Stacey Marcus
Pantone has scoured the universe in search of color influences when choosing the Color of the Year. Check out this year's Color of the Year and follow the rainbow back for the last 21 years.
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1/22
2021, Illuminating and Ultimate Gray
Since its start, this is only the second year that two colors have been chosen for Pantone Color of the Year. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, shares that the colors Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are “a combination that speaks to the resilience, the optimism and hope and positivity that we need, as we reset, renew, reimagine and reinvent.”
“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer.” expanded Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. Plus, check out the kitchen paint colors that are trending right now
2/22
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2020, Classic Blue
Eiseman notes that Classic Blue is,” a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.” The color inspires creative confidence in interiors, transforming a space through unique color combinations and tonal statements. Classic Blue is also a great accent with white surfaces. By the way, these are the colors you should skip when painting your home.
3/22
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2019, Living Coral
Last year’s Color of the Year, Living Coral, was both vibrant and mellow. The playful color provided a welcome response to the onslaught of technology with its authentic and natural vibe that inspires connection. Living Coral is a natural welcome to spring, blooming beautifully in flowers and accent vases.
4/22
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2018, Ultra Violet
“Ultra violet, a blue-based purple, takes our awareness and imagination to a new level,” noted Eiseman. The color celebrated non-conformity and creativity. Ultra violet is a great color to splash on walls of meditation spaces and art studios. These are the paint colors the Property Brothers say you shouldn’t paint your walls.
5/22
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2017, Greenery
What’s not to love about green wall paint? Symbolic of new beginnings, Greenery is a fresh yellow-green color reminiscent of the first day of spring. Pops of Greenery in our homes help bring the outdoors in. A great way to bring the fresh feeling of Greenery into your home is through live and faux plants. Here are the prettiest faux plants you can decorate your home with.
6/22
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2016, Serenity and Rose Quartz
For the first time, Pantone blended two colors together Rose Quartz and Serenity. Cooler tranquil blue and warmer rose tones reflect wellness and peace. The combination challenged traditional color associations reflecting a gender blur in fashion. Modern couples can find myriad ways to decorate nurseries using the combination.
7/22
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2015, Marsala
When you hear Marsala, you probably think of an earth, robust wine. The full-bodied Color of the Year made a strong statement on its own and provided a bold accent color for home decor. Did you know that Joanne Gaines has a paint line?
8/22
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2014, Radiant Orchid
Eiseman described Radiant Orchid as, “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health.” Radiant Orchid complements olive and hunter green and can be paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows.From light and airy, to dark and moody—we’ve got 10 tried-and-true interior wall paint colors that are guaranteed to make your room look great.
9/22
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2013, Emerald
Lush and lively Emerald is a bedazzled yet natural color in jewelry and has been popular in home decor. You can paint a room with this jewel tone to add a luxurious feel or spruce up your table with Emerald dinnerware.
10/22
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2012, Tangerine Tango
“Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy,” said Eiseman. This color brought orange back to popularity in a big, bold way. Here’s how you can declutter and freshen your kitchen for the new year.
11/22
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2011, Honeysuckle
Positive, confident and dynamic, Honeysuckle is a reddish-pink that makes you smile and reminds you of spring and summer. Pump up tired kitchen cabinets or repaint a picture frame with this convivial color. Top your table with honeysuckle placements or candles. Happy is always in style.
12/22
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2010, Turquoise
When blue and green unite to create Turquoise, the senses automatically start swimming in serene tropical waters. Combining warm and cool undertones, turquoise pairs well with just about any color. For a deep dive, read Ellen Meloy’s book, TheAnthropology of Turquoise, to learn about this color’s healing power.
13/22
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2009, Mimosa
During a time of economic uncertainty and political change, Pantone chose to bring hope and sunshine into the world by toasting Mimosa. The color makes a room feel warm and creates the sense you are outdoors. The sunny color has been used often in furnishings and on tabletops. Here are some easy ways to add farmhouse decor to your home.
14/22
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2008, Blue Iris
Blue was the hue back in 2008 for many of the reasons it resonates today. Unlike Classic Blue, however, Blue Iris adds purple to the mix. “As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic,” noted Eiseman. These were the home design trends that took over this past year.
15/22
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2007, Chili Pepper
“In 2007, we’re going to see people making greater strides toward expressing their individuality,” said Lisa Herbert, executive vice president of the fashion, home and interiors division at Pantone. Chili Pepper was a spicy choice, adding drama and excitement to interiors. Play up your home’s strengths with theseinterior design tips you can try today.
16/22
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2006, Sand Dollar
In 2006, the experts chose a neutral color, Sand Dollar, as the Color of the Year. This color’s organic vibe conjures up images of the desert and beach. Sand Dollar is timeless, and can be used in home furnishings, accessories and many craft projects. Check out these unique ideas for decorating your walls.
17/22
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2005, Blue Turquoise
Pantone’s Color of the Year in 2005 was Blue Turquoise. This color contains less green than the Turquoise of 2010. A cooler chroma, Blue Turquoise is the color of the Caribbean ocean. Give any room an ocean vibe by adding a rug or wall art in this aquatic hue.
18/22
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2004, Tigerlily
Tigerlily celebrates nature with a bold fusion of yellow and red. An early forecaster of obsession with orange, Tigerlily blooms beautifully in the home. The perennially popular color adds energy to any room.
19/22
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2003, Aqua Sky
Look up in the sky and you can see and feel the calming power of powdery blue Aqua Sky. This color often shows up in homes, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Here’s what your home decor reveals about your personality.
20/22
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2002, True Red
This strong, powerful color may have been selected to pay tribute to the courage of the country following the attacks of 9/11. True Red is a bold color that celebrates bravery and the strength of the heart. These are the design rules you should always follow.
21/22
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2001, Fuchsia Rose
Not much was written on the reasons why Pantone selected its first few Color-of-the-Year winners, such as Fuchsia Rose. While the color would be a little much if used as a wall color, it adds a welcome pop of color on a pillow or ottoman.
22/22
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2000, Cerulean
Pantone launched the Color of the Millennium with Cerulean, noting that consumers would be seeking inner peace and spiritual fulfillment as they entered the new millennium. Two decades later we are still celebrating blue. “Our studies show that blue is the leading favorite color for designers and consumers worldwide, regardless of culture, gender or geographic origin,” said Lisa Herbert, vice president, corporate communications worldwide, Pantone, Inc. Next, read up on these soothing decorating ideas for bedrooms.
Originally Published on The Family Handyman
Stacey Marcus
Freelance lifestyle and travel writer for over 20 top regional and national outlets including Boston magazine, Boston Common Magazine, Bride & Groom Magazine, Destination I Do, Northshore Magazine, Ocean Home Magazine, Playboy.com , Southern Bride Magazine and others