Nature remains one of the most dominant themes when leading coatings companies select their annual Colors of the Year. For PPG, nature was a key factor, and with Secret Safari (PPG1110-4), PPG’s color experts have selected a hue that is rooted in nature.

“Secret Safari (PPG1110-4) is a midtone yellow green with subtle lime undertones,” says Vanessa Peterson, global color design manager for PPG. “Its botanical elements strike a balance of earthy elegance and vitality, bringing a modern edge to industrial, architectural and consumer product applications. This versatile shade responds beautifully to changing light, making it perfect for the kitchen, whether on cabinets or on cookware.

“In natural daylight, it evokes a sense of tranquility, while in shadowed or low-light settings, like a den or office, it reveals a rich, layered depth that adds dimension and interest,” adds Peterson. “Rooted in nature, Secret Safari embodies both resilience and freshness, making it an ideal choice for designs that feel contemporary, grounded and steeped in quiet luxury.”

“Secret Safari is a versatile shade that adapts to its surroundings,” adds 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.”

Peterson observed that PPG’s forecasting expertise is unique in its fact-based approach to identifying color trends across more surfaces than any other company worldwide.

“Serving industries from automotive to aerospace and consumer products to architecture, insights from each sector inform the others,” she pointed out. “Multiple regions and nationalities collaborated on this forecast, revealing a shared understanding of fundamental global drivers alongside diverse responses.

“Our color stylists analyze commercial and residential colors, styles and textures to help architects and designers create impactful spaces and products,” Peterson adds. “The annual forecasting workshop, based on months of research and customer input, delivers a globally validated color palette.”

Secret Safari is the centerpiece of Parallels, PPG’s 2026 global color theme. Peterson notes that Parallels is a story told through three expertly curated and coordinating palettes

“Each palette offers a distinct design direction: Authentic, Visionary and Expressive,” Peterson says. “Shades within these color stories that complement Secret Safari the best include a range of analogous warm tints and tones paired with colored neutrals, followed by contrasts with moody darks and, lastly shaded brown.”

Last year, PPG selected Purple Basil as its 2025 Color of the Year. Peterson says that Secret Safari fits well with Purple Basil.

“The contrast between the light tone of Secret Safari and the dark hues in Purple Basil enhances the vibrancy of both colors when used together,” she says. “They create a balanced aesthetic that is both modern and timeless, blending bold luxury with calming natural elements.”

Secret Safari also fits well with Kinetic, PPG’s 2025 global color theme.

“Our 2026 Parallels color theme builds on KINETIC, our 2025 color theme, by emphasizing that dynamic movement remains essential amid powerful external forces like technological, geopolitical and climate changes,” Peterson observes. “While these broad macro drivers shape the environment, this year’s forecast shifts focus to the individual, recognizing that personal responses to universal forces are unique. The 2026 theme explores how these global influences are interpreted and expressed through personal design and color choices.”

Peterson notes that PPG has created an engaging video and color and design trend brochure to celebrate the Color of the Year, highlighting the adventurous spirit embodied by Secret Safari. These are available at https://www.ppg.com/en-US/industrialcoatings/color/coty site.