CONSUMER INFORMATION
If you’re craving a home that feels fresh, calm, and elevated, without looking stark or trendy, warm neutrals are having a major moment. One shade we’re loving for kitchens, baths, and whole-home design is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year: Universal Khaki, a grounded neutral that brings soft warmth, subtle depth, and timeless character to cabinetry and interiors.
At Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath, we’re seeing more homeowners ask for colors that feel inviting, pair beautifully with natural materials, and still look polished in both new construction and remodels. Universal Khaki checks all the boxes, especially when you’re planning custom cabinetry, selecting countertops, and building a cohesive color palette that will last.
Why Universal Khaki Works So Well in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Universal Khaki sits in that “just right” zone: not too beige, not too gray, and not too yellow. It’s a warm neutral that can read classic in traditional spaces or modern organic in contemporary interiors.
Here’s why it’s such a smart choice for kitchen and bath design:
- It softens hard surfaces like stone, tile, and metal finishes.
- It adds warmth without making a space feel heavy or dark.
- It hides everyday wear better than bright whites (hello, family life).
- It plays nicely with natural wood tones, which are huge in cabinetry right now.
- It gives custom cabinets a designer look—especially when paired with the right hardware and lighting.
If your goal is a home that feels comfortable but still high-end, Universal Khaki is a solid foundation color.
Universal Khaki + Custom Cabinetry: A Perfect Match
When homeowners think of “cabinet color,” they often go straight to white, gray, or navy. But there’s a reason designers keep coming back to warm neutrals: they’re versatile, forgiving, and they make a space feel intentional.
1) Universal Khaki as a Cabinet Color
Universal Khaki can be stunning on:
- Full kitchen cabinet sets
- Bathroom vanities
- Built-ins and mudroom storage
- Laundry room cabinetry
- Pantries and beverage centers
On cabinets, it reads as a warm, tailored neutral. Especially when paired with clean door styles and high-quality finishes.
2) Universal Khaki as a Wall Color With Statement Cabinets
Not ready to commit to khaki cabinets? Use Universal Khaki on the walls and go with:
- Painted custom cabinets in soft white or greige
- Natural oak or walnut cabinetry
- Two-tone kitchens (khaki walls + darker island cabinets)
This approach gives you that “designer calm” without sacrificing cabinet personality.
Best Countertops to Pair With Universal Khaki
Choosing a cabinet or wall color is only half the design story. The real magic happens when we pair your shade with the right countertop material, backsplash, and flooring.
Universal Khaki looks gorgeous with:
Quartz Countertops
- White quartz with soft veining (warm gray or taupe veins)
- Creamy quartz for a softer, warmer kitchen feel
- Concrete-look quartz if you want modern organic vibes
Granite Countertops
- Warm white granites with subtle movement
- Taupe and beige granites for a classic, upscale look
Marble & Marble-Look Surfaces
- Calacatta-inspired quartz (works beautifully with khaki’s warmth)
- Cream marbles for a luxurious, old-world feel
Pro tip: Universal Khaki is especially flattering with warm-toned stones. Think creamy whites, gentle taupes, and soft golds.
Hardware and Fixtures That Elevate the Look
One of the easiest ways to make a warm neutral look high-end is with the right metals. Universal Khaki is flexible enough to work with a variety of finishes, depending on your style.
Our favorite pairings:
- Brushed brass/champagne bronze for a cozy, luxury look
- Matte black for contrast and a modern edge
- Polished nickel for a clean transitional style
- Aged bronze for traditional warmth
For kitchens, this is where Universal Khaki really shines: it creates an inviting backdrop that lets your hardware, lighting, and cabinetry details take center stage.
Backsplash and Tile Ideas With Universal Khaki
Universal Khaki gives you a lot of room to play, especially with tile. Whether you love classic subway or want something more custom, here are a few winning combinations:
Classic & Timeless
- Warm white subway tile
- Cream zellige tile (adds texture and artisan character)
- Soft marble-look porcelain
Modern Organic
- Handmade-look tile in sand or cream
- Limestone-look tile
- Natural stone mosaics with warm undertones
Statement Backsplash
If you want a focal point, Universal Khaki acts like a neutral “frame” around bolder choices—like patterned tile, veined slab backsplashes, or textured ceramic.
Lighting Matters: How Universal Khaki Changes in Different Rooms
Warm neutrals can shift depending on light, and Universal Khaki is no exception. That’s not a downside—it’s part of what makes it feel “alive.”
Here’s how it typically behaves:
- North-facing rooms: may read a bit more muted/earthy
- South-facing rooms: often look warmer and brighter
- Evening light: can feel richer and cozier
- Cool LED lighting: may flatten warmth (we recommend warmer bulbs in living spaces)
At Greenbrook Design, we always recommend sampling paint alongside your cabinet finish, countertop sample, and flooring, as the surrounding materials will influence how it looks.
Design Styles That Look Amazing With Universal Khaki
Universal Khaki is a chameleon, making it ideal for homeowners who want a timeless home that won’t feel dated in 5 years.
It’s especially beautiful in:
Transitional Kitchens
Clean lines + warm neutrals = effortless, classic, and current.
Modern Farmhouse
Pair with warm wood beams, black accents, and cozy textures.
Traditional Homes
Universal Khaki complements detailed molding, classic cabinet profiles, and rich wood floors.
Modern Organic
Think: natural oak cabinets, stone counters, textured tile, and warm, calm walls.
Where to Use Universal Khaki Beyond the Kitchen
One reason we love this color for whole-home design is that it creates a sense of flow. You can carry it across rooms without everything looking “matchy.”
Try it in:
- Entryways (welcoming and polished)
- Dining rooms (warm, flattering for gatherings)
- Hallways (adds softness and depth)
- Home offices (calm, grounded, and cozy)
- Bathroom walls with a crisp white vanity and warm brass fixtures
It’s a great choice when you want your home to feel cohesive—especially during a remodel where multiple spaces connect.
Greenbrook Design Liver mush. Cleveland County is famous for its liver mush and the festival that has celebrated it for the past 30 years. Due to COVID-19, however, our community had to do some quick thinking to enjoy our yearly tradition still safely. This is how the first-ever virtual liver mush festival was born, and we at Greenbrook Design are honored to be one of the sponsors. Individuals were invited to share a video of themselves preparing their favorite way to enjoy liver mush for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at over $1,000.
Walker WoodworkingAt Greenbrook Design, we believe that a home should reflect not just your style—but your story. The Bramble House is the perfect example of how collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship can come together to create something truly exceptional.
This home is more than just beautiful—it’s smartly designed, thoughtfully furnished, and filled with functional elements that enhance everyday living.
