Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams announce 2026 Color of the Year

The color experts at Sherwin Williams And HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams have joined forces to announce a uniform Color of the Year 2026: Universal Khaki.

“Universal Khaki is one of those shades that feels right at home and makes a statement in almost any room, but really shines in rooms where balance and comfort are the goal,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

The two brands also released their Color Collections of the Year.

I asked Wadden and Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, to explain more about the Color of the Year and the Color Collections of the Year—and, of course, to provide tips and photos to help readers use the luscious colors.

More about the color of the year 2026 and the color collections of the year

In choosing the Color of the Year 2026, Wadden tells me that they found inspiration in the beauty of the essence of life. “It was also important to ensure that simplicity, familiarity and comfort are at the heart of a space,” she says. Wadden explains that khaki is a practical and subdued color; however, it always feels like a whole. Experts recommend light colors when creating an office space that is stylish, comfortable, functional and suitable for a webcam.

“The choice of this color for 2026 signals a broader return to the essence of design: focusing on what is timeless and functional, without excesses,” says Wadden. “It reminds us that simplicity can be incredibly sophisticated and allows for maximum creativity to make additional pieces shine in a room.”

And she believes Universal Khaki is a color that feels reliable, approachable and timeless, while still being a versatile color. “Our Trendsight team identified this shade as the right choice for 2026 because it embodies both resilience and sophistication in equal measure. It’s a shade people can return to again and again, knowing it will always remain relevant.”

At Sherwin-Williams, Universal Khaki is part of Palette No. 4: Foundational Neutrals. It is part of the Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast 2026, Anthology: Volume Two.

Univeral Khaki is also part of the Honest Essentials Collection in the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Collection of the Year.

“The HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Collection of the Year Honest Essentials is a reflection of consumers’ desire for clean lines and minimalist decor to create a sense of simplicity and elegance,” says Banbury. She explains that consumers are taking a more conscious approach to design and their lifestyles, and the goal is to create a sense of purpose and pride in their homes.

“Design is becoming increasingly rooted in functionality and functionality, where purpose and simplicity are the ultimate luxury.” And Banbury says Honest Essentials taps into that consumer desire by drawing inspiration from nature and offering a color palette that works well with raw materials like wood and stone to bring an organic feel to the space.

Use the color of the year in your home

According to Wadden, Universal Khaki is the type of shade that can make a statement in almost any room, but she says it really comes into its own in spaces where balance and comfort are the goal.

“In a living room, it creates a warm, inviting backdrop that works just as well with bold accents as soft, layered neutrals,” says Wadden. The color works well when integrating fall interior trends.

In bedrooms, Wadden explains that the enveloping tone of the color provides a sense of calm and serenity, and pairs beautifully with cozy textures and layered bedding.

“In dining rooms it serves as a grounding force allowing statement lighting, wood tones and even colorful tableware to take center stage, while in kitchens it acts as a warm yet neutral complement to natural wood, stone and metal finishes,” says Wadden.

And if you’re looking for smaller updates to freshen your space, Wadden says Universal Khaki is a nice choice to use on cabinets and interior doors. “It can even be used as a grounding wall color that really lets your artwork and decor shine, without being overpowering,” she explains. Neutral colors are also one of Houzz’s 10 bathroom design trends.

Exploring the HGTV Home of Sherwin-Williams Color Collection of the Year 2026

Banbury explains that the 2026 Color Collection of the Year, Honest Essentials, is anchored by the brand’s earthy mid-tone Universal Khaki and neutral brown Griffin color.

Building on those layers of depth and warmth are off-white and stucco tones, such as Creamy and Neutral Ground. “These neutral colors help simplify the design process in open floor plans or a room that may be open to another,” says Banbury. “Neutral colors also provide warmth and depth as a backdrop to a space where fun pops of color are brought out through furniture, decor and art, such as a living room.”

Universal Khaki provides a backdrop to create rich, bold accents through colors such as the burgundy wine red Cordovan and the reddish terracotta Reddened Earth. “Wrapping a primary bedroom in earthy and burgundy red tones is proof that a rich red hue can create a calming and restorative effect desired for a bedroom,” says Banbury.

There are also blue and green shades (Secret Garden, Still Water and Hazel) in the Honest Essentials Collection. “These watery greens and mossy greens make a guest room feel serene and welcoming,” explains Banbury.

The Color Collection of the Year concludes with Lemon Chiffon, which Banbury describes as a butter yellow that adds a touch of brightness and cheerfulness.

“We’ve seen consumers and homeowners increasingly favor warm tones that bring a sense of elegance and sophistication to any space, with particular interest in sanded tones, calm teals and earthy reds,” says Banbury. And she expects color interests to move more in this direction in the coming years, so expect to see these shades in future Color of the Year collections.