Glidden’s New 2027 Color of the Year Makes a Strong Case for Smoky Blue

Glidden has officially revealed its 2027 Color of the Year, and the choice moves firmly into blue territory. Called Artifact, the shade is identified as PPG10-16 and is described by Glidden as a calm, fresh aqua intended to give rooms the feeling of a reset without requiring a major renovation.

The shade sits in an interesting space between blue, gray and aqua. Glidden describes Artifact as a saturated, gray Caribbean aqua with a turquoise undertone, while PPG's 2027 color announcement characterizes it as a smoky blue with a sense of depth and quiet confidence.

That distinction is part of what makes the color noteworthy. Artifact is not an icy pastel blue or a highly saturated jewel tone. Instead, its muted quality gives it enough presence to work as a feature color while still functioning as a backdrop.

For homeowners who have been relying heavily on beige, cream and warm neutrals, it offers another way to introduce color without making a room feel overly dramatic.

Why This Blue Feels Different From a Traditional Accent Color

Artifact's appeal comes partly from its versatility. Rather than being positioned as a color that only belongs in one particular decorating style, Glidden presents it as a foundation that can adapt to different rooms and aesthetics. PPG likewise describes the shade as a contemporary interpretation of a classic blue, intended to work with changing styles and personal tastes.

That makes it particularly interesting for rooms where homeowners want more personality but do not necessarily want a bold statement wall.

In a living room, Artifact could create a softly enveloping backdrop behind bookshelves or artwork. In a bedroom, its blue-gray character can support a quieter palette of natural wood, cream textiles and warm metals. It can also be used on kitchen cabinets, dining-room walls or smaller architectural details.

Glidden's own examples show the color in bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces, reinforcing the idea that it is not intended for one particular part of the house.

The result is a color that can change considerably depending on the surrounding materials and lighting.

How to Decorate With Artifact Without Overdoing It

The easiest way to work with a smoky blue is to let the surrounding palette determine how prominent it feels.

For a softer look, pair Artifact with warm whites, pale woods and oatmeal-colored upholstery. Those elements can bring out the welcoming side of the shade without competing with it.

For a more sophisticated room, consider combining it with deeper brown, charcoal or muted green accents. Glidden's 2027 Trends Palette includes shades such as Airy, Smoky Slate, Autumn Fern, Toffee Crunch, Clam Shell, Juniper Berry, Carob Chip and Warm Mahogany, giving homeowners several directions for building a coordinated palette.

There is also room to use Artifact beyond the walls. Cabinets, built-ins, a bathroom vanity or even a painted piece of furniture can introduce the color in a more controlled way.

The key is to think about the finish and the amount of natural light in the room before committing. A color that feels airy in a sun-filled room can appear substantially deeper in a darker hallway or north-facing space.

For anyone considering the shade, Glidden's official Artifact color page offers the manufacturer's specifications and visualization tools.

Artifact Could Be a Flexible Choice for 2027

The broader message behind Artifact is less about following a trend and more about making color feel approachable. Glidden's 2027 announcement frames the shade around recalibration, comfort and creating spaces that feel personal rather than overly prescribed.

That approach is also reflected in the way the company has positioned the color as a way to refresh a room without undertaking a complete renovation.

For homeowners, that makes Artifact relatively easy to experiment with. Painting an entire room is one option, but the same smoky blue can appear on a vanity, bookshelf, interior door or accent wall.

And because it sits between blue and gray while carrying a turquoise undertone, it has more flexibility than a straightforward navy or powder blue.

In short, Glidden's 2027 Color of the Year is less about making a room louder and more about giving it a fresh visual direction. Artifact may be exactly the kind of blue that makes homeowners reconsider how much color their spaces can handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Glidden's 2027 Color of the Year?

Glidden's 2027 Color of the Year is Artifact, also known as PPG10-16.

2. What color is Artifact?

Artifact is a gray Caribbean aqua with a turquoise undertone. PPG describes it as a smoky blue.

3. What colors go well with Artifact?

Artifact works with warm whites, grays, natural wood tones, muted greens, browns and other shades from Glidden's 2027 Trends Palette.

4. Where can Artifact be used?

Glidden presents Artifact for a range of applications, including walls, accent walls, kitchens, dining rooms, cabinets and other interior surfaces.