A Bold Choice: Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette (AF-655)

In October 2025, Benjamin Moore officially revealed its Colour of the Year 2026: Silhouette AF-655. Business Wire+2Financial Times Markets+2
This rich, moody hue is described by the brand as “an alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal.” Business Wire+1
As the company’s press release states:

“Like a perfectly tailored suit, this hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional.” — Andrea Magno, Director of Colour Marketing & Design at Benjamin Moore. Business Wire+1

What Does Silhouette Look Like?

At first glance, Silhouette might read as a dark espresso-brown. But under varying light and paired with different materials it shifts subtly: the charcoal undertones can lean cooler, while the burnt-umber core brings warmth. House & Home+1
It was selected as part of the 2026 colour palette, which emphasises a blend of deep-grounded hues and more delicate tones. Benjamin Moore+1

Key characteristics:

• A rich brown base (espresso/umber) with subtle charcoal/grey undertones. Financial Times Markets

• Designed to evoke elegance and tailoring — the world of fashion influencing interiors. Forbes+1

• Part of a broader trend away from cold greys and bright pastels, toward richer, more enveloping neutrals. House & Home+1

Why This Colour, Why Now?

1. A return to warmth and depth.
In recent years, many colour-of-the-year picks trended pastel, muted blue/greens, or stark greys. With Silhouette, Benjamin Moore signals a shift toward deeper, more atmospheric neutrals — colours you feel as much as you see. Architectural Digest+1

2. Fashion meets interiors.
The inspiration comes from tailored suiting and timeless silhouettes in fashion. Benjamin Moore notes the “renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes; the resurgence of timeless pieces; and the growing interest in the brown colour family.” Business Wire+1
That link between what we wear and what we live in is increasingly pronounced in design thinking.

3. Versatility & longevity.
Because it’s a neutral at heart — albeit a dramatic one — Silhouette is pitched as a colour that can live for years. It drapes spaces with a sense of luxury, yet plays nicely with complementary hues and textures. The 2026 palette invites layering and mixing rather than trendy “one-hit” statements. Benjamin Moore+1

How to Use Silhouette in Your Space

Here are some ideas and tips for applying Silhouette in your home:

• Feature wall or “anchor” space:
Use Silhouette on one wall in a living room, dining room or study to create a cocoon-like effect. The depth draws you in and provides a rich backdrop for lighter furnishings and metallic accents.

• Trim, doors, or cabinetry:
Rather than going full room, consider using Silhouette for doors, cabinetry fronts, or as accent trim — a smart way to introduce drama without overwhelming.

• Paired with light and texture:
This colour shines when contrasted with light neutrals (e.g., crisp white, soft cream) and materials like linen, boucle, burnished brass, or wood. The contrast enhances the depth of Silhouette and elevates surrounding textures.

• Let lighting guide you:
Because the charcoal undertones can shift, test samples in your actual space at different times of day. In north-facing rooms it may appear cooler; in warmer light it might lean richer brown.

• Pick companion colours wisely:
Benjamin Moore’s Colour Trends 2026 palette includes seven companion hues curated alongside Silhouette:

Raindance 1572 • Swiss Coffee OC-45 • First Crush CSP-310 • Batik AF-610 • Narragansett Green HC-157 • Southwest Pottery 048 • Sherwood Tan 1054 GlobeNewswire+1
These provide a variety of tones — from pale to mid-depth — so you can build layered schemes (walls + accent + trim) that feel cohesive.

Design Inspiration: Real-Life Applications

• In a living room, Silhouette envelops the space and highlights sculptural furniture or natural textures.

• In a kitchen with lower cabinetry in Silhouette and upper shelving in a light neutral, the look balances drama and openness.

• In a bedroom, using Silhouette on one wall or behind the bed creates a restful, cocooned feel — perfect for evening calm.

Final Thoughts

Silhouette AF-655 is not your typical “colour of the year” pick that shouts for attention. Rather, it whispers — quietly confident, luxuriously neutral yet rich with nuance. By choosing this shade, Benjamin Moore is signalling a mature moment in design: where depth, texture, warmth and timelessness matter more than fleeting trends.

If you're considering using this colour in your home, take time to sample it in your own lighting, pair it with your furniture and décor, and decide whether you want to dive in (full room) or dip your toe (feature details). When done right, Silhouette has the power to bring sophistication, comfort, and resilience to your space.

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