Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki in Denver

Practical Use Cases for Denver Interiors and Exteriors

Denver's West Highlands Kitchen Cabinets
DAECO Painting helped a West Highlands client warm their kitchen interiors by carefully preparing and painting custom cabinets in Universal Khaki. We ensured flawless coverage and color consistency that complemented natural morning light, creating a soft but impactful focal point for family gatherings.

Denver's Wash Park Exterior Trim
For a Wash Park bungalow, Universal Khaki trim was chosen to highlight historic architectural details. Our team applied high-quality exterior paint that resists sun fading and weather damage, ensuring the warm tan color maintained vibrancy despite Colorado's intense sunlight.

Living Rooms and Bedrooms
Universal Khaki creates calming, cozy spaces when paired with warm whites like Alabaster SW 7008 or Creamy SW 7012, ideal for Denver’s modern homes seeking timeless elegance. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Collection.​

Complementary Colors and Design Tips

Universal Khaki works beautifully with accent hues like burgundy Cordovan, earthy Reddened Earth, and muted greens such as Secret Garden. Navy or slate blues provide modern sophistication without overwhelming the calming neutral base. Warm whites on trim add softness and cohesion, avoiding harsh contrasts from cooler whites. Sherwin-Williams PR News Release.

Ready to Bring Universal Khaki to Your Denver Home?

Click here to schedule your FREE in-home color consultation with DAECO Painting today! Receive personalized color insights tailored to your home’s unique lighting, plus download our exclusive Universal Khaki Style Guide featuring pairing ideas and maintenance tips.

For Denver homeowners seeking a versatile, timeless neutral, Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki SW 6150 is a game-changer. Selected as Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year, this rooted neutral blends subtle green and yellow undertones, perfectly suited to the dynamic natural light and architectural styles found across Colorado’s Front Range. Sherwin-Williams Official 2026 Color Release.​

Why Universal Khaki Is the Color Denver Designers and Homeowners Love

Universal Khaki’s mid-tone warm tan base with nuanced undertones offers unmatched versatility. House Beautiful praises it as "a foundational neutral that feels pared back yet endlessly adaptable," reflecting a shift toward purposeful, comfort-driven living spaces in 2026 interiors. House Beautiful on Universal Khaki 2026.​

Its ability to harmonize with natural woods, stone, and textiles common in Denver homes makes it perfect for both modern and classic designs. Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams’ Director of Color Marketing, notes it adds “a sense of grounded elegance” with "subtle confidence," making it timeless and tailored. Forbes: Universal Khaki 2026 Color.​

How Universal Khaki Responds to Colorado Light

With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 40, this mid-tone neutral adapts beautifully in Denver’s bright, shifting daylight conditions. According to Sherwin-Williams’ Global Trendsight Team, it transitions from a fresh green tea glow in the morning to a golden, earthy warmth by evening, mirroring Colorado’s natural surroundings. Sherwin-Williams Color Family Page.​