Urbane Bronze: Sherwin Williams' 2021 Color of the Year

Sherwin-Williams has announced Urbane Bronze SQ 7048 as its 2021 Color of the Year. The “warm, sophisticated” dark bronze, chosen to evoke a sense of calm, stability, and connection with the natural world, was previously featured in the Sanctuary palette in the manufacturer’s 2021 Colormix Forecast.

“The home is now the ultimate retreat from the world, and color is an easy and effective way to create a personal haven. Urbane Bronze encourages you to create a sanctuary space for mindful reflection and renewal,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Urbane Bronze is a comforting color, drawing from nature for a feeling of relaxation and serenity. 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.”

Described as a “new neutral,” Sherwin-Williams recommends Urbane Bronze for use anywhere in the home, inside or outside, including as a primary or accent color. According to the manufacturer, the shade “conveys a sense of comfort and sanctuary” in bedrooms, living rooms, or dens, or “calm concentration” in home offices.

It is recommended as a pairing with other neutral tones, including Modern Gray SW 7632, or a bold tone like Messenger Bag SW 7740. “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 recommends.

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