Interior Design Guide: How to Use Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year in Your Home

Written By Chris Walstra

Why Universal Khaki Works for Interiors

Universal Khaki sits in a rare sweet spot:

  • Warmer than most modern greiges

  • Softer than traditional beige

  • Neutral without feeling flat

Its subtle khaki undertones create warmth while staying adaptable across styles — from modern minimalist to transitional and organic contemporary.

Sherwin-Williams describes the color as part of a broader 2026 theme focused on “honest essentials” — colors that feel natural, grounded, and timeless rather than decorative or trend-driven.

This makes Universal Khaki an excellent choice for:

  • Whole-home palettes

  • Open-concept interiors

  • Long-term renovations

  • Homes where resale value matters

Primary Interior Color Strategy

Use Universal Khaki as the Anchor, Not the Accent

Universal Khaki performs best when used as a primary wall color, rather than an accent. It creates continuity between rooms and allows other design elements to stand out naturally.

Recommended applications:

  • Living room walls

  • Hallways and transitional spaces

  • Bedrooms

  • Open kitchen-living layouts

Avoid using it only on a single accent wall — it shines most when it wraps a space.

Recommended Interior Color Pairings (2026 Palette)

Universal Khaki pairs beautifully with colors from Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 supporting collections, particularly warm whites, muted earth tones, and soft organic accents.

1. Universal Khaki + Soft White (Modern Minimalist Base)

Best pairing:

  • Walls: Universal Khaki (SW 6150)

  • Trim / Ceilings: Creamy or White Snow

This combination creates a clean, modern interior that still feels warm and inviting. The white sharpens edges and architectural details, while Universal Khaki keeps the space from feeling sterile.

Best rooms for this pairing:

  • Living rooms

  • Open-concept main floors

  • Hallways

2. Universal Khaki + Natural Wood Tones

Universal Khaki was clearly designed to complement natural materials. When paired with light or medium wood finishes, it creates an effortless, high-end look.

Works exceptionally well with:

  • White oak

  • Maple

  • Walnut accents

Use wood in:

  • Flooring

  • Furniture

  • Ceiling beams

  • Shelving

This pairing leans into the modern organic aesthetic that continues to dominate interior design.

3. Universal Khaki + Deep Accent Colors (Controlled Contrast)

To prevent the palette from feeling too soft, introduce one deeper supporting color.

Strong options:

  • Secret Garden (mossy green)

  • Still Water (muted blue-green)

  • Griffin (deep warm brown)

Use these deeper tones selectively:

  • Built-ins

  • Kitchen islands

  • Fireplace surrounds

  • Feature walls in offices or dens

The key is restraint — Universal Khaki should remain the dominant presence.

Room-by-Room Interior Recommendations

Living Room

  • Walls: Universal Khaki

  • Trim: Soft white

  • Furniture: Neutral upholstery, wood frames

  • Accents: Green or muted blue textiles

The result is a calm, layered space that feels intentional without being overly styled.

Bedroom

Universal Khaki is particularly effective in bedrooms due to its warmth and softness.

Recommended approach:

  • Walls: Universal Khaki

  • Bedding: Light neutrals, linen textures

  • Accents: Minimal — think wood nightstands or soft clay ceramics

This creates a restful environment that doesn’t feel cold or overly dark.

Kitchen

Universal Khaki works best in kitchens when used selectively.

Effective applications:

  • Lower cabinets

  • Pantry walls

  • Adjacent living areas in open plans

Pair with:

  • White uppers

  • Warm metal hardware (brushed brass, champagne bronze)

  • Stone or quartz counters

This approach keeps kitchens bright while introducing warmth and depth.

Home Office / Study

For focused spaces, Universal Khaki can be paired with a deeper supporting tone.

Example:

  • Walls: Universal Khaki

  • Built-ins or accent wall: Griffin or Still Water

This adds visual weight without overwhelming the room.

Sheen Recommendations (Often Overlooked, Always Important)

To get the best performance from Universal Khaki:

  • Walls: Eggshell or matte

  • Trim: Satin or semi-gloss

  • Doors: Satin for durability

Avoid high gloss on walls — the color is meant to feel soft and natural.

Lighting Considerations

Universal Khaki reacts strongly to lighting conditions.

  • In north-facing rooms, it reads slightly cooler and more neutral

  • In south-facing rooms, its warmth becomes more noticeable

Always test samples on multiple walls before committing.

👉 Order samples directly from Sherwin-Williams:
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-of-the-year/2026

What to Avoid

To get the most out of Universal Khaki, avoid:

  • Pairing it with cool, blue-gray whites

  • Overusing bold accent colors

  • Mixing too many competing neutrals

This color thrives in simple, controlled palettes.

Why This Color Works Long-Term

Universal Khaki is a smart interior choice because:

  • It won’t feel dated in five years

  • It works across multiple rooms

  • It adapts to changing furniture and decor

  • It appeals to a wide range of buyers

From a design and resale standpoint, it’s a safe but elevated decision.

Final Thoughts

Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki (SW 6150), is a reminder that strong interior design doesn’t require bold statements — it requires balance, intention, and restraint.

Used thoughtfully, Universal Khaki creates interiors that feel:

  • Warm but modern

  • Calm but not boring

  • Minimal but not cold

It’s a foundation color in the best sense of the word — one that supports good design rather than competing with it.

Chris Walstra
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Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki — A Warm Neutral for Modern Homes