Universal Khaki: My Honest Take on the 2026 Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year

Every year, Sherwin-Williams announces their Color of the Year, and designers everywhere have a moment. We either love it, question it, or - like me this year - feel a little conflicted.

This year’s choice, Universal Khaki SW 6150.

And to be honest?

I’m conflicted.

It’s not that I hate it. But it’s also not a color that has ever landed on my “favorites” list. It leans a little pink for my taste, and depending on the light, that undertone can really show up. Still, I can’t ignore what’s happening in the larger design world right now: warmth is back. The gray era (finally!) seems to have packed its bags, and homeowners are craving creamy, grounded neutrals again.

So even though Universal Khaki might not be my go-to, I get why it’s having its moment.

The Color Trend We’ve Been Waiting For

After a decade of cool grays dominating every wall and backsplash, the pendulum has swung back toward warmth. Clients are asking for spaces that feel soft, lived-in, and connected to nature. Universal Khaki fits right into that narrative - it’s earthy, it’s natural, and it feels rooted.

Sherwin-Williams describes it as “a mid-tone neutral honoring the beauty of the bare essentials,” which aligns perfectly with where design is heading: simple, functional, and sustainable. Think fewer trends and more timeless materials that actually last.

The part I love most about this shift? People aren’t designing to impress anyone anymore. They’re designing to feel at home.

What I See When I Look at Universal Khaki

Now, from a designer’s eye, here’s the deal. Universal Khaki sits in that tricky space between beige and taupe. In the right light, it reads as a cozy, grounded neutral. But under certain conditions, (a little northern light anyone) it can take on a faint pink undertone.

For clients who want a warm backdrop without that rosy hue, this is where I get picky. Paint colors are like chameleons; they change depending on your flooring, your trim, even the color temperature of your bulbs. What feels like a perfect neutral in a showroom can feel very different once it’s on all four walls.

That’s why I always test samples in multiple spots around the room before committing. Universal Khaki is one of those colors that really demands that level of care.

My Tried-and-True Warm Neutrals

When clients ask for something warm but timeless, I almost always reach for one of these Sherwin-Williams classics:

• Alabaster (SW 7008): A bright white that still has warmth—it never feels cold or sterile. Perfect for trim, ceilings, or creating an airy feel.

• Creamy (SW 7012): Soft, cozy, and classic. It pairs beautifully with both warm wood tones and cool accents.

• Balanced Beige (SW 7037): Exactly what it sounds like—a beautifully balanced neutral that feels grounded without skewing too gray or too pink.

  
  

These shades have stood the test of time in my projects because they adapt so well to different styles. Whether it’s a modern farmhouse kitchen, a Northwest-inspired living room, or a clean transitional space, they just work.

Universal Khaki, on the other hand, feels like the color that might work in the right space, but you’d have to design around it with intention.

When Universal Khaki Does Work

Even though it’s not at the top of my list, I can absolutely see Universal Khaki shining in certain contexts.

If you love the organic, layered look—think plaster walls, natural stone, and woven textures—this color could be stunning. It gives a room that “collected over time” feeling and plays nicely with materials like walnut, rattan, and aged brass.

I can also see it warming up a home office or bedroom, where soft lighting and layered textiles make that pinkish undertone feel more intentional and cozy. Pair it with earthy greens or muted whites, and it leans less pink, more “sun-washed beige.”

Where I probably wouldn’t use it? In spaces with a lot of cool daylight (like north-facing rooms) or paired with grays or blues, it can start to feel a little mismatched.

Design Is Personal—And That’s the Point

Here’s the thing: color is emotional. You can read every design article and still walk into a room and think, “Hmm… it’s just not me.” That’s okay.

Universal Khaki might be the perfect neutral for someone who craves warmth and nostalgia. But if you’re drawn to brighter whites or cooler tones, you don’t have to force it just because it’s trending. The best spaces reflect the people who live in them, not the color forecast for the year.

When clients tell me they feel overwhelmed by trends, I always bring them back to one question: “How do you want your home to feel?”

Do you want calm? Energized? Cozy? Modern? That answer determines everything - from wall color to hardware finish.

Universal Khaki might speak to a desire for groundedness and authenticity. For someone else, that feeling might come from soft whites and pale woods. Either way, the goal is the same, a home that feels like you.

Pairing Inspiration: If You’re Tempted to Try It

If you’re curious to see how Universal Khaki could look in your space, here are a few pairings I’d explore:

• Trim & Ceiling: Alabaster SW 7008 and High Reflective White SW7757 – adds brightness and keeps the space from feeling heavy.

• Accent Colors: Urbane Bronze SW 7048, Rock Garden 6195, or Dark Knight SW 6287 – create contrast and sophistication.

  
  

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Love Every Trend

I’ll admit it: I’ve never used Universal Khaki in a project. Not once. And I probably won’t. 

It’s not the kind of color that jumps off the swatch and screams “pick me” and it’s a little too particular to be used as a “go-to” color in my book. As a designer, my job isn’t to love every trend—it’s to understand how to make it work for you.

So If this color makes your heart beat a little faster, let’s find a way to bring it into your home in a way that feels timeless, not trendy. And if you’re still loyal to Alabaster or Creamy (like me), that’s okay too. Because the best design decisions aren’t about what’s popular, they’re about what feels right when you walk through your front door.

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