For 2026, Benjamin Moore has turned away from the cool grays of the past decade and embraced something richer, warmer, and undeniably sophisticated.
We are thrilled to introduce Benjamin Moore's 2026 Colour of the Year:
Silhouette (AF-655)
As Toronto’s longest-running independent paint retailer, we’ve seen trends come and go. But this year feels different. Silhouette isn’t just a colour; it’s a mood. It’s a luscious, deep espresso with subtle charcoal undertones that feels like a perfectly tailored wool suit. It balances the warmth of brown with the modern edge of black, making it the perfect anchor for Toronto interiors.
Why We Love It
In a city like Toronto, where winters are long and grey, we crave warmth. Silhouette delivers exactly that. It captures the "Quiet Luxury" trend that is dominating interior design right now. It’s dramatic without being loud, and elegant without being stuffy.
How to Use "Silhouette" in Toronto Homes
At Monarch Paints, we know that a colour looks different in a Victorian semi in Bloor West Village than it does in a high-rise condo in North York. Here is how our experts recommend you use it:
1. The "Bloor West" Vibe (Heritage Homes)
If you live in a classic Toronto red-brick home, Silhouette is your new best friend for exterior accents.
The Front Door: Replace a standard black door with Silhouette in Aura Grand Entrance High Gloss. It pairs beautifully with red masonry and aged brass hardware.
The Library/Den: Colour-drench a home office (walls, trim, and ceiling) in Silhouette to create a cozy, cocoon-like retreat perfect for reading during a snowstorm.
2. The "North York" Vibe (Modern Condos)
In newer condos near Yonge & Sheppard or the Dufferin corridor, you often battle "floating" feelings from floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Grounding Wall: Use Silhouette on the wall behind your TV or headboard. This dark anchor stops the room from feeling "washed out" by the bright city skyline.
The Kitchen Island: If you have standard white builder-grade cabinets, painting just your island in Silhouette (using Advance cabinet paint) instantly upgrades the kitchen to a custom look for under $100.
The Perfect Palette
Swiss Coffee (OC-45): The creamy off-white standard.
Sherwood Tan (1054): A warm, earthy neutral.
Raindance (1572): A dusty, soulful blue-green.
