Tailored & Timeless: Color of the Year 2026 - Universal Khaki - Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki living room; Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams’ Trendsight Team has announced the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year for 2026: Universal Khaki SW 6150, a tailored and timeless neutral with the endless possibility of a fresh canvas. They selected this color for its beautiful balance of livability and longevity.

''Universal Khaki is unmistakably classic and at the same time forward reaching. It represents traditional values reimagined for today’s color space, breathing new life into this staple hue''.

— Maggie O’Hare Global CMF & Trend Manager, Industrial Wood Coatings

From Classic to Contemporary: Khaki trough History

“There’s something enduring about khaki — it bridges the past and the future in a way that feels both familiar and forward-thinking,” says Trendsight Team color strategist and Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden. “Historically, khaki dates back to the mid-19th century. The name comes from a Persian word meaning ‘dust’ or ‘earth,’ in reference to the color’s nature-based tone.”

Sue points out that utility clothing in an olive, gray or khaki tone has long been a practical choice of uniform colors throughout history and by the early 20th century, khaki found its way into everyday fashion, making it a popular choice in workwear, outdoor clothing and casual wear. It is now widely associated with comfort, craftsmanship and versatility.

In commercial design — such as hotels and restaurants, wellness environments and modern offices — Sue says that Universal Khaki brings a sense of stability, understated sophistication and a dose of warmth, especially in the current landscape of adaptive-reuse buildings. “It’s ideal for wall finishes, flooring and branded elements, especially when paired with matte black or brushed bronze for added depth.” 

“Across Latin America — especially in Brazil — we’re witnessing a shift in what luxury means,” says Patrícia Fecci, Color Marketing Manager of Sherwin-Williams Brazil and member of the Trendsight Team. “It’s no longer about excess. It’s about authenticity, memory and materials with soul. Universal Khaki fits perfectly into this new narrative.”

Core neutrals are fundamental to this design philosophy — timeless shades known for their longevity and reliability. “Understated and hardworking, warmer neutrals like Universal Khaki blend seamlessly with their counterparts and provide a foundation that sets the tone for an entire design,” adds Sue Wadden. This is why contemporary khakis are found in such a wide variety of settings — and why their experts see it as a color worth reaching for and reinventing again and again.

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

Coordinating Colors with Universal Khaki

Universal Khaki, its beauty lies in its versatility. Sue Wadden says she envisions countless pairings to achieve a wide range of different moods and aesthetics: “For a warm, desert-inspired softness, Universal Khaki paired with Henna Shade is a combination that feels sunbaked and serene. You can achieve a bold, dramatic look by layering it with Dark Auburn or Tarragon, introducing rich, deep tones that add depth and sophistication. If you’re leaning into a neutral maximalist approach, Universal Khaki balances with White Snow and Cream and Sugar — a clean white and a soft creamy tone that together create a subtle interplay of cool and warm.” See the color palette below. Hope this article inspires you ......... You can find additional information in the links below. For my 2nd article about Colors of the Year 2026, see this link HERE

Coordinating Colors with Universal Khaki

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Sources: Sherwin-Williams, Fashion Trendsetter and BING
Photos: courtesy of Sherwin-Williams