Sherwin-Williams, working with its HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams line sold exclusively at Lowe’s, has announced Universal Khaki as the 2026 Color of the Year.
Sherwin-Williams described the 2026 Color of the Year as a warm, grounded neutral that captures the essence of life’s fundamentals, offering a calming simplicity and timeless appeal. With an understated elegance and everyday versatility, the company added, Universal Khaki encourages slowing down, resetting and designing with purpose.
A Global Trendsight Team picked Universal Khaki as an ultra-usable hue. Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, noted that Universal Khaki pairs well with gray-greenish White Snow, more tawny Cream and Sugar, buttery yellow Lemon Chiffon, powdery light red Henna Shade, brownish burgundy Dark Auburn, slatey Limestone, green-gray Garden Gate, blue-gray Tarragon, pale blue Watery SW and semi-transparent Special Walnut Minwax, which are part of the company’s 2026 Colormix Forecast.
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams has announced Honest Essentials, anchored by Universal Khaki, as its 2026 Color Collection of the Year. The collection offers off-white and stucco shades, Creamy and Neutral Ground, as well as burgundy red Cordovan and terracotta Reddened Earth as rich accents. Also included in Home Essentials are blues and greens Secret Garden, Still Water and Hazel, as well as Special Walnut and Lemon Chiffon.
“Khaki is more than just a neutral,” Wadden noted. “It’s a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space. With its warm, earthy undertones, Universal Khaki effortlessly complements a wide range of colors, creating a rich, inviting backdrop that can transform an entire design with quiet confidence.”
