Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki — A Warm Neutral for Modern Homes
Every year, designers, painters, and homeowners alike look to the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year as a bellwether for what’s coming in residential and commercial spaces. For 2026, Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams have unified their selection around a single standout shade: Universal Khaki (SW 6150) — a warm, grounded neutral that strikes a balance between timeless comfort and thoughtful style. Sherwin-Williams+1
👉 Explore Universal Khaki on Sherwin-Williams’ official page:
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-of-the-year/2026 Sherwin-Williams
What Is Universal Khaki?
Universal Khaki (SW 6150) is a mid-tone neutral with soft earthy undertones — think khaki cloth, sun-warmed sand, and organic texture. It’s not beige in the flat, washed-out sense; it brings warmth without overwhelming a space. Its subtle greenish/yellow undertones lend depth and sophistication, making it a foundation color that works across design styles. reimaginehome.ai+1
According to Sherwin-Williams, Universal Khaki was chosen this year because it “captures the essence of life’s bare essentials,” celebrating simplicity, intentional design, and everyday comfort. Sherwin-Williams
Unlike the multi-shade capsule approach of previous years (like 2025), 2026 goes back to a single, signal shade — a sign that pared-down calm and utility are design priorities for the year ahead. Sherwin-Williams
The Bigger Palette: Honest Essentials & Palettes That Pair with Universal Khaki
Universal Khaki doesn’t live alone — Sherwin-Williams’ Honest Essentials 2026 Color Collection expands around it with complementary hues that elevate both interiors and exteriors. These include:
Creamy – warm off-white
Neutral Ground – soft tan
Griffin – rich earthy neutral
Cordovan – deep burgundy
Reddened Earth – terracotta-leaning accent
Still Water – serene blue-green
Secret Garden – lush moss tone
Lemon Chiffon – buttery yellow accent
Hazel – muted teal-blue Lowe's
This curated set gives you structured flexibility — a way to build cohesive color schemes without chaos. Lowe's
Interior Inspiration: Universal Khaki in the Home
Universal Khaki shines in modern interiors because it feels intentional, calming, and adaptable — perfect for minimalist spaces with natural materials.
1. Living Room — Calm & Rooted Comfort
Walls: Universal Khaki
Trim & Ceiling: Soft, warm white (like Creamy)
Accents: Deep green textiles (Secret Garden) or moody blues (Still Water)
Universal Khaki creates a backdrop that feels grounded and warm, supporting natural wood furniture, leather accents, or linen upholstery. It’s an ideal base in open-plan spaces that need cohesion without starkness. reimaginehome.ai
Design tip: Use the 60-30-10 rule — let Universal Khaki cover about 60% (walls), a richer hue or material take 30% (furniture or trim), and a pop color claim the remaining 10%. reimaginehome.ai
2. Kitchen — Soft Neutral Cabinets or Feature Walls
Neutral kitchens benefit from Universal Khaki on:
Painted lower cabinets
Feature walls
Built-ins
Paired with crisp counters and brushed metal hardware, it reads modern but warm. Against stark whites, the warmth prevents the space from feeling cold or sterile. reimaginehome.ai
Pairing idea: Universal Khaki with a lighter neutral like Creamy or Neutral Ground keeps things bright but intentional — ideal for minimalist and modern styles.
3. Bedroom — Restful Yet Refined
Bedroom walls in Universal Khaki feel calmer than cool grays yet richer than flat beige. It’s welcoming at any time of the day, and softer against wood floors or muted textiles. reimaginehome.ai
Try Lemon Chiffon accents via throw pillows or decor for just a touch of warmth where you want visual interest. Lowe's
Exterior Elegance: Universal Khaki for Curb Appeal
Universal Khaki isn’t just for interiors — it works beautifully outside too, especially when paired smartly.
1. Universal Khaki Siding + Crisp Trim
Siding: Universal Khaki
Trim: Off-white (Creamy or White Snow)
Front Door: Deep burgundy (Cordovan) or charcoal black
This combination gives a clean, modern exterior with a warm, inviting tone that’s neither too bright nor too dull. Lowe's
2. Earthy Exterior with Depth
Main Color: Universal Khaki
Accent Trim or Shutters: Griffin (deep earthy neutral)
Door: Reddened Earth (rich terracotta hint)
This palette feels connected to nature — perfect for homes with natural stone, wood finishes, or landscapes with warm greenery. Lowe's
Design Tip:
For homes with strong architectural features, contrast depth (like Griffin trim) against Universal Khaki walls to define lines without overcomplicating the look. Lowe's
Why Universal Khaki Is a Smart Choice Right Now
Across design publications and trend analysts, Universal Khaki is being lauded as a practical yet stylish neutral — one that resonates in a design culture seeking simplicity, calm, and longevity in color. Forbes
According to industry voices, the hue’s subtle earthy undertones make it versatile without feeling bland — especially when paired with natural materials like wood, stone, and crisp whites. reimaginehome.ai
The cultural context matters too: many homeowners are shifting their priorities toward intentional spaces that feel restful but purposeful. Universal Khaki, as a middle ground between stark neutrals and colorful accents, embodies that trend. Yahoo News
Practical Painting Tips for Universal Khaki
Test Before You Commit
Light can dramatically change how Universal Khaki reads in your space — it can look warmer in southern light and cooler in shaded rooms. Always check with samples on multiple walls. reimaginehome.ai
Layer With Textures
Pair Universal Khaki with:
Matte wood tones
Linen or canvas textiles
Brushed metal finishes
Textures bring out the undertones and prevent a single shade from looking flat. reimaginehome.ai
Use Sheen Strategically
Standard eggshell or satin works well for walls, while semi-gloss on trim keeps edges crisp and defined — especially when used with a complementary off-white. reimaginehome.ai
Final Thoughts
Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year — Universal Khaki (SW 6150) — isn’t just a paint shade; it’s a foundation for design. It offers warmth without heaviness, flexibility without becoming invisible, and calm without sacrificing sophistication. Sherwin-Williams
Whether you’re refreshing a living room, painting cabinets, or updating your home’s exterior, Universal Khaki provides a tranquil yet purposeful base upon which thoughtful design can thrive. With the supporting Honest Essentials palette, you have both breadth and balance — a toolkit for beautiful, intentional spaces in 2026 and beyond. Lowe's
See Universal Khaki in action
🔗 https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-of-the-year/2026
