Just received this item.  Bought it because of the stated size of the storage compartment.  OOPS.  The storage compartment is no more than 7" deep, not 17" as described.  Since I bought this primarily for storage, this bench did not work for me.  If you're just buying it to sit on, it may be just fine.
The carson metal color is a dark grey, with no brown tones in it.
I am returning the bench, not because of workmanship but because of the small storage compartment.