It’s that time again. Late September and early October is when Pantone and the major paint companies will release their colour choices for the coming year. I’ve featured two colours of the year 2026 brings us. I find it fascinating to compare them to see if they choose something similar to each other or something completely different. Will we see rich colour recommendations or calming neutrals?

How To Make Smart Decor Choices

Choosing lasting and timeless finishes mixed with pops of fun and colour is my decor style. We’re still being strongly influenced by eco-conscious choices of nature inspired colours, textures and styles that remind us of the earth’s natural resources.

Colour of The Year 2026 Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams just released their colour of the year a few days ago and being an in-store decorator for the Peterborough Ontario store in the past, I have a strong association with their colours. Sue Walden, Sherwin Williams Director of Colour Marketing, works hard with their trend sight team to predict what’s coming, and brings a wealth of experience and information about colour to us all year long.

Universal Khaki Sherwin Williams SW6150 - shown here in a flat finish

Derived from the Persian word meaning “dust” or “earth”, Sherwin gives us SW6150 Universal Khaki for their 2026 Colour of The Year. It’s a classic mid-tone colour that is full of possibilities for a warm neutral palette. I call it a classic because it would look stunning paired with white which is a timeless look. It would work equally well in both residential and commercial settings.

Doesn’t the word Khaki instantly make you think of work clothes in shades of this yellow undertone tan colour? Sometimes also seen in gray or olive green in the fashion world, it’s kind of comforting and might even have a connotation with craftsmanship and creativity.

We will likely see this colour in the marketplace as well as in our decor schemes. Watch for it in tools, both indoor and outdoor furniture, roofing and siding, light fixtures and appliances.

Sherwin does not limit this colour to a neutral palette, however. They’re also suggesting it as a lovely backdrop colour when using a more vivid, colourful palette. I wonder if this might become one of the colours we reach for regularly, considering it’s versatility.

universal khaki with rich, vivid colours

Here’s what Sue Walden has to say, “Universal Khaki supports a design language that’s eco-conscious without being overtly rustic, pairing effortlessly with both ends of the spectrum to anchor a space or blend into a more expressive palette.”

Essentialism In Design

This is a new-to-me terminology that describes an important design approach that is all about quality verses quantity, focuses on decluttered and reduced spaces that speak of simplicity - not as extreme as minimalism - and reminds us to keep and repurpose what we can or what we find particularly meaningful.

Using less, getting rid of what’s not really necessary, this design approach lends itself to a movement that features a little more luxury in a quiet, understated way. One article I researched mentioned that luxury looks different for everyone. It’s not to say that a tighter budget can’t have the privilege of luxury too. Excellent point.

How To Use Universal Khaki

As a foundation with layered tones
With bold patterns and mixed finishes
With European influenced raw materials
Use with concrete and mixed metals
Build textures into your design
Create it in a palette using other warm tones

I think this colour would be perfect in a living room or open concept space or in a home office. A good choice for kitchen cabinets, too. Maybe in a powder room with accents of gold and black. It might be a bit intense as a whole home colour.

Check Your Undertones

As always, be sure to check that the undertones of this beautiful Colour of The Year 2026 from Sherwin Williams will work in your particular space. The whole project can go very wrong when you don’t get the paint colour right. Need help choosing your paint colours? Contact me.

Universal Khaki

A beautiful Tan with yellow undertones that lean a little to yellow-green. On your walls you’ll see a touch of the green tone and not so much of the yellow.
Falls into the Greige category because it picks up that green undertone, being a bit more muted.
LRV 40 medium-depth on the lighter end of the range

A Quick Word About Colour of The Year 2026 - Behr

Described as a paint colour that “exudes quiet confidence” it brings a sense of gentleness while being captivating at the same time. Behr’s Hidden Gem is a stunning colour in my opinion. I’m very excited by this one!