CLEVELAND — Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams are unveiling a unified 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki. The 2026 Color of the Year is a warm, grounded neutral that offers a calming simplicity and timeless appeal, the company states. Universal Khaki encourages slowing down, resetting and designing with purpose.

Universal Khaki was selected by the Global Trendsight Team to be an ultra-usable hue, tailored for classic sophistication. Inspired by enduring elegance and rejuvenating resilience, this year's selection is the essential neutral for anyone seeking a touch of sophisticated simplicity, the company states.

"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."

For Sherwin-Williams, the balanced shade is part of Palette No. 4, Foundational Neutrals, in Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast 2026, Anthology: Volume Two – made up of today's essentials that suggest a shift from divinely delicate to a future of curated contrast and complexity. 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.

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams has also announced Honest Essentials as its 2026 Color Collection of the Year. Anchored by Universal Khaki, the collection features 10 thoughtfully curated hues that draw inspiration from nature and offer a variety of earthy yet bold color combinations to add warmth and authenticity to any space.

"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 2026 Color Collection of the Year is anchored by earthy, mid-tone tan, Universal Khaki and neutral brown Griffin, which add layers of depth and warmth along with interior semi-transparent stain, Special Walnut Minwax MW 224. A soft, neutral foundation follows with off-white and stucco shades, Creamy and Neutral Ground, bringing a sense of calm and simplicity. Burgundy wine red Cordovan and reddish terracotta Reddened Earth (HGSW6053) introduce rich, bold accents, while blues and greens, Secret Garden, Still Water and Hazel, provide nature-inspired balance. Honest Essentials is capped off by a soft buttery yellow, Lemon Chiffon that adds a touch of brightness and cheer.

Universal Khaki SW 6150 is available at neighborhood Sherwin-Williams stores nationwide or online. Homeowners can get FREE color chip samples at swsamples.com or at their Sherwin-Williams neighborhood store. 

For more information and to order free color chip samples, visit: hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com.