthetic. 

"Homeowners looking to tackle outdoor projects want solutions that are both inspiring and reliable," said Andy Lopez, Sr. Vice President, Head of Marketing at Behr Paint Company. "Our goal is to make it easier for people to choose the right color and products, so they can focus on creating outdoor spaces they'll love for years to come."

To explore the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year and the Outdoor Accent Color Collection, visit behr.com/2026staincoty.