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Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward
November 14, 2023
Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward
November 14, 2023

As we get closer to the year’s end, we usually start writing the new goals and resolutions we want to achieve in the upcoming months. So, if having a cozy space that reflects your personality has been one goal you want to accomplish in the new year, you’ll love this article because I’m about to unveil how you can add more lifestyle and personality to your space through paint. It’s such an essential element in Interior Design; Sherwin-Williams picks a color every year, and for 2024, there’s no exception.


In this blog post, I’ll share with you all about Upward, a beautiful blue tone that perfectly adds serenity and bliss to each space. We’ll explore the following details: 


  1. Upward’s description, characteristics, and pairings.
  2. Using Upward Colors in Specific Rooms to Create Serenity and Blissfulness.
  3. Using Upward For One Of My Recent Projects.
Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

Credits: Sherwin Williams

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward - A Perfect Blend of Serenity and Bliss.


We’ve certainly come a long way in the past years, from dealing with a global pandemic to its many effects. I truly believe one of the main reasons
Sherwin Williams chose Upward as its 2024 Color is to encourage us to embrace the year ahead with calmness and serenity. Upward is a breezy, blissful blue that invites us to slow down, take a breath, and allow the mind to clear. It’s the perfect color to add to any space to increase natural lighting and promote a positive environment.


Its positive energy and creative thinking make it the ideal addition to any space for relaxation and creativity, like a home office, bedroom, painting or writing studio, crafting room, or even kitchen. For example,
look at the room below and how it uplifts the mood and increases the natural sunlight by promoting a relaxed vibe. The contrast of the different elements, textures, and colors makes it a perfect balance of coziness and positivity.

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

Credits: Sherwin Williams

1. Upward’s Description, Characteristics, and Pairings


Upward is not just a color but a mood. I like to think of it as a bright, sunny day; that’s why when I chose a paint color for my Home Office Project, I went with SW Hinting Blue, which closely resembles Upward. My ultimate goal was to create a productive and creative space that I’d call my own, and the blue certainly did that. I also added pops of color here and there through the different elements in the built-ins and decoration and contrasting textures, such as the gold from the lamps and sconces and the roman shade, which make this room look balanced and cohesive.


What’s your favorite part about this home office? Let me know in the comments!

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

Another of the exciting aspects of Upward is its versatility. This blissful blue pairs with a range of complementary shades, allowing you to customize your space with colors that suit your style. This palette has different options, from dark, strong colors to create a statement to soft and earthy tones to add to the desired mood. 

The following example shows how they contrasted the room’s blue background with natural elements, such as the accent table and greenery. Don’t be afraid to add different pops of blue, as it delivers the balanced look we are going after. 

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

Credits: Sherwin Williams

It will all depend on your ultimate goal and design vision for your room. You can also take this palette as inspiration to include decor or art pieces that will help elevate your space's vibe while providing a balanced atmosphere for your room. Like I always say to my clients, you must consult a professional before making any changes to your space to help you save money and stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed. So, if you like this color but aren’t sure if it will look good in your room, book a call with me to get my guidance on the next steps moving forward. 


2. Using Upward Color in Specific Rooms to Create Serenity and Blissfulness


This color makes a lovely addition to any space, but I recommend using it for a stunning backdrop for a bedroom, home office, bathroom vanity, and kitchen cabinet island. 


Look at the following example and how they incorporated the blue to highlight the whole bathroom. They painted Upward on this lovely vanity that perfectly coordinates with the rest of the elements. Looks balanced and modern, don’t you think?

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

Credits: Sherwin Williams

At Inspiring Home, we love to work with blue because it pairs so well with different shades and backgrounds. From classics like navy blue to soothing sky blue, there’s something for every taste and design style! 

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

Credits: Sherwin Williams

This dining room has it all! It immediately takes me on a serene vacation on the beach. Sherwin Williams used blue to create the perfect seaside vibe, with Upward on the walls and beautiful accents throughout the space. I love all the textures and varying shades of blue here.


Remember that when in doubt, add some greenery to your room decor because bringing a bit of nature adds to the calm scene and breezy mood.


This picture reminds me of what we did in our Modern Coastal Abode Project; we added elements that would remind our clients of their favorite vacation spot! Now, they have a home that is not only kid-friendly but ideal for entertaining!

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

If you want other ideas to include Upward to your room, here are other ideas:


  • Accent decor on your built-ins or pillows to add contrast and create texture in your room.
  • Artwork. You can select different material frames to contrast the blue palette.
  • Window treatments, especially if they’re custom-made, you can use different colors and textures by adding trim pieces
  • Rugs will ground your space and make a statement in your room.


3. Using Upward for One of My Recent Projects.


As I mentioned, one of my favorite colors is blue. It has a calming effect that works in every space. When my client contacted me to help redesign their daughter's tween bedroom, I decided to use Upward to transform this space.


Like any project, we created a plan considering my client's design style, inspiration, and end goal, which I reflected in the following mood board.

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

My client requested a light blue, and Upward was the ideal choice.


If you’re like me - you know I love project reveals, so to give your eyes a little treat, here’s a sneak peek of the remodeled room. We are missing a couple of elements to unveil the final design, so stay tuned to our Instagram and blog posts for more details.


What’s your favorite thing about this design? Comment below! Mine is the Upward color and the relaxing vibes for sure!

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

With so many options, Upward is an excellent choice to start the year fresh! Whether you’re thinking of redoing your kitchen, bedroom, or home office, adding this relaxing color will help you fill your year with positive vibes and ready to tackle anything coming your way!


Make sure to pin this article here as an inspiration for your 2024 project, and if you’re in the Charlotte and Waxhaw area looking for someone who will help you transform your home, book a call with me to get started! 

Introducing the 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

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Interior Designer Jen Morrell | Charlotte & Waxhaw | An Inspiring Home

I work with busy families to create beautiful and functional spaces by providing local design services in the Charlotte/Waxhaw area and beyond through online design.

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What’s your design style?

Find out what kind of interior design best suits your inner self. From Transitional to Modern, it's time to make your home a place you’ll love!

You can opt-out at any time. Please note we do not share your information with anyone.

TAKE THE QUIZ

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