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As we enter the new year, some choose a specific word to guide them through the next 12 months. Others create a list of goals to help keep them accountable. Different people throw away all their sweets and vow to cut down on junk food. For Sherwin-Williams Decorating Den Interiors newest member of the Alliance, the flip of the calendar means choosing an annual hue to dominate.
Similar to Benjamin Moore and the Pantone Color Institute, Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year program introduces a specific paint color that will define and inspire trends for the coming year. Its purpose is to give you the light bulb moment that can help you make your home extra special by encouraging you to find ways to incorporate this shade into your home.
Want to know what this year’s color is? Keep reading to find out. Plus, get tips on how to use it like a pro this year.
What is the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year for 2026?
Universal Khaki is Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year for 2026, chosen by the company’s color experts for its “beautiful balance of sustainability and longevity.” It’s not just a traditional neutral shade. It is forward-thinking and easy to adopt into any type of home interior design, making it a dynamic shade to use in your space.
Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing and Trendsight Team Leader at Sherwin-Williams, added: “Universal Khaki is the laid-back neutral that makes any room feel unified. It’s a warm, earthy tone that pairs well with natural finishes, clean whites or bold colors.”
While neutrals are evolving, they are ever-present in the design world, making this hue both modern and timeless. Universal Khaki is a win-win for people choosing a new color for their rooms because it’s a warm, adaptable shade that still works alongside cool tones, ensuring it supports a wide range of aesthetics.
Why Sherwin-Williams Chose Universal Khaki for 2026: What Makes It Different?
After years of stark, gray interiors, the company wanted to take a bold step in a warmer, more flexible direction. The market is turning to bright, welcoming tones like beige, taupe and tan that feel nostalgic and take us back to a time when things were simpler. Universal Khaki focuses on the comfortable and organic design that people crave.
Comfort and stability
In 2026, people have started to move away from cookie-cutter ultra-modern spaces and instead have moved towards design that reminds them of times and places from their past that they love. This could include choosing serving plates and dining room centerpieces that remind you of your grandparents’ house. Or, maybe you’re looking for a wall color that gives you the same warm feeling as your best friend’s house growing up. Universal Khaki builds on these feelings, offering a comfortable, evocative hue.
Sustainability and Design Inspired by Nature
Biophilic nature-focused looks are all the rage right now, bringing the great outdoors through color, form and texture. Being an earth shade, this star hue draws inspiration from organic design, offering a color that highlights Mother Nature while still feeling elegant.
Add a pop of color for a fun look to this neutral look.Flexible Living Spaces
Whether you like to change your furniture and wall decor regularly or just want a color that will stand the test of time and stay stylish through it all, Universal Khaki brings flexibility to your living spaces. It is a very sustainable color, making it easy to integrate into any interior design style or room function. Bring warmth to your kitchen or create a sanctuary in your bedroom with this calming shade — no use case is overdone or inappropriate.
Using the color of the year in your home: Decorate like a pro
How do experts use Universal Khaki? Interior decorators are getting creative with this fun hue, experimenting with whole-room color tones, layered neutral palettes, and using it as a backdrop for bold textures or printed furniture.
Here’s a room-by-room breakdown of ideas:
Lounges: Warm, inviting settings
Paint your living room with Universal Khaki as a base color before introducing other dark tones such as deep browns and reddish earth tones. This creates an extremely comfortable space that is sophisticated yet welcoming.
Bedrooms: Peaceful, Peaceful surroundings
Install a calm, printed wallpaper with a beige background. Then paint the trim, door and roof Universal Khaki. This creates a serene look while still being visually interesting. Decorate the bed with comforters, pillows and throws in crisp whites and other light neutrals.
Kitchens and dining areas: Subtle sophistication
Your kitchen and dining area is meant for hosting and gathering with friends and family, which means it’s best to keep it light and airy. Paint your cabinetry Universal Khaki, as well as an accent wall in your dining room to tie the two spaces together. Keep the other colors in the space pastel and light, with one bold color to pique people’s interest.
Home offices: Neutral focus without sterility
Your productive workspace should be free of distractions, allowing you to focus on your work. Create a monochromatic design, putting Universal Khaki in the center of attention. The result is a peaceful area that feels full of life.
Choosing the perfect color palette
When deciding on your color palette, you have every color under the sun at your disposal, which can be a little overwhelming. We’ve rounded up a few colors to narrow your focus. Some Sherwin-Williams shades that pair well with sunny shades include:
- White snow.
- Cream and Sugar.
- Lemon chiffon.
- Henna shade.
- Dark Auburn.
- Limestone.
- Garden gate.
- Estragon.
- Aqueous.
Want more information? Here are some other shades that can look great paired with Universal Khaki:
- Soft whites and creams.
- Hot tapas and coffee.
- Muted green and clay shades.
Ready, set, paint!
With its warm, earth tone and classic finish, Universal Khaki suits all home styles. Its balanced shade is easily combined with a wide range of colors, making it adaptable to casual, professional and high-end looks.
If you’re looking for a color that will elevate your home without forcing you to change its aesthetic, this is the one. Additionally, Sherwin-Williams is a tried and true paint brand that consistently delivers paint quality and finish, which is why we are so proud to partner with this innovative company in Decorating Den Interior spaces.
Hoping to upgrade your home this year but don’t know where to start? Maybe all you need is a fresh coat of paint, or maybe you want to give your space a little more extensive TLC. Either way, ours professional decorators they are here to help.
Connect with our team today for a free consultation! Enter your zip code to find a Decorating Den Interior decorator near you, and create your dream home with timeless style.
