A colorful revolution: The growing popularity of metal roof colors

Color experts break down the timeline of colored metal roofing panels becoming a trend in modern home design.  

Every decision that goes into designing a home’s exterior has a purpose and tells a story. From the color of the siding and front door to the window shutters and the roof — every detail matters. Which is why the color expert, Brynn Wildenauer, senior architectural color designer for Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, breaks down the significance of choosing the right color for your home’s metal roofing panels. In an exclusive conversation with the metal experts at McElroy Metal, she shares how the right color can transform any roofing project.  

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 Brynn. "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," Brynn 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," Brynn 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 Brynn. "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 Brynn. This creates a more harmonious relationship between structures and their surroundings. 

4 – Lanscape-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," Brynn 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 Brynn. "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 five to seven years before mainstream adoption. 

"We research trends constantly across all our teams," says Brynn. "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: 

• Examining global megatrends in technology, sustainability and culture 
• Identifying emerging concepts within these broader movements 
• 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," Brynn 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 Brynn. 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 Brynn. 

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. 

Original article and image source: McElroy Metal