Curating Warmth and Balance
How Trends and Forecasts Influence Coil and Extrusion Coatings
Color serves as a powerful design element that shapes how people interact with and experience their surroundings. Whether for building products or manufactured products, the right hue can foster a sense of feeling and emotion. At Sherwin-Williams, this understanding drives a comprehensive forecasting process that identifies colors capable of meeting both aesthetic and market demands. Each year, this process culminates in the selection of a Color of the Year to reflect emerging trends and support long-term design strategies across industries.
For 2026, Sherwin-Williams introduces Universal Khaki as the Coil Color of the Year. This warm, balanced neutral marks a significant transition in architectural color trends, offering a versatile foundation for design across residential, commercial and manufactured segments.
Forecasting a Foundational Neutral
The selection of Universal Khaki was the result of a collaborative forecasting process led by the Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Team. Each year, color experts gather to analyze macro trends, market data and consumer behavior. The goal is to identify a color that resonates across industries while remaining relevant for years to come.
Universal Khaki emerged as a response to the evolving role of neutrals in design. After years dominated by cool grays and stark contrasts, the market is shifting toward warmer tones — beiges, taupes and tans that evoke comfort and natural harmony. Universal Khaki represents this shift, offering a neutral with balanced undertones that make the hue adaptable and enduring.
Data-Driven Design Direction
The rise of warm neutrals is supported by data from the building products industry, particularly in exterior applications. Popular Sherwin-Williams colors such as Agreeable Gray, Accessible Beige and Greek Villa have shown consistent growth, indicating a clear preference for balanced, approachable hues.
Universal Khaki builds on this momentum. Its chromatic simplicity allows it to serve as a visual anchor in both traditional and contemporary designs. It complements natural materials and landscaping, making it ideal for projects that aim to integrate with their surroundings rather than stand apart.
Reflecting Industry Evolution
The selection of Universal Khaki also reflects broader industry trends. In residential architecture, high-contrast color schemes are giving way to softer, nature-inspired palettes. Designers are increasingly choosing tones that mimic the environment such as wood textures, greenery and earth tones that foster a sense of connection and calm.
This movement is echoed in conceptual architecture, where futuristic designs emphasize sustainability, community and nature. Universal Khaki aligns with these values, offering a visual representation of warmth and nurture. It supports the creation of spaces that feel lived-in, welcoming and human-centered.
Versatility Across Segments
Universal Khaki’s strength lies in its versatility. It is well-suited for a wide range of applications, including residential, light commercial and multi-family housing. In the manufactured products segment, it performs well in coatings for HVAC systems, garage doors and other everyday structures. Its neutrality allows it to pair seamlessly with other colors and finishes, supporting both bold accents and minimalist palettes.
The coil and extrusion market plays a key role in the color forecasting process. Universal Khaki was selected with input from coil experts who assessed its performance across substrates, environments and customer needs. This cross-functional collaboration ensures that the Color of the Year is not only aspirational but also practical. Universal Khaki meets the demands of the coil market, offering durability, aesthetic appeal and long-term viability.
A Color for Connection and Continuity
Universal Khaki is more than a trend: it’s a reflection of evolving design values. It bridges the gap between nature and nurture, offering a color that feels timeless, grounded and inclusive. As the industry continues to prioritize warmth, sustainability and human-centered design, Universal Khaki stands as a symbol of that direction.
Sherwin-Williams invites designers, architects and manufacturers to explore the possibilities of Universal Khaki. Whether used as a primary color or a supporting tone, it offers a foundation for creativity, connection and continuity in the build environment.
To learn more about Universal Khaki and how it can be incorporated into your next project, explore the Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion Coatings website or connect with the DesignHouse team for expert guidance.
