HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Announces Its 2026 Color of the Year

For 2026, the color experts at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams are leaning into timeless simplicity. The brand's trending palette, aptly named Honest Essentials, features 10 earthy paint colors that are reminiscent of past eras and evoke lasting elegance.

“The Honest Essentials collection is a reflection of consumer desire for clean lines, minimalist decor and a more intentional approach to design and life,” says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. “Honest Essentials represents a new era where purpose and simplicity are the ultimate luxuries.”

Read on to get inspired by all the chic shades.

The anchor of the collection is HGTV Home by Sherwin-William's selection for Color of the Year: Universal Khaki (HGSW6150). This warm neutral embodies classic sophistication in a way that's practical and uncomplicated; it pairs with the rest of the colors in the palette with ease. Shown in this contemporary living room on the darker wall, Universal Khaki is grounding, effortless and elevated — highlighting the tenets of the Honest Essentials collection.

This selection also marks the first time forecasters at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams and Sherwin-Williams are unifying their color of the year choices — which proves how confident they are in Universal Khaki’s everyday versatility and coming influence in homes across the country.

This moody brown-meets-red paint, Cordovan (HGSW6027), is one of the deepest shades in the collection. Violet undertones make this rich hue intriguing and eye-catching, but it's neutral enough to blend with the other colors within the palette — and inside your home. For an exterior, Cordovan is an unexpected twist on a traditional red door.

Whimsical, earthy and full of cottagecore vibes: Secret Garden (HGSW6181) is everything its name implies. Bringing the outdoors inside has been trending in design for the past handful of years, and this color proves nature-inspired greens are here to stay.

"I absolutely love color, and it’s always hard for me to choose which colors from any of our collections are my favorite, but I usually gravitate toward watery greens, like Hazel (HGSW6471)," says Ashley. This slightly muted aqua adds a touch of playfulness and whimsy to the grounded palette — without straying from nature-inspired hues. It brings to mind robins' eggs, stunning sea glass and tropical shores.

Try it in an entryway for a bold and cheerful welcome, or use it in a guest bedroom like Ashley did. "Our guest room is painted Hazel and decorated with mossy green painted side tables in Secret Garden and other mossy green decor peppered throughout the room. Together, Hazel and Secret Garden create an interesting twist on coastal-chic design," she says.

Earthiness is the thread that ties all the shades of the Honest Essentials collection together in simple harmony, and Reddened Earth (HGSW6053) is no exception. This mid-tone, reddish-brown shade is reminiscent of natural red clay. It can function as a neutral in small doses or make a statement when used on the walls and ceiling. In this double-drenched bedroom, two shades of red (Cordavan and Reddened Earth) come together to envelope the space in cozy, rich warmth.

Move over, butter yellow. Light, citrus-inspired hues are stepping onto the design scene. Lemon Chiffon (HGSW6686) is a pale, warm yellow that is sure to inspire joy anywhere you use it. In this colorful kitchen, the painted yellow cabinets balance the earthy green backsplash tiles for the perfect pop of cheer.

Neutral Ground (HGSW7568) is a warm beige hue that does exactly what its name suggests: It's a versatile neutral that serves as an effortless background for any design style. Pair it with Universal Khaki on walls and trim to create a neutral room with subtle depth and dimension.

Brown burst onto the scene last year, and the inclusion of Griffin (HGSW7026) in HGTV Home by Sherwin-William's 2026 collection nods to the lasting influence of grounding browns in the home space. This dark taupe exudes warmth and vintage-inspired charm. Shown on the bookshelf in this space, Griffin creates subtle contrast with Universal Khaki walls. This combo of easy neutrals lets the stoneware accessories and lively greens stand out on the shelves.

This soft and warm off-white, Creamy (HGSW7012), is the lightest shade in the Honest Essentials palette — and it's a true essential. This understated alabaster hue (with a whisper of yellow) takes white walls from basic to inviting. And walls aren't the only way to use Creamy in your home. Doors, ceilings, cabinets, trim: This off-white paint does it all.