CLEVELAND – Universal Khaki is officially the 2026 Color of the Year for Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.
“Khaki is more than just a neutral—it’s a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “With its warm, earthy undertones, Universal Khaki SW 6150 effortlessly complements a wide range of colors, creating a rich, inviting backdrop that can transform an entire design with quiet confidence.”
Wadden said the 2026 Color of the Year is a warm, grounded neutral that captures the essence of life’s bare essentials, offering a calming simplicity and timeless appeal and with its understated elegance and everyday versatility. Universal Khaki encourages slowing down, resetting and designing with purpose.
The Global Trendsight Team selected Universal Khaki SW 6150 to be an ultra-usable hue, tailored for classic sophistication. Inspired by enduring elegance and rejuvenating resilience, this year’s selection is “the essential neutral for anyone seeking a touch of sophisticated simplicity,” according to the team.
For Sherwin-Williams, the balanced shade is part of Palette No. 4, Foundational Neutrals, in Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast 2026, Anthology: Volume Two.
Wadden recommends pairing the hue with other shades from the Colormix Forecast 2026, such as White Snow SW 9541, Cream and Sugar SW 9507, Lemon Chiffon SW 6686, Henna Shade SW 6326, Dark Auburn SW 6034, Limestone SW 9599, Garden Gate SW 6167, Tarragon SW 9660, Watery SW 6478, or Special Walnut Minwax MW 224.
Anchored by Universal Khaki, the Honest Essentials collection features 10 curated hues inspired by nature that offer a variety of earthy yet bold color combinations to add warmth and authenticity to any space.
“The Honest Essentials collection is a reflection of consumer desire for clean lines, minimalist decor and a more intentional approach to design and life,” said Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager of HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. “Honest Essentials represents a new era where purpose and simplicity are the ultimate luxuries.”
The 2026 Color Collection of the Year is anchored by earthy, mid-tone tan, Universal Khaki (HGSW6150) and neutral brown Griffin (HGSW7026), which add layers of depth and warmth.
The entire HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams product line— including marquee products like Infinity, Everlast and Cabinet & Furniture paints—can be tinted to Universal Khaki and any of the hues in the 2026 Color Collection of the Year.
