We were honored to be featured in Southern Living once again for their coverage of Behr’s Color of the Year! Being asked to share insights on Hidden Gem was wonderful—this color perfectly exemplifies how paint choices can support both aesthetics and emotional wellbeing.
Publication: Southern Living
Article Title: Behr’s Color of the Year Is a Moody Hue That Designers Predict Will Be a Major Trend in 2025
Publication Date: January 10, 2026
Author: Lauren Jones
Southern Living explored Behr’s 2025 Color of the Year, Hidden Gem, asking designers to weigh in on why this blue-green hue resonates and how to use it effectively in homes. The article examines the psychology behind the color and its versatility in Southern interiors.
Why Hidden Gem Works from a Wellness Perspective:
When Southern Living asked about Hidden Gem, here’s the comprehensive perspective I shared:
While I love adding color for simply how beautiful it is, I approach color not just as an aesthetic choice but as a tool that shapes how we feel in our homes.
Hidden Gem is a rare color that feels both grounding and quietly dramatic. That’s because blue-green hues tend to sit in a naturally calming part of the spectrum. Greens are associated with stability and restoration, while softened blues evoke clarity and ease. When those tones blend into a muted, mineral-like shade, they create an environment that supports emotional regulation and a sense of steady calm—something many of us are craving in our day-to-day spaces.
How Hidden Gem Performs in Southern Interiors
For Southern interiors specifically, Hidden Gem performs beautifully because of how it responds to our warm, golden light. Many greens can skew yellow or murky, but the blue base in this shade keeps it clean and sophisticated. North-facing rooms read serene and contemplative, while south-facing rooms deepen into a richer, jewel-toned version of the color. It’s adaptable without becoming visually overwhelming, which is a big advantage in open-concept Southern homes. That makes it an excellent candidate for color drenching: walls, trim, doors, even ceilings.
Best Applications for Hidden Gem
My favorite way to use Hidden Gem is on cabinetry or millwork, whether it’s built-ins in a library, a moody dining room, a pantry, or a primary bath. When paired with natural materials like oak, soapstone, or linen, the color shifts from trendy to timeless. These textures also help make the entire palette feel warm, grounded, and intentional. And as a front-door color, Hidden Gem signals hospitality, confidence, and understated elegance before guests even step inside.
Styling Hidden Gem
For anyone nervous about going bold, think of Hidden Gem as a modern neutral. Its smokiness softens the saturation, so it layers beautifully with earthy palettes, warm metals, vintage rugs, and the collected look so many Southern homes are known for. And as always, you can start small with throw pillows and textiles to bring the color in without a big commitment.
Why Blue-Green Colors Support Wellbeing
The Science:
Blue-green hues like Hidden Gem occupy a unique space in color psychology. Research shows that these colors:
- Reduce heart rate and blood pressure
- Lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels
- Improve focus and concentration
- Support feelings of safety and stability
The Green Component:
Green is the color our eyes process most easily—it sits at the center of the visible light spectrum. This makes green-based colors naturally restful to look at, requiring less effort from our visual system.
The Blue Component:
Blue activates the parasympathetic nervous system (our “rest and digest” mode), signaling to our bodies that it’s safe to relax. This is why blue is consistently rated as the most calming color across cultures.
The Muted Quality:
Highly saturated colors can be stimulating, even if they’re in a “calm” color family. Hidden Gem’s smokiness and muted quality mean it provides color richness without overstimulation—perfect for spaces where you need to rest, focus, or restore.
For Southern Homes:
The warm light prevalent in Southern homes can make cool colors feel stark. Hidden Gem’s complexity and subtle warmth mean it stays sophisticated rather than cold, even in bright Southern sunlight.
How to Style Behr’s Hidden Gem
To Create a Warm, Grounded Palette:
- Pair with warm whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster
- Add warm wood tones: white oak, walnut, teak
- Layer in natural textiles: linen, jute, wool
- Accent with warm metals: brass, bronze, aged copper
For a Sophisticated, Moody Look:
- Combine with deeper charcoals or warm blacks on trim
- Use soapstone or dark granite countertops
- Add matte black hardware and fixtures
- Layer with rich textiles: velvet, leather, bouclé
For a Fresh, Contemporary Feel:
- Pair with crisp white trim and cabinetry
- Add light natural woods like maple or ash
- Use marble or light stone surfaces
- Keep metals polished: chrome, brushed nickel, stainless
Color Drenching with Hidden Gem:
- Paint walls, trim, doors, and ceiling all in Hidden Gem
- Use different sheens to create subtle definition (matte walls, satin trim)
- This technique works especially well in dining rooms, libraries, and primary baths
- The monochromatic approach makes rooms feel larger and more sophisticated
Start Small:
- Painted built-in cabinetry or bookshelves
- Front door for a welcoming first impression
- Accent wall in a bedroom or home office
- Kitchen island while keeping perimeter cabinets neutral
- Bathroom vanity cabinetry
Why This Approach Matters:
At The Intentional Design Studio, we choose paint colors based on how they make people feel, not just how they look in a swatch. Hidden Gem exemplifies this approach—it’s a color that actively supports calm and restoration while remaining sophisticated and versatile enough for long-term living.
The psychology of color isn’t abstract—it’s measurable. Blue-green hues like Hidden Gem have been shown to reduce stress responses and create environments where the nervous system can genuinely rest. That’s not marketing speak; that’s science applied to paint selection.
We’re so grateful to Southern Living for the opportunity to share these insights with their readers!
Read the full article on Southern Living →
Curious to see what else we’ve been featured in? Explore our full collection of press mentions and expert insights on our Press Page.
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