A heritage of hue: Meet C2’s 2026 Color of the Year
C2 Paint’s 2026 Color of the Year is Epernay and its inspired by a time when artistry, detail and ritual were woven into everyday life. This year marks a return to design that nourishes the soul – rich with depth, purpose and beauty, according to the company.
Named after the French village known for its rolling vineyards and limestone architecture, C2 Epernay channels the warmth of sunlit stone, the muted richness of vintage textiles, and the opulence of champagne—reflecting the essence of refined French charm.
“C2 Epernay has long been tied to European influences and is now emerging in contemporary design for its classic, versatile ambiance,” said Philippa Radon, C2 color specialist and interior designer. “This historic hue helps us retell the wondrous 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.”
Historically, this pale, sophisticated yellow was prominent in European interiors during the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical periods and was admired for its versatility warmth, and connection to the natural world. Today, it reemerges in contemporary design, bringing age-old elegance into modern spaces, Radon added. “It’s classic hue recalls life’s essential luxuries: the tactile surface of a handmade bowl, the hand-carved lines of ornamental millwork, and the grounding presence of nature—those often-overlooked details that give a home its soul,” she said.
