*This post is in partnership with Sherwin-Williams. I am a Sherwin-Williams brand ambassador and received payment for this project. All thoughts, opinions, and work is courtesy yours truly.*
Hi Everyone!
Friends, its one my favorite times of the year…and no I’m not talkin about Fall or Christmas! I’m talkin Color Of The Year season! As a designer, design enthusiast, and creative, Color Of The Year season is like my fantasy football. I love getting together with other design lovers trying to guess and predict which colors are going to be “big” for the upcoming year. After the unprecedented year we’ve had in 2020, next year feels even more essential than ever that we see something special. This is the 11th year Sherwin-Williams has named an official Color of the Year and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
When I first saw it was the color pick I was completely shocked! I wasn’t thinking brown or gray AT ALL, but it genuinely is such a versatile color and it works so beautifully with ANY style. It’s my kind of neutral for sure, and as someone who really really loves moody interiors it’s the perfect gateway color to get folks outside of their comfort zone a bit. It’s warm and earthy and it’s a fantastic alternative to the more commonly used black or charcoal or navy.
The Sherwin-Williams global color forecasting team research and identify cultural trends that influence the way the world interacts with color. The theme of this year’s color is all about creating sanctuary spaces within our homes. One major realization homeowners had in response to COVID-19 is the importance of creating a home that provides stability and warmth. Urbane Bronze is a rich, dark brown with gray undertones that acts as an anchor – it’s a color that evokes a feeling of being grounded, safe and secure. This is an ultra-sophisticated hue that’s extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces as a neutral or bold accent. It’s a beautiful muted moody color and as such I’m completely OBSESSED with it!
When thinking about what space I wanted to use this color in I knew immediately where I would bring it to life: in my little sister’s new house. After 20 years of living on opposite coasts and being separated by both my military service, and hers, my little sister and I are finally living close to one another again! This summer she relocated from TX and actually purchased a home in my neighborhood about two blocks from me. I’m so so elated to have her so close, and to be so close to my niece and nephews for the first time in their lives. She purchased a 1950’s ranch style house that was a flip property so it’s VERY neutral and lacking in personality and style direction. When my sister purchased her home she asked me If I would help her design it and I’m so honored to get to help her turn this flip house into a special home for her and her children.
I wanted to start things off by giving her a bedroom makeover fit for the amazingly wonderful unicorn of a person she is. Andrea is not only a Captain in the Air Force, she’s also a registered ICU nurse and works every day putting others first. She’s been on the front lines caring for COVID-positive patients and I’m so incredibly proud of her. I wanted to give her a space that felt calm, restorative, and special for her to come home and relax in. Urbane Bronze is the PERFECT foundation for making that a reality.
Her room is quite large and has big windows, access to a back patio, a functioning brick wood burning fireplace, a space for a seating/lounge area and French doors at the entrance. Because she just moved here there was a hodge-podge of furniture she brought with her and some I let her borrow while we came up with a design plan for the space. This space had so much potential to be amazing and the first thing that had to go were the white walls.
I decided to use Emerald Interior formula and cover every surface of the room in it with the color Urbane Bronze, including the ceiling, walls, trim, baseboards, doors and fireplace. I really really wanted to make a big color statement in this space, so painting just one accent wall or just trim was not gonna cut it. I’m a go big or go home kinda girl when it comes to design so I really went for it in here. I’m DYING over how incredible it looks. I mean…..gah!
I also aimed to activate those feelings the Sherwin-Williams color and design team wanted to evoke this year by encapsulating it in a womb-like state. It feels sooooo incredibly warm, grounded and relaxing in here. I was nervous to reveal it to her because she had no idea what it was or what it would look like until after I finished painting it. She wanted it to be a total surprise and boy was she! I’m so happy to say she absolutely LOVES it. She literally jumped up and down smiling when she finally saw it and her reaction made me love it even more.
I gave this room a complete makeover with new furniture, lighting, and decor. This space feels so incredibly special and the color Urbane Bronze truly created the most perfect visual foundation for completely transforming it. It feels so calm and comfortable…..like a total sanctuary! I’ve still got a few things left to do in here to complete the transformation so stay tuned for all the details and a big beefy post on that coming up in just a couple of weeks!
Urbane Bronze is so beautiful and a bit of a chameleon color. Depending on the time of day, it reads olive, grey, or brown, and I really love how it looks with her floors. I also REALLY love how it looks alongside the Decisive Yellow SW 6902, which we painted on the exterior of the door leading to the backyard.
While Urbane Bronze may be an unexpected pick, there isn’t a more perfect color I can think of to usher in a new year after all the ups and downs (mostly downs) of 2020. As an Earth sign (#teamtaurus) the nature of this color really speaks to my soul. Feeling safe and grounded is at the core of who I am so creating a space for my sister that really highlights that is just the absolute best. I hope you all see the beauty I see in this color and I hope you decide to embrace it in your own spaces somehow.
So tell me what you think friends….do you love it or do you hate it? Until next time….
Debbie J says
Absolutely love it! I have an all-white kitchen and painted my island urbane bronze. Currently thinking of painting my family room, considering something dark and moody and think this color might just be it!
Polly Avendano says
Dear Shavonda,
I also vibe Taurus and that bed, those walls and floors, and the rest of the carefully closed pieces make the room architectural, interesting and cozy. Love the bronze too, it pops all the pink, yellow and white details AND that gold bed. You forgot to mention the Taurus luxe trait! Safe, secure, AND luxe all the way! Stunning reconfiguration and golden transformation! Love your fav jewel colors, too!
Polly
Louis Sarazen says
As a painter for 37 years I would notice that everything has been going very dark these last several years. I don’t understand it it makes everything look like a dungeon! Colors that dark make everything look small. If you really want that color to pop paint your ceiling that color and the walls white.
Kelli says
LOVE this… can’t wait for the larger breakdown post!
Kerri says
Shavonda, this is absolutely stunning. You are crazy talented and you never cease to amaze us with your incredible design.
Shauna says
Love this!! Where are the bed and dresser from? I’m obsessed.
Karen Townsend says
Oh WOW! I love it! I have been trying to get the BF to paint all four walls a dark color in our bedroom [he is REALLY a fan of the feature wall – ug!]. In a couple of years we are going to be adding on to the house and one of the additions will be in our bedroom so am hoping to convince him to try a cocoon of color! THIS IS FABULOUS!
Rhonda says
Hi Shavonda, it’s beautiful you never disappoint #team Taurus ♉️
You & your bestie really need a show on hgtv☺️
Emily Henderson says
What a cozy cozy bedroom. Great job, Friend 🙂
Tiffany says
GORGEOUS ???
Denise Adele says
Love love LOVE it. so inspired by this room, you did an amazing job!
Krissy says
It looks amazing Shavonda! I love it so much!
Sonja says
Jaw droppingly awesome! It’s all genius but I’m especially loving the lounging area.
Louis Sarazen says
As a painter for 37 years I would notice that everything has been going very dark these last several years. I don’t understand it it makes everything look like a dungeon! Colors that dark make everything look small. If you really want that color to pop paint your ceiling that color and the walls white.
Dawn says
Wow! I love the bed frame against the color! This turned so amazing! Now, I am obsessed with that couch! I need to know everything about it- is it comfy? The tufting makes it look so comfy! Well done.
Kate says
This is SO beautiful! Warm, inviting – Lovely!!! Great job!
Ida says
Honey You have out done yourself and 2021 ain’t here yet! I love the color the bed the Chandigarh the dresser the whole dam room is fabulous!! Great job, job well done for your sister!!
Lacie says
Oh my gawd!! Shavonda!! Andrea’s room is absolutely breathtaking. You’ve taken a blah room to WOW and Urbane Bronze is such a perfect color. Well done. ????????
Lissette says
If love could bleed in color it would be urbane bronze all over for my sister. What a perfect anchor to the space, #bravo #strongwork
Denise K says
Wow!!! I love, love, LOVE this whole room!!! The color is incredible and so are all of the gorgeous details. The light fixture, the mirror, the bedding- all of it!!!!! What a beautiful space for your sister❤️
Cynthia Reinbolt says
Just gorgeous!!! It’s so elegant. I love everything you do so it was no surprise that this would turn out great. I bought a sample of this color to show my husband even though I have already made up my mind on it. I already had plans on using it in our bedroom but now want to use it in our dining room.
Sabrina says
This might be my favorite room that you have done. It’s stunning. Every detail is so rich . It’s gorgeous. I’m obsessed with the paint on the fireplace. This room is glowing. Your sister sounds like a pretty amazing person , she deserves this space . You are an amazing sister !
Katie D says
This space turned out so beautiful. Truly a sanctuary! I can’t get over this color either…it’s so versatile.
Sandy says
That color is perfect in her bedroom…I love the gold bed you added.
Lacey says
Stunning!!! This color speaks to my soul, Shavonda, and the room is beautiful. Every detail is so lovely.
Deirdre Opp says
I couldn’t live this room more! So warm and inviting. To come home to this room will be such a gift!
Aimee says
I love love love it. It’s exactly how you described, restorative and calming. Inspiring.
Marty says
I love it. I would have never thought of painting trim and ceiling the same color. It is so beautiful. Can’t wait to see more posts re the room.
Katy says
If this were my bedroom I would never leave! Absolutely gorgeous!
Zoe says
I am a total white wall lover and I have to say this is making me question everything. I absolutely LOVE it. It truly does feel peaceful and that is just through my phone while on a break from work. I can’t imagine how calming it would be to be there. A beautiful beautiful room.
Dawn LaChance says
Gorgeous! So glad for the goodness this beautiful represents.
Sylvia says
Absolutely stunning. You can see the love and you are a creative genius!
jacqui says
Wow!!! Her space looks sooo good. I love all of the furniture too. What a great space!
Sarah says
This room turned out so beautifully! I’ll admit, I wasn’t sold on Urbane Bronze, but WOW is it stunning!
Catherine Black says
Shavonda, the room is incredible! I love everything about it. Perfect color choice!
Mish says
Omg, it looks so amazing and the color makes me feel all good inside
Karen says
Hi! It’s absolutely beautiful!!! That bed, the dresser, all so beautiful!!! Wow!!!
Katrina says
It’s so beautiful. I want to step right into these photos and have a cup of tea.
Julie says
Such a lucky sister!! It’s so beautiful!!!
Danielle says
I love it. What a gift for your sister! I’m glad you painted the barn door, too.
Lindsay says
Hi shavonda! I could not love this more. It looks so luxe and rich. The way that stunning bed pops off the walls… genius! Can’t wait to see more
Paula B. says
Just Wow. I liked the color when you did the color reveal but thought it would be too dark in my space. I am shocked. You were able to somehow bring that “golden hour” feeling to this space.
Oona says
Hi, Shavonda! Congratulations for a) being the perfect big sister, and b) pulling together a design that makes me say “of *course*” and ” you’re kidding “at the same time. That bed! That couch!! And I love the way the ceiling reflects outside light and looks like a totally different color in daytime. So much to enjoy and absorb here.
Becky Smith says
I LOVE it!!! With the color on the ceiling it makes everything so tall. It’s stunning. ❤️❤️❤️
Emma says
Wow this is really great! I love how it’s a big statement but still feels like a livable, functional space for your sister. The color is bonkers good! Congrats!
M Rolston says
Shavonda, this is absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait to see what you accomplish with the other rooms.
Robbye Gould says
Simply stunning, I’ve been waiting for the reveal.
Nomi says
We’ve been waiting for this reveal and it did not disappoint! Going right onto my inspo board for my next move!
Mylene Raspado says
Loooove how it came out! Such a beautiful lush oasis for her!!
Kristi says
I LOVE it! Great job ?????? I just painted my bedroom with this color, it is such a warm beautiful color.
Meredith says
LOVE the transformation!!! I love these muddy, complex, moody neutrals. I know it’s unlikely that they picked the color of the year specifically JUST for you, but… did they, maybe? This is so sophisticated and warm.
Elizabeth says
Shavonda, it’s absolutely gorgeous. It looks so luxurious, and even better than I imagined. You knocked it out the park!