GLIDDEN Paint Takes on Blue, Naming Artifact the 2027 Color of the Year
Ready to reset the room without a remodel, Artifact brings change without chaos
CRANBERRY TWP., Pa., September 14, 2026--For homeowners craving a reset without a complete overhaul, GLIDDEN® paint's 2027 Color of the Year, Artifact (PPG10-16), answers the call. A warm, smoky blue, Artifact sweeps in with a calming energy that adds to a room's character or personal style.
In 2027, Artifact pushes drama to the wayside, calling for simplicity. It makes way for homeowners' personality to shine through and simplify what they live with. It turns off the pressure of perfection to give a simple color reset, zero renovation stress required.
According to Ashley McCollum, Glidden paint color marketing manager, Artifact is for DIYers who want to transform a space without starting over.
"Not every home update needs to be dramatic to feel different," said McCollum. "Artifact is that perfect 'hit reset' color. Not a reinvention—just a fresh realignment. It's confidence without the drama and calm without the snooze. It's the color of reset, but without erasing your personality. It's fresh, optimistic and lets people design a space that reflects who they actually are, and not who they're expected to be."
A mix of classic and modern, this warm, rich blue represents a shift away from using cool grays as neutrals toward emerging colors that feel welcoming, personal and timeless. McCollum describes Artifact as bringing clarity without coldness and freshness without flash to create spaces that feel comfortable, upbeat and easy to live in. Calm and effortless, Artifact is the best case of the blues.
"Consumers today want color that feels like their call, not a design rule. A smoky blue like Artifact behaves like a modern 'choose your own adventure' color that doesn't force a story or a specific design style onto you. It lets you shape your own story depending on what you choose to pair it with," said McCollum.
McCollum recommends Artifact to reset high-impact surfaces including interior walls, exteriors, ceilings, accents, doors and cabinets. Try Artifact in spaces such as:
Living Room: Artifact works beautifully as a "reset" color in shared spaces such as a living room. It creates a fresh, grounded backdrop that still lets your furniture, art and personal style shine. It feels calm and pulled together, but never boring, so the room still has energy and personality.
Bedroom: This is where that calm really pays off. Artifact brings a sense of ease and relaxation that helps you unwind. It gives you that fresh start feeling at the beginning and end of your day while still feeling warm, personal and lived in.
Home Office: Artifact is a smart choice for a home office because it strikes that balance between focus and comfort. It creates a space that feels clear and ready for productivity, but has enough depth to keep the room from feeling flat or uninspiring during long workdays.
Exterior: On the exterior, Artifact delivers balance. It feels fresh and optimistic, but still grounded enough to live with long term. It blends easily with natural surroundings while still standing out in a subtle, confident way. It is a reset from expected neutrals, without feeling like a risk.
Cabinetry: Artifact is perfect for kitchens where you want to break up or change up the expected all white or all neutral look. It adds depth and a sense of freshness, giving you a reset moment without losing warmth or character.