Dunn-Edwards’ 2027 Color of the Year Is a Rich Brown With a Subtle Plum Undertone

Dunn-Edwards has revealed its 2027 Color of the Year, and the selection moves firmly into deeper, warmer territory. Called French Press Coffee (DEBN07), the shade is a deep, nuanced brown with a subtle plum undertone.

The paint company announced the color on October 1, describing it as an elevated neutral with enough depth to anchor a room while retaining a softer, livable quality. The shade takes its name from the rich character of roasted coffee and is intended to evoke warmth, focus and comfort.

The announcement comes as paint companies continue to explore warmer, more nature-inspired palettes. Dunn-Edwards' previous Color of the Year, Midnight Garden, was a deep muted green. French Press Coffee shifts that story from the outdoors toward the warmth and ritual associated with interiors.

French Press Coffee Brings Depth to Neutral Interiors

Although French Press Coffee is significantly darker than the pale neutrals that have dominated many contemporary interiors, Dunn-Edwards positions it as a neutral rather than a conventional statement color.

Its defining characteristic is the subtle plum undertone. Depending on lighting conditions, that undertone can become more noticeable, giving the brown additional complexity rather than making it read as a flat espresso shade.

The result is a color that can work across several design styles. Contemporary rooms can use it to introduce contrast, while traditional spaces can take advantage of its connection to wood, brass and other established interior materials.

Dunn-Edwards color marketing manager Lauren Hoferkamp said the shade was selected in response to a move toward homes that feel more layered and authentic, with greater emphasis on warmth and tactile materials.

Where to Use the 2027 Color of the Year

French Press Coffee does not necessarily require an entire room to make an impact. Dunn-Edwards suggests using the color on high-impact surfaces such as a front door, kitchen island or cabinetry.

An accent wall can introduce the shade more dramatically, particularly in a dining room or primary bedroom. Trim and millwork offer another option for homeowners who want architectural depth without painting every wall.

The color can also be used throughout a smaller room. A study, powder room, entryway or reading nook can accommodate a darker palette particularly well, creating an enveloping effect without requiring a large amount of paint.

For homeowners who are comfortable with stronger color, Dunn-Edwards also recommends using French Press Coffee across an entire room.

The Brown Works With More Than Just Neutrals

The plum quality in French Press Coffee gives homeowners several options beyond a traditional brown-and-cream palette. Dunn-Edwards recommends combining it with creams, mushroom tones, greens and blues.

Natural materials can further reinforce the color's earthy character. Walnut, aged brass, honed marble and linen are among the finishes that Dunn-Edwards identifies as complementary.

That combination also reflects the company's broader 2027 color direction, which emphasizes nature-inspired hues and layered materials rather than highly polished or stark interiors.

On the exterior, French Press Coffee can serve as an alternative to black. Dunn-Edwards suggests using it on front doors, shutters, garages and trim, particularly when paired with taupe, mushroom or cream.

A Warmer Direction for Home Color

French Press Coffee arrives as part of a broader movement toward warmer and more complex neutrals. Dunn-Edwards describes its 2027 color collection as centered on grounded warmth, with desaturated, nature-inspired hues designed to balance warm and cool elements.

The company's description also connects the shade to a growing interest in interiors that feel collected rather than newly styled. Instead of relying exclusively on a single dominant color or minimalist palette, the approach layers paint with wood, textiles, metal finishes and vintage-inspired elements.

French Press Coffee therefore works as more than a dark brown accent. Its combination of brown, plum and smoky depth allows it to function as a foundation color while still providing considerably more character than a conventional beige or gray.

For homeowners considering the shade, the most practical starting point may be a smaller architectural feature or accent surface. From there, the color can be expanded into cabinetry, walls or an entire room depending on how it responds to the home's natural and artificial lighting.