PPG has announced Secret Safari (PPG1110-4) as its 2026 Color of the Year. A versatile yellow-green,
Secret Safari balances soothing comfort with a touch of energy and vitality, making it suitable for a
wide range of applications. The shade is part of PPG’s 2026 global color theme, Parallels, which
includes three distinct palettes: Authentic, Visionary and Expressive, notes a press communiqué
from the company.
Secret Safari was selected by PPG’s global team of color experts following ongoing research and
collaboration across regions and industries. The annual color selection process includes analysis of
international trends in architecture, design, consumer behavior and material innovation. The
resulting shade is a key influence in interior design but also extends to applications in consumer
goods, industrial coatings, automotive finishes and beyond.
“Secret Safari is a versatile shade that adapts to its surroundings,” said Irina Hanhisalo, PPG color
category lead, Architectural Coatings. “It evokes a sense of calm in natural daylight and reveals
layered depth in shadowed or low-light settings, making it a versatile choice for both residential
interiors and commercial spaces.”
Secret Safari offers customers a flexible foundation for color layering and spatial storytelling. Its
botanical aesthetic makes it especially effective in interiors that aim to feel connected to nature. In
hospitality settings, the shade creates a relaxing atmosphere, while in residential spaces, it evokes a
bold, contemporary feel. The color’s ability to shift with changing light adds dimension and visual
interest to walls, cabinetry and soft furnishings.
In industrial design and consumer product design applications, Secret Safari is a bold yet grounded
choice, eliciting emotions of tranquility, natural connection, sophistication and balance. Its
connection to nature brings perceptions of durability and freshness, making it a strong choice for
products that emphasize calm and understated elegance.