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HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams has named Honest Essentials its 2026 Color Collection of the Year and Universal Khaki HGSW6150 its 2026 Color of the Year. The company did not publish a ranked “top three” or evidence that any colors will dominate the entire paint market. The three shades below are a practical editorial selection from the ten-color collection: one anchor neutral, one deep accent, and one light accent.
The three colors to watch
| Color | Code | Why it stands out | Best starting role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Khaki | HGSW6150 | The official 2026 Color of the Year and the collection’s warm, grounded anchor. | Whole-room neutral, connected spaces, cabinetry or trim |
| Cordovan | HGSW6027 | A burgundy wine red that supplies the palette’s deeper, moodier contrast. | Front door, feature wall, dining room or built-in accent |
| Lemon Chiffon | HGSW6686 | A soft buttery yellow that brings lightness without the intensity of a vivid primary yellow. | Kitchen, breakfast area, entry, ceiling or small accent |
This trio is not an HGTV Home ranking. It is selected to show how the collection moves from a versatile base to a dramatic dark and then to a brighter counterpoint.
#1 Best Overall
1. Universal Khaki HGSW6150: the palette anchor
Universal Khaki is the most consequential choice because it carries the formal Color of the Year designation. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams describes it as a warm, grounded neutral and connects it with a move toward sandy shades. Its visual weight makes it more substantial than a cool gray while remaining easier to use broadly than a saturated color.
Where it can work
- Living rooms and hallways that need a continuous, enveloping neutral.
- Bedrooms where a warmer backdrop suits wood, linen and woven textures.
- Cabinetry or furniture when a soft earth tone is preferable to stark white.
Because “khaki” can read differently under daylight, warm LEDs and north-facing light, test it on a physical chip or painted board beside your flooring, counters and trim. A color that looks balanced in the store can appear notably warmer or darker against existing finishes.
Rank #2
- Prestige Paints has created a comparable color based on color specifications of the original color using industry leading technology.
- This Sherwin Williams paint color name is a trademark of Sherwin Williams. Prestige Paints is not associated or affiliated with Sherwin Williams in any way.
- High hiding formula for excellent coverage with smooth application
- 100% Acrylic latex paint for easy soap and water clean-up
- Low VOC: less than 50 gms/L 0.42 lbs/gal. prior to tinting
2. Cordovan HGSW6027: the moody red accent
Cordovan is presented as a burgundy wine red. HGTV’s editorial coverage identifies it as one of the collection’s moody hues and suggests a front-door application. Used selectively, it adds depth to Universal Khaki without requiring an entire room to become dark.
Good uses for Cordovan
- A front door or porch detail where a concentrated dose of color has strong impact.
- A dining room, library or powder room that benefits from a more intimate atmosphere.
- An island, built-in, interior door or single feature wall surrounded by quieter neutrals.
Red’s apparent intensity changes quickly with sheen and lighting. Compare a large sample at different times of day, and check it against the undertones in nearby stone, brick or wood before ordering enough paint for a large surface.
Rank #3
- Prestige Paints has created a comparable color based on color specifications of the original color using industry leading technology.
- This Sherwin Williams paint color name is a trademark of Sherwin Williams. Prestige Paints is not associated or affiliated with Sherwin Williams in any way.
- High hiding formula for excellent coverage with smooth application
- 100% Acrylic latex paint for easy soap and water clean-up
- Low VOC: less than 50 gms/L 0.42 lbs/gal. prior to tinting
3. Lemon Chiffon HGSW6686: the soft brightener
Lemon Chiffon is the collection’s soft buttery yellow option. It offers a lighter, sunnier direction than the neutral and red, but its muted description makes it more adaptable than a sharp lemon yellow.
Where a pale yellow earns its place
- Kitchens and breakfast spaces that receive useful morning light.
- Entryways or small rooms where a gentle lift is preferable to stark white.
- Ceilings, alcoves or furniture accents when a full yellow room would be too much.
Pair it with clean whites only after testing: a creamy surrounding finish may make the yellow look richer, while a blue-leaning white can increase its apparent warmth.
Rank #4
- Prestige Paints has created a comparable color based on color specifications of the original color using industry leading technology.
- This Sherwin Williams paint color name is a trademark of Sherwin Williams. Prestige Paints is not associated or affiliated with Sherwin Williams in any way.
- Weather Resistant, Fade Resistant, Stain Resistant, Washable
- High Hiding Formula for Excellent Coverage with Smooth Application
- Low VOC: less than 50 gms/L 0.42 lbs/gal. prior to tinting
What Honest Essentials actually includes
The official collection contains ten shades arranged in design stories such as “Neutrals and Nature” and “Blurring the Lines,” not a ranked forecast. The complete list is:
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| Color | Code |
|---|---|
| Neutral Ground | HGSW7568 |
| Cordovan | HGSW6027 |
| Lemon Chiffon | HGSW6686 |
| Creamy | HGSW7012 |
| Universal Khaki | HGSW6150 |
| Griffin | HGSW7026 |
| Reddened Earth | HGSW6053 |
| Still Water | HGSW6223 |
| Hazel | HGSW6471 |
| Secret Garden | HGSW6181 |
How to choose among the three
- Decide the room’s job. Start with Universal Khaki for a background, Cordovan for concentrated drama, or Lemon Chiffon for a gentle lift.
- Compare undertones. Hold each sample beside permanent materials, including flooring, counters, tile, upholstery and metal finishes.
- Judge visual weight. Dark Cordovan can make a surface feel closer; the lighter Lemon Chiffon generally feels more open. Universal Khaki sits between those effects.
- Watch the color in real light. Leave samples up from morning through evening and under the bulbs used after dark.
- Buy only after a sample check. HGTV Home says free color-chip samples are available through swsamples.com or a neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store.
Paint availability and product lines
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams says its Infinity, Everlast, and Cabinet & Furniture paints can be tinted to Universal Khaki and the collection colors. The brand identifies Lowe’s stores and Lowes.com as the exclusive retail channel for this HGTV Home product line. Availability and local stock can change, so confirm the current listing before making a trip or planning a project.
Best Value
- Prestige Paints has created a comparable color based on color specifications of the original color using industry leading technology.
- This Sherwin Williams paint color name is a trademark of Sherwin Williams. Prestige Paints is not associated or affiliated with Sherwin Williams in any way.
- High hiding formula for excellent coverage with smooth application
- 100% Acrylic latex paint for easy soap and water clean-up
- Low VOC: less than 50 gms/L 0.42 lbs/gal. prior to tinting
What “dominate 2026” can—and cannot—mean
The announcement supports a statement about HGTV Home’s own annual color program and its design rationale: the palette is intended to feel earthy yet bold, warm and authentic, with browns, off-whites, burgundy, terracotta, blues, greens and buttery yellow. It does not establish a market-wide sales trend, consumer percentage or independent forecast proving that these shades will be the most popular in 2026.
Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager of HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, says, “The Honest Essentials collection is a reflection of consumer desire for clean lines, minimalist decor and a more intentional approach to design and life. Honest Essentials represents a new era where purpose and simplicity are the ultimate luxuries.” That is the brand’s positioning, not independent consumer research.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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