Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year Is the Perfect “Ultra-Usable” Neutral

Earlier today, Sherwin-Williams announced its Color of the Year (COTY) for 2026 — and for the very first time, they teamed up with HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams to unveil this year’s hue together. 

Their choice? Universal Khaki: a warm, “ultra-usable” beige color that makes a statement, but still goes with everything. It’s the perfect union between a classic neutral and the bright, trendy tones we’re seeing everywhere lately. And I, for one, am thrilled to finally find a color that embodies the best of both worlds. 

Over the last few years, we’ve seen dramatic shifts in popular paint colors. The bright colors of the ‘90s and early 2000s swung quickly to “millennial gray” and “sad beige,” which are now giving way to dramatic jewel tones and patterns. But there will always be a place and a need for neutrals — which is exactly why I love this year’s pick from Sherwin-Williams. 

Universal Khaki couldn’t be further from a “sad beige” for me. The hue brings to mind a delicious vanilla latte, or warm sandy beaches. In a press release, Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, describes the shade as “more than just a neutral — it’s a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space.” It’s bold enough to stand on its own, and subtle enough to be a perfect complement to those rich jewel tones. 

In addition to being named their Color of the Year, Universal Khaki is also a part of the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Collection of the Year. The “Honest Essentials” collection features nine additional nature-inspired shades, designed to create bold combinations and add a touch of earthy warmth to your space. 

Honest Essentials includes lighter, classically calming tones like Neutral Ground (HGSW7568) and Lemon Chiffon (HGSW6686) (a beautiful and very on-trend butter yellow hue), as well as some of those rich, darker jewel-toned colors. Dark red Cordovan (HGSW6027) and pinkish terracotta shade Reddened Earth (HGSW6053) add a powerful pop of warmth, while cooler hues Secret Garden (HGSW6181), Hazel (HGSW6471), and Still Water (HGSW6223) feel refined and modern. 

The collection even includes Minwax’s Special Walnut stain, which just so happens to be the color used on my own white oak floors. I love the rich, medium, neutral tone — and it really does go with everything.

Overall, the brand hopes their Honest Essentials Collection will strike a chord with those of us striving to make our homes feel like a private oasis amidst the chaos of everyday life in 2026. “The 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, according to a press release. “[It] represents a new era where purpose and simplicity are the ultimate luxuries.”