Ace Hardware’s Exclusive Clark+Kensington Picks a Deliciously Bold Shade as 2026 Color of the Year

As we creep closer to the new year, a plethora of choices have debuted as trendy paint colors for 2026.

Homeowners can choose to be bold while refreshing a kitchen or elegant while repainting a bedroom.

But for those who are interested in bringing some warmth and sophistication to their homes, Ace Hardware, Clark + Kensington line has crowned their 2026 Color of the Year as Hazelnut Crunch (09A-5).

The deep, earthy neutral is a perfect color of almost every room in your home—plus, it’s a color that has longevity, meaning repainting in a few years may not even be an issue.

Why Hazelnut Crunch works for today’s homes

With so many color choices, it can be difficult for homeowners to land on a color that works for their space. The team at Ace hopes that by selecting Hazelnut Crunch for your living room, bedroom, or even kitchen, you’ll be able to enjoy cozy minimalism and for years to come. 

“In an increasingly fast-paced world, homeowners desire spaces that offer restoration, comfort, and calm,” said Kim Lefko, chief marketing officer at Ace Hardware. 

“Hazelnut Crunch delivers all of that and more. It's a beautiful, deep shade that creates the perfect backdrop for relaxed living, pairing effortlessly with both natural textures and modern elements.”

Selected by the company’s color trend forecasting partner Colour Hive and the Clark+Kensington design team, Hazelnut Crunch was inspired by the growing trend of “nature-rooted tones”

“Hazelnut Crunch strikes a harmonious balance between familiarity and boldness,” read the company’s press release. “A rich, earthy neutral that brings depth, warmth, and versatility to any space.

Where to use Hazelnut Crunch

Ideally, a bold color like Hazelnut Crunch would be seen in rooms like living rooms and bedrooms. 

In the living room, pairing the color with future and fixtures like leather and woven throw could add to the overall welcoming feel of the room. 

In a bedroom, painting an accent wall or even the entire room would allow you to decorate with lighter neutral tones like sand or eggshell, and build your own serene retreat right in your own home. 

One way to build on using Hazelnut Crunch is to look at the curated palettes ACE has debuted for 2026 as well. Both Grounded and Tranquil were crafted to “inspire comfort, creativity, and personal expression throughout the home,” and offer a variety of complementary colors to bring out the boldness of their centerpiece shade. 

In the Tranquil palette, soft mineral-inspired hues like Frost, Mysterious Gray, and Wood Smoke are perfect for a spa-inspired feel.

Meanwhile, the Grounded palette offers warm neutrals such as Morning Coffee, Candied Ginger, and Farmers Market, that all lean into the aromatic feel to these colors. 

A good place to think about using Hazelnut Crunch and the Grounded palette is the kitchen. If you’re hesitant to go bold, consider Hazelnut Crunch on lower cabinets or a kitchen island. It adds richness without overwhelming the space.