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Universal Khaki: 2026 Color of the Year

Sherwin-Williams, a renowned leader in paint and coatings, in collaboration with HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, has officially announced Universal Khaki as the Color of the Year for 2026. This choice embodies a return to nature and the essentials, featuring a warm, neutral tone designed to create inviting and restorative spaces.

The Essence of Universal Khaki

Universal Khaki (SW 6150) is characterized by its earthy undertones characterized by warmth and grounding presence. This color reflects a deep sense of simplicity and sophistication, making it an ultra-usable stroke for interior design projects. While it emphasizes the importance of a well-curated environment, it also tends to instigate a sense of tranquility, encouraging homeowners to slow down and appreciate the details in their lives.

Sue Wadden, the Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, comments on the significance of this shade, stating, "Khaki is more than just a neutral; it is a timeless, go-anywhere hue that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space." With its versatile nature, Universal Khaki serves as a perfect foundation that can enhance any color palette, allowing for creative design choices that reflect personal style.

The Color's Strategic Placement

As part of Sherwin-Williams' Colormix® Forecast for 2026, Universal Khaki falls within Palette No. 4, labeled Foundational Neutrals. This trend suggests a shift towards more intricate contrasts in design, indicating a move away from delicacy towards complexity and curated contrasts. This transformative palette serves as an essential resource for designers who seek to convey elegance and simplicity in their projects.

Wadden recommends pairing Universal Khaki with various complementary shades for maximum effect. Colors such as White Snow (SW 9541), Lemon Chiffon (SW 6686), and Henna Shade (SW 6326) can create an inspiring atmosphere that feels both fresh and timeless.

HGTV's Color Collection of the Year

Alongside Universal Khaki, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams introduces its dedicated Color Collection of the Year, named Honest Essentials. This collection is designed with mindful living in mind, emphasizing clean lines and intentional design choices that resonate with the contemporary homeowner's aspirations. In addition to Universal Khaki, this collection features complementary tones that draw inspiration from nature to enhance home interiors.

Ashley Banbury, the color marketing manager for HGTV Home, explains the motivation behind this collection. She says, "Honest Essentials represents a new era where purpose and simplicity are the ultimate luxuries." This philosophy underscores the modern consumer's desire for earthy yet bold hues that evoke comfort and authenticity.

The collection not only includes Universal Khaki but also features other engaging colors like Griffin (HGSW7026), a neutral brown, along with rich accent colors such as Cordovan (HGSW6027) and Reddened Earth (HGSW6053). These shades allow for creative expressions while maintaining a grounding effect that ties designs together elegantly.

Availability and Support for Designers

Sherwin-Williams has made Universal Khaki SW 6150 readily available at its stores across the country. Homeowners looking to experiment with this advised color palette can secure FREE color chip samples through their local Sherwin-Williams store or online. Design professionals can access exclusive resources and samples directly from their Account Executive for enhanced project support.

Both Universal Khaki and the Honest Essentials Color Collection by HGTV Home reflect a rising trend towards minimalism in home decoration and renovation, as consumers seek to create spaces that resonate with their values of simplicity, comfort, and authenticity.

With its grounding nature and elegant tones, Universal Khaki promises to transform interior spaces in the years to come, reaffirming Sherwin-Williams as an influential presence in the realm of color leadership.

In summary, Universal Khaki encapsulates a vision for the future of interior design grounded in earthy elegance. This color invites individuals to celebrate the beauty of simplicity while appreciating the richness of thoughtfully selected shades in their environments.

Discover More

To learn more about the 2026 Color of the Year and view additional products, visit Sherwin-Williams' official website or HGTV Home's product line at Lowe's both online and at local stores.