Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams have together unveiled the 2026 Color of the Year to be Universal Khaki. Warm and grounded, the neutral hue encapsulates simplicity and timeless appeal with an understated elegance and everyday versatility.
Selected by the global trendsight team, Universal Khaki SW 6150 is considered an ultra-usable hue. “Khaki is more than just a neutral—it’s a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space,” shares 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.”
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
Universal Khaki
Universal Khaki is part of Sherwin-Williams’ Palette No. 4, Foundational Neutrals, that was included in the 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.
Honest Essentials, which is anchored by Universal Khaki and neutral brown Griffin, is HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color Collection of the Year. The 10 curated hues within the collection draw from nature and include a variety of earthy yet bold combinations.
“The Honest Essentials collection is a reflection of consumer desire for clean lines, minimalist decor and a more intentional approach to design and life,” says 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 collection adds interest with interior semi-transparent stain, Special Walnut Minwax MW 224, and softness with off-white shades Creamy (HGSW7012) and Neutral Ground (HGSW7568). Wine-red Cordovan (HGSW6027) and reddish terracotta Reddened Earth (HGSW6053) offer bold accents, as blues and greens, Secret Garden (HGSW6181), Still Water (HGSW6223), and Hazel (HGSW6471), provide balance. The Honest Essentials collection is completed by a soft buttery yellow, Lemon Chiffon (HGSW6686).
