Cleveland, Ohio—Sherwin-Williams named its 2021 Color of the Year: Urbane Bronze. A warm, sophisticated bronze, the color is a rich anchor that grounds the mind in calm and stability with its ties to the natural world, the company said.
“The home is now the ultimate retreat from the world, and color is an easy and effective way to create a personal haven,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Urbane Bronze encourages you to create a sanctuary space for mindful reflection and renewal.”
According to the company, the “stay at home” mantra has directed where we go and what we do in 2020, but it will also influence interior design trends for 2021 and beyond. The color is part of the Sanctuary palette in Sherwin-Williams 2021 Colormix Forecast, which predicts a need for balance in design for the year ahead. The new decade ushered in a return to rich, bold colors, stepping away from the cool neutrals of the 2010s in an effort to bring more personality into design.
“Urbane Bronze is a comforting color, drawing from nature for a feeling of relaxation and serenity,” Wadden explained. “There’s also reassurance in its sentimentality, with nostalgic ties to the design of the ‘70s and ‘90s, but with gray undertones that give it a distinctly modern twist.”
Creating sanctuary at home
Bold and understated at the same time, Urbane Bronze is the new neutral that can be used anywhere in the home, inside or out. Whether used as a primary or accent color, Urbane Bronze has an anchoring quality that conveys a sense of comfort and sanctuary in bedrooms, living rooms and dens or calm concentration in home offices.
“Complement the simplicity of Urbane Bronze with natural materials—like wood finishes, organic stone accents or woven textiles—and a variety of mixed metals to create a serene space grounded in nature,” Wadden recommended.
For an updated take on minimalism, pair Urbane Bronze with other warm neutrals, the company said. To bring in more color and a hint of the bold pairings of the ‘70s, add a modern green. A monochromatic look with Urbane Bronze on all four walls and trim creates a soothing site for working from home.
Nature-inspired commercial properties
For designers and other professionals, biophilic design will continue to play an important role in commercial spaces. Rooted in nature, Urbane Bronze is an ideal accent color that grounds a space through organic appeal, the company said.
“Urbane Bronze is just one more way to bring in nature through design and is a great color to accentuate window trim, columns and accent walls in commercial spaces,” Wadden said. “It works well with other elements of biophilic design, including large, light-filled spaces and indoor greenery.”