Sherwin-Williams, a global leader in paints and coatings products has named Upward (SW 6239) its 2024 Color of the Year. Upward, Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year is a refreshing and calming shade of blue that captures the soothing qualities typically associated with this color group. Instead of drawing inspiration from earthly greens, it looks to the sky for a more uplifting and airy influence.
What is behind Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year 2024?
According to Sue Wadden, the director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, the introduction of a gentle and attractive color like Upward indicates a possible change in the connection between color and well-being. While the calm and natural shade of Evergreen Fog in 2022 and the vibrant earthy tone of Redend Point in 2023 provided stability during uncertain times, a refreshing blue like Upward inspires consumers to prioritize self-care and create moments of relaxation in a time when resuming a “normal” life can be more chaotic than ever.
“We aimed to take a harmonious approach following Redend Point, which had a warm tone, to demonstrate that healing colors can also have cooler and subtler undertones,” Wadden explains. She also mentions the resurgence of Scandinavian slow living principles and a shift from the modern farmhouse aesthetic towards coastal vibes as important influences for 2024. “Health and well-being are still a priority, but now the focus is more on the positive aspects rather than simply avoiding illness,” she further explains.
Wadden expressed her belief that greens are here to stay, but she thinks that a slightly reddish undertone and a shade close to periwinkle can capture the essence of green while being more versatile. According to her, this particular shade of blue, called Upward, is perfect for creating a relaxing and calming atmosphere in various spaces. She suggests using it in bedrooms as well as pairing it with marble and white tones in bathrooms. You can also read “Bedroom Renovation: All You Need to Know” for more information.
Color combination with Upward?
However, unlike the more common warm shades found on our walls, achieving the perfect shade of blue requires a bit more knowledge to avoid it feeling too cold. We suggest not using this hue all over your walls in north or east facing spaces, but instead incorporating it as subtle accents. The other shades you choose to pair it with will also greatly impact the overall atmosphere. Sue recommends combining it with other blues and greens like Honeydew SW 6428, as well as deeper and darker shades like Gale Force SW 7.
According to Sue, it is important to carefully consider the interactions between colors when experimenting with them. Warmed-up blues may result in colors that appear dull and lackluster, which is why it is crucial to preserve the crisp and captivating allure of cool blues. It is these subtle nuances that create timeless spaces. If you are searching for a fresh yet comforting shade to introduce to your home, Upwards comes highly recommended.
Lavish Maison suggestions for combining Sherwin-Williams color of the year
Our Lavish Maison experts also provide color combinations using Upward. Some excellent color combinations with Sherwin-Williams color of the year include peach, lilac, white, gray, and apple green. Peach and lilac can add warmth and playfulness to Upward, while white and gray can create a more elegant and sophisticated look. Apple green can bring energy and vibrancy to Upward, especially when used for accents or patterns.
To add more interest to your Upward interior design, you can also mix different textures, fabrics, and motifs. For instance, you can incorporate a fish-scale backsplash in your kitchen, a velvet armchair in your living room, or a floral rug in your bedroom. Additionally, you can use lacquer, wood, metal, or glass elements to introduce shine and glamour to your Upward space.
Regardless of how you incorporate the shade into your own home, Wadden emphasizes that the main purpose of Upward is to create a fresh and joyful atmosphere for the upcoming year. She states, “It’s a really joyful color—it promotes happiness, focusing on the positive and all good things. That’s what we want to embrace in 2024, and Upward truly embodies that.”
Is Upward a good choice for my interior design?
Upward is a great choice for interior design because it instills a feeling of tranquility and rejuvenation in any room. This versatile color can be combined with various shades of white, gray, beige, or even green to create a soothing and calming ambiance. Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year is also known to help alleviate stress and anxiety, as it is reminiscent of the sky and the ocean.
Upward can be applied in different areas of the house, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, or kitchens, depending on the desired mood and style. Here are some suggestions on how to incorporate Upward into your home renovation and interior design:
– To achieve a modern and minimalist aesthetic, use Upward as an accent color on a single wall, a rug, a sofa, or some pillows. Pair it with white or light gray furniture and accessories to achieve a clean and crisp atmosphere.
– For a cozy and rustic feel, make Upward the primary color on the walls, curtains, or bedding. Combine it with natural materials like wood, stone, or metal to add warmth and texture. Introduce pops of yellow, orange, or red to create contrast and visual interest.
– For a tropical and exotic vibe, use Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year as the base color on the walls, floors, or ceilings. Mix it with vibrant colors like pink, purple, green, or coral to create a lively and cheerful atmosphere. Incorporate plants, flowers, or patterns to infuse the space with life and playfulness.
About Lavish Maison
Lavish Maison is a highly experienced company specializing in managing home renovation in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). With a focus on basement and home renovations, we offer a wide range of services including creative design, interior design, home renovation financing, and construction. With a proven track record of over 700 successful projects, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results.
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