C2 Paint announced its 2026 Color of the Year, C2 Epernay #639, a refined soft ochre with hushed mineral undertones that embodies timeless elegance and a return to artistry, craft, and natural materials. The announcement accompanies the company’s 2026 En Terre palette, which celebrates nature as both mentor and muse, blending traditional influences with modern restraint.

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Named for the French village known for its rolling vineyards and limestone architecture, Epernay channels the warmth of sunlit stone and the muted richness of vintage textiles. The hue draws from the refined simplicity of European interiors during the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical periods and reemerges in contemporary design as a versatile, grounding tone.

“C2 Epernay has long been tied to European influences and is now emerging in contemporary design for its classic, versatile ambiance,” said Philippa Radon, interior designer and C2 color specialist. “This historic hue helps us retell the stories woven through history via the inseparable threads of color, art, furnishings, and nature. It reminds us to appreciate the personal touches that make a home uniquely ours—and to live with reverence for the stories we’re creating every day.”

The En Terre palette includes six primary hues: Epernay 639, Parador 922, Spearmint 700, Potato Leek 914, Snowsky (BD15), and Blueberry (BD26). Together, they capture the lived-in tones of weathered facades, natural fibers, and generational gardens. The collection highlights a growing design movement toward craftsmanship, heritage, and materials that carry emotional resonance.

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Included within this year’s palette are two selections from interior designer Barry Dixon’s “The Naturals” collection for C2 Paint:

• Blueberry BD26 — An inky blue with blackcurrant depth that adds tailored drama to paneling, doors, and millwork.

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• Snowsky BD15 — A porcelain off-white with a whisper of sky, serving as a calm and balanced foundation color.

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“These colors draw from the deepest wells of memory and materials—earth, wind, fire, and water,” Dixon said. “They’re the shades of lived experience and layered interiors. I believe color, when chosen with soul, becomes the most honest form of storytelling.”

Tia Clarida, marketing director at C2 Paint, added, “Color helps us tell our stories without words. As a brand built on quality and craftsmanship, we sense a collective craving to rediscover beauty in everyday moments and surround ourselves with meaningful color that brings depth to our homes and lives. We are thrilled to have designer Barry Dixon as part of our 2026 En Terre palette; his appreciation of the natural world authentically aligns with our brand.”

The En Terre palette and C2 Epernay Color of the Year mark a continued evolution in the company’s approach to color—connecting modern design with the heritage of craft, authenticity, and soulful living.

Learn more about color innovation in Architectural Coatings.