Sherwin-Williams & HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Unveil Unified Color of the Year

September 29, 2025  by Karen Parrish in Casual Furniture, Industry   

This integrated approach to the Color of the Year strengthens the position of both brands individually, and the broader Sherwin-Williams portfolio as an authoritative source in color leadership.

Universal Khaki

Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki SW 6150, 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.

“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.

Honest Essentials, 2026 Color Collection of the Year

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams proudly announces Honest Essentials as its 2026 Color Collection of the Year. Anchored by Universal Khaki (HGSW6150), 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 2026 Color Collection of the Year is anchored by earthy, mid-tone tan, Universal Khaki (HGSW6150) and neutral brown Griffin (HGSW7026), 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 (HGSW7012) and Neutral Ground (HGSW7568), bringing a sense of calm and simplicity. Burgundy wine-red Cordovan (HGSW6027) and reddish terracotta Reddened Earth (HGSW6053) introduce rich, bold accents, while blues and greens, Secret Garden (HGSW6181), Still Water (HGSW6223) and Hazel (HGSW6471), provide nature-inspired balance. Honest Essentials is capped off by a soft buttery yellow, Lemon Chiffon (HGSW6686), that adds a touch of brightness and cheer.

Shop the 2026 Color of the Year

Universal Khaki SW 6150 is available at neighborhood Sherwin-Williams stores nationwide or online. Homeowners can get FREE color chip samples at sherwin-williams.com or at their Sherwin-Williams neighborhood store. Designers can connect with their Account Executive HERE, for exclusive materials and events. Designer samples can also be ordered with a PRO+ account. Learn more about Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year at http://www.swcoty.com.

The entire HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams product line— including marquee products like Infinity, Everlast and Cabinet & Furniture paints—can be tinted to Universal Khaki (HGSW6150) and any of the hues in the 2026 Color Collection of the Year exclusively at Lowe’s stores nationwide and on Lowes.com.

Photo: Front door, Cordovan (HGSW6027) Slat wall, Griffin (HGSW7026), Stucco wall, Universal Khaki (HGSW6150)