Positioned between charcoal and warm stone, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2026, Silhouette AF-655, presents a refined midtone with an architectural sensibility. The sophisticated yet approachable hue speaks to a growing desire for calm authority in residential design—particularly in coastal homes where light, landscape, and longevity matter. It offers presence without heaviness. Furthermore, it offers depth without drama. For beach and coastal homeowners across the U.S., this makes it an especially compelling choice—a color that can hold its own against the brightness of salt air, expansive glazing, and shifting coastal light.
Palette Anchor
Silhouette was selected for its ability to anchor Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends 2026 palette, a collection that emphasizes enchanting pales and handsome midtones over fleeting statements. The palette signals a return to timeless classics and thoughtful attention to detail—an approach well aligned with coastal homes designed to age gracefully rather than chase novelty. Silhouette functions as a stabilizing force within this mix. It enhances ethereally lifted hues such as soft sands, pale driftwood, and misted blues. Additionally, it harmonizes with deeply grounded shades drawn from rock, bark, and shadow.
Across regions—from the traditional coastal homes of the Upper East to the relaxed modernism of California—Silhouette adapts with ease. Its versatility allows it to feel tailored, regional, and enduring, whether used as a foundation color or a strategic accent. Below you’ll find inspiration for nearly every space in your beachside home.
Entrance Foyer — A Grounded Arrival
In an entryway, Silhouette AF-655 establishes an immediate sense of composure. In Upper East and Mid-Atlantic coastal homes, it works particularly well on paneled walls, stair hall millwork, or a statement front door. It should be paired with pale trim from the 2026 palette to maintain lightness. In California coastal entries, Silhouette can anchor more minimal spaces, offsetting plaster walls, limestone floors, and sculptural lighting. Across regions, complementary midtones introduced through stone tile, woven runners, or natural wood consoles reinforce a sense of quiet intention.
Living Room — Anchored Ease by the Water
Living rooms benefit from Silhouette’s ability to respond to changing daylight. In the Pacific Northwest, where light is often diffused, the color feels especially rich on full walls or built-ins, layered with pale textiles and tactile materials. Along the Southeast and Texas Gulf, Silhouette works well as an accent—on a fireplace surround or shelving—balancing brighter sun exposure and expansive views. Pair it with enchanting pale hues and relaxed upholstery to maintain an atmosphere that feels open yet grounded.
Dining Space — Quiet Contrast for Coastal Gathering
In dining spaces, Silhouette introduces intimacy without formality. Mid-Atlantic and Upper East homes can lean into its classic undertones, pairing it with traditional millwork, aged brass, and dark wood tables. In the California and Texas Gulf regions, Silhouette is effective on cabinetry or as a backdrop to lighter furnishings. This allows subtle contrast to define the space. Layer in complementary midtones through ceramics, art, or upholstered seating to echo the palette’s balanced restraint.
Kitchen — A Composed Coastal Workhorse
Silhouette AF-655 excels in kitchens where contrast is essential, but trends are fleeting. In Southeast and Gulf Coast homes, it performs beautifully on islands or lower cabinetry, grounding rooms dominated by pale counters and reflective surfaces. In the Pacific Northwest, Silhouette pairs naturally with natural wood shelving and matte hardware. This reinforces a craft-forward sensibility. Across regions, enchanting pale countertops and softly veined stone prevent the space from feeling heavy, keeping the kitchen timeless and functional. This cozy seaside kitchen anchors the island with Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette AF-655.
Bedroom — A Restful Study in Depth
Bedrooms are where Silhouette’s quieter side emerges. In Upper East and Pacific Northwest coastal homes, it creates a cocooning effect when used on a headboard wall or throughout the room, particularly effective in fog-prone or wooded settings. Balance it with lighter bedding, sheer window treatments, and pale companion colors. In California coastal bedrooms, Silhouette is often best used sparingly—on built-ins or trim—anchoring palettes of sun-washed neutrals and soft pastels.
Serene Bathroom — Refined Drama in Small Doses
With a focus on serenity, this bathroom is bathed in a complementary shade from Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette pallette called First Crush CSP-310. For all-over applications, Silhouette thrives in bathrooms and powder rooms where detail carries weight. In Mid-Atlantic and Upper East homes, it enhances traditional fixtures and stone finishes with understated drama. Southeast and Texas Gulf bathrooms benefit from its ability to temper glossy tile and reflective surfaces. Paired with unlacquered brass, polished nickel, or natural stone, Silhouette feels tailored rather than theatrical. This happens especially when balanced with lighter hues from the 2026 palette.
Indoor/Outdoor Living — Where Structure Meets Salt Air
Though primarily an interior color, Silhouette translates seamlessly to covered outdoor spaces. On ceilings, built-in cabinetry, or exterior doors, it provides contrast against weathered wood and pale masonry. In California and Texas Gulf regions, it grounds indoor-outdoor living zones that blur boundaries. In the Pacific Northwest, it complements darker siding and natural surroundings, reinforcing a connection between architecture and landscape.
Silhouette AF-655 reflects Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends 2026 vision with clarity and restraint. Its strength lies in adaptability—across regions, architectural styles, and degrees of coastal exposure. Whether anchoring a palette of ethereal pales or complementing deeper, grounded tones, Silhouette supports a layered and enduring approach to design. For coastal homeowners seeking longevity over novelty, it offers a color story that feels considered, regional, and quietly confident—well-suited to homes shaped by water, weather, and time. From all of us at Beach Homes Lifestyles—may your 2026 reveal a grounded and peaceful sense of renewal.