Does Sherwin Williams Color Of The Year Mean That Beige Everything Is Back?

Universal Khaki — Sherwin-Williams' 2026 Color of the Year is an ode to comfort, simplicity, and style. The earthy tone is meant to anchor a room or blend in seamlessly with other shades (think crisp white, sunlit yellow, bold terracotta, or moody blue-gray hues) to support your aesthetic preferences. It can even serve as the perfect backdrop for your quirky home decor choices, so they double as conversation starters. However, this begs the question: Is beige everything back in vogue? To find the answer to the question and get a feel for the color's fate in '26, House Digest's interior design expert weighs in.

Sharing why beige fell out of favor in the late 2000s, Erika Dale, founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, says, "Beige, tan, and the entire warm spectrum of neutrals ruled the roost in the 90s and early 2000s, but as with all trends, the pendulum swung the other direction when millennials started moving out of their parents' 'Under the Tuscan Sun'-inspired homes." Naturally, the neutral color slowly lost its fervor and was soon replaced by brighter and cleaner hues. "Craving a fresh start and a departure from the heavy yellow, orange, and green undertones that plagued their parents' homes, the younger generation gravitated toward fresh, clean, brighter cool-undertone whites and grays." That being said, things are turning around for the once-nicknamed "boring" beige (Sherwin-Williams' backing is playing a huge role here), and you may want to embrace it with open arms.

Think of the color trend cycle as a closed loop. So, what goes out comes back in — although usually not in its initial glory. Explaining how this relates to beige, Dale notes in her exclusive interview with House Digest, "Once again, the trend cycle of cool-based colors ran its course, and people are craving the warmth and depth that those starker tones lack. So beige has come back in a big way, though not in the same overbearing, heavy-handed way as before." In other words, the hue got a makeover and is no longer the bland shade you may have detested once upon a time. Highlighting how the new beige is different from its former self, she mentions, "Today's beiges have more neutral, subtle undertones for a softer, balanced approach that still feels fresh and airy but has a warmth and cozy sophistication."

Illustrating how that applies to the reinvented Universal Khaki, Dale answers, "What is interesting about Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Year for 2026 is that it is more of a tan than a beige, deeper and moodier than the beige-washed interiors as of late. However, its subtle yellow undertones with a hefty dose of green-gray 'greige' keep it from feeling too Carmela Soprano." In other words, it has escaped the boring color camp and is being classified as mid-tone neutral. This opens up new possibilities for the color and redefines how and where it should be used in our homes. For example, you can even use it to "color drench the space for a sophisticated cocoon effect that feels extremely luxe, cozy, and welcoming."

Universal Khaki is, as the name suggests, a universal hue you can use in almost any setting. For instance, you can apply it as a standalone shade to stay true to your home's minimalist decor scheme. Or, pair it with layered textures, bold design elements, and contrasting tones for a "wow" effect. Wondering which colors will fare well? Check out these 20 coordinating hues to pair with Sherwin-Williams' gorgeous Color of the Year. Opening up about her favorite places to use the color, Dale shares in her exclusive interview with House Digest, "While many will likely place this shade on the walls for a warm, enveloping effect that still feels airy and fresh, I personally love it for millwork. This shade of tan looks really beautiful as a darker accent trim with creamy white walls or as the main focal point on cabinetry for a very inviting kitchen."

Universal Khaki is also a good option if you want to make your interior's decorative elements stand out a little without them being too in your face. "I also think it makes a beautiful choice for molding walls (wainscoting, library paneling, etc.) or highlighting your home's unique architectural details (crown molding, built-ins, etc.)," says Dale. However, avoid drenching your home in this color. Dale reasons, "I do like this color on the walls, though I think it could easily get too heavy-handed when used as the main wall color throughout an entire home."