Cabot Names 'Acorn' Its 2026 Color of the Year
Exterior stain brand Cabot has named 'Acorn,' a warm, golden-brown tone, as its 2026 Color of the Year. The company says the heritage-inspired color is meant to reflect craftsmanship and the trend of embracing outdoor living.
The selection of Acorn marks a subtle shift from Cabot's 2025 Color of the Year, Burnt Hickory. While both are rich, nature-inspired browns, Burnt Hickory was a darker shade with charcoal undertones influenced by the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban wood preservation technique. Acorn presents a warmer, golden-brown alternative. Sue Kim, Cabot's Director of Color Marketing, notes that deep, earthy hues like these enhance the natural grain and texture of wood, adding an artisanal quality to outdoor projects. Acorn is designed to complement other natural materials commonly used in outdoor spaces, such as stone, greenery, and rattan furniture, creating a cohesive look. The choice of a warm, natural tone aligns with broader trends in outdoor living that emphasize creating comfortable and functional extensions of the home. The concept of "biophilic design," which seeks to connect living spaces with the natural world, has been a significant driver in recent years, favoring organic textures and colors. The 2026 color landscape is diverse, with various brands selecting a wide range of tones. While Cabot opted for a warm neutral, other companies have chosen colors like Sherwin-Williams' Universal Khaki, a sandy neutral with green undertones, and Benjamin Moore's Silhouette, a deep charcoal-plum. Behr introduced a smoky jade called Hidden Gem, while Pantone selected a soft white named Cloud Dancer.
