Naturally Beautiful

Sherwin-Williams’ 2021 Color of the Year offers versatility and mass appeal

By Colleen Crowley

In a bathroom, it creates a spa-like atmosphere. Used in a bedroom, it brings about a meditative energy, a sigh of relief. On the walls of a living room, both sleek, modern lines and timelessly classic design are complemented in equal measure.

Urbane Bronze, Sherwin-Williams’ 2021 Color of the Year, is a rich earth tone whose universality and functionality makes it a natural choice for new construction and design in the coming year.

Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams’ director of color marketing, noted that the company has seen a shift toward warmer, more welcoming hues in the home. “Urbane Bronze … is a tone with so much richness and depth that it inspires a sense of sanctuary no matter the space, and we see the color resonating with people from bedrooms to kitchens,” says Wadden.

Lauren Brown, an interior designer with Wilmington-based design firm Big Sky Design, says the color “takes you back to a place of simplicity and calm … it gives you a feeling that you want to go meditate and think about the things in life that matter to you.”

In what has been a chaotic year, incorporating the shade in the home can offer respite and new design opportunities.

“A fresh way to use the hue is to paint all four walls and be a little adventurous by also painting the ceiling to create a cocoon-like atmosphere that sets a meditative tone,” says Wadden. If you make that choice, consider incorporating lighter window treatments, area rugs, or throw pillows to soften the look.

Brown says that using it on an accent wall or the kitchen cabinets can still achieve that on-trend look if you’re not one to take the plunge and completely wrap yourself in color. The color is particularly beautiful when used as a backdrop to showcase pottery and larger pieces of artwork.

Brown recommends pairing the shade with organic materials like natural stone, wood, marble, or even travertine. Brass and complementary rust tones enhance Urbane Bronze’s roots in the living world.

“It doesn’t matter your age with this color,” says Brown. “It’s so versatile that you can incorporate it with a cleaner, contemporary look … I can also see it with the beautiful wood tones used in traditional furniture elements.

“Don’t be afraid to go out of the safe zone and use this color. It pairs so well with so many other colors that it would most likely surprise you how well it works with your existing color scheme.”