The Evolution of Color in Metal Roofs: Insights from Sherwin-Williams®

In architecture, construction, and design, color transforms spaces, evokes emotions, and creates lasting impressions. We recently connected with Brynn Wildenauer, Senior Architectural Color Designer at Sherwin-Williams, to explore the evolving world of color trends and their impact on the building products industry. Here's a fresh look at how Sherwin-Williams is shaping color in 2025.

The Lifecycle of Color in Building Products

Unlike rapidly changing interior design trends, architectural colors evolve more deliberately. "When we talk about the lifespan of a metal roof, the warranties are very long," explains Wildenauer. "When discussing color trends and selection, we want to ensure that color lasts as long as the product itself."

This measured evolution stems from practical considerations. Building exteriors represent significant investments and typically remain in place for decades. "Things popular now in the roofing market look similar to what we've seen in recent years because trends don't evolve quickly due to the product lifecycle," Wildenauer notes.

2025 Color Trends: A Return to Nature

The most significant trend defining 2025 is the reconnection with natural elements. After years dominated by digital aesthetics, there's a collective desire to return to organic influences.

"It's that return to the comfort of nature," Wildenauer explains. "Many people take inspiration from nature after being in this digital era for years. It's that 'go touch grass' or return to roots approach."

This nature-inspired trend manifests in several ways:

1. Warmer Neutrals

The stark whites popular in recent years are giving way to softer, more inviting tones. These warmer neutrals create welcoming environments while maintaining versatility.

2. Subdued Metallics

The days of high-gloss, attention-demanding metallics are transitioning to more subtle expressions. "People find more value in natural materials and tones because they have a greater emotional impact," says Wildenauer. "We're seeing more satin mica tones that mimic natural materials as found in the earth, creating a more comforting effect."

3. Reduced Contrast

The striking contrast of white siding with black roofs and accents is softening. "Color schemes now have less contrast, looking more natural with hues less stark against the landscape," notes Wildenauer. This creates a more harmonious relationship between structures and their surroundings.

4. Landscape-Inspired Choices

Building owners increasingly consider their surroundings when selecting colors. "We're seeing increased attention to the landscape surrounding buildings. Whether adding a metal roof downtown or in other settings, people consider trees, landscapes, and historical context when considering their building as a whole."

Regional Color Palettes

Color preferences vary significantly by region, influenced by climate, architectural styles, and cultural factors. Sherwin-Williams analyzes these regional variations extensively.

"Residential homes show variety in specific regional palettes," Wildenauer explains. "In the Southwest, think terracotta colors, tans, and beiges - with intense sun, these colors prevent glare when sunlight reflects off coatings. The Northeast features blues, greens, and bronzes, reflecting its climate with more rain and snow."

These regional preferences reflect both practical considerations and aesthetic traditions. Buildings in hot climates benefit from colors with appropriate light-reflective values, while those in cooler regions tend to embrace deeper, richer tones.

The 2025 Color Capsule

For 2025, Sherwin-Williams released a special Color Capsule to celebrate its program's 15th anniversary. Unlike previous years, which featured a single color of the year, this capsule offers a curated palette specifically adapted for building products.

"For 2025, we created a capsule of nine colors. We selected six colors, developed them in our coatings, and demonstrated their use in different environments," explains Wildenauer. "We have slate blue, dark bronze, and a nice brown that showcase materials common in roofing but presented differently."

This expanded approach provides more flexibility while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic vision. The capsule inspires those seeking contemporary options within the constraints of building product applications.

The Fuse Color Forecast: Looking Ahead

Sherwin-Williams's color forecasting process provides valuable insights into future trends. Their Fuse Color Forecast examines developments 5-7 years before mainstream adoption.

"We research trends constantly across all our teams," says Wildenauer. "For metal roofing, we offer options showing how navy blue and blacks are evolving. This provides a starting point for customers seeking the next long-lasting trend to adopt early."

The forecast process follows a structured approach:

1. Examining global megatrends in technology, sustainability, and culture
2. Identifying emerging concepts within these broader movements
3. Translating these concepts into practical color applications

This methodical research helps early adopters make forward-thinking color choices without venturing into impractical territory. "Changes will be slight," Wildenauer reassures. "We won't start putting crazy colors on metal roofing anytime soon."

The Sherwin-Williams Design House

Based in Minneapolis, the Sherwin-Williams Design House is a hub for color development and consultation. Its team works with industries ranging from building products to appliances, automotive, and wood coatings.

"We're here as a resource to help guide that conversation because it's daunting to do all the research on your own," explains Wildenauer. Their services include creating new color palettes, refining existing ones, and providing education on color trends and applications.

The Design House employs rigorous testing methods, including outdoor exposure testing in Florida, to ensure that colors maintain their appearance and performance throughout their intended lifespan.

Resources for Professionals

Sherwin-Williams offers several tools to help professionals work with color effectively:

• Color Cards and Collections: Curated palettes for various applications and regional preferences
• Visualizer Tools: Help customers envision different color options on their projects
• Educational Resources: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and webinars on color trends
• Fuse Color Forecast: Insights into emerging color trends for early adopters

"Visit our website for resources online. We have articles, color palettes, and collections that provide great starting points, and you can always contact us with color questions," encourages Wildenauer.

Color as a Strategic Choice

Color selection for building products represents both an aesthetic statement and a practical decision. The right choices enhance architectural features, respond to environmental conditions, and maintain their appeal throughout the product lifecycle.

Through its Design House and extensive research, Sherwin-Williams continues to lead the industry in color innovation while respecting the practical requirements of building applications. Its expertise helps stakeholders throughout the supply chain—from architects and manufacturers to contractors and building owners—make informed color decisions.

McElroy Metal values our long-standing partnership with Sherwin-Williams for roof and wall panel coatings. Their insights help us provide our customers with beautiful, durable color options that stand the test of time.

For more information on Sherwin-Williams' color resources, visit coil.sherwin.com.