Pantone color blue

The Pantone Color of the Year

Classic Blue evokes feelings of calmness, clarity, and confidence in a space.

Scale Down with Artisan Accessories

Introducing pottery, vases, table-top sculptures, and lamps are a smart and simple way to tie color trends into the color strategy of your home. We saw a lot of blue accents brightening up the neutral color palettes at market. Have a look at some of these accessories that we saw:

Scale-Up in Upholstered Pieces

By choosing large pieces like your sofa or a pair of armchairs to be in this color, you can create a bold focal point and anchor for the color story of a room. We’re still seeing a lot of this color in velvet which is a client favorite around here.

A Classic Blue sofa provides a bold focal point in a neutral room

Classic Blue arm chair provides a bold anchor for the room

Solid Classic Blue arm chairs bring rich color to a room of neutral earth tones

On the Floors

Using an area rug to introduce this color into your space is a great way to start trying different colors together. Blue pairs really well with other recent popular colors such as blush, coral, and green. We saw a lot of these pairings at the market as well. And depending on your style, you can look for different patterns to go in the room from geometric, to softer neutrals, or even florals.

Here is a floor covering that uses classic blue highlights.

Many patterns and styles can be chosen to match your style

Classic Blue pairs well with other trendy colors

Many patterns and styles can be chosen to match your style

On the Walls

While the accent wall trend has had a major moment in the last decade, we’re starting to see a movement toward whole rooms painted in deep, vibrant hues, as well as the incorporation of bold wallpaper choices. If Classic Blue speaks to you on a deep level, don’t hesitate to go all in!

Show your personality with Classic Blue wallpaper

Floral wallpaper in Classic Blue, rose, lime

Let your wallpaper make a statement in Classic Blue and white

Floral wallpaper in classic blue, royal blue, and sky blue

Adding Layers of Texture

Ditch the standard, drab fabrics and opt for something that shows your personality! Layering different patterns with pillows, throw blankets, and artwork adds texture and visual interest to your rooms. Fabric artwork is having a major moment right now and we love the dimension and softness these pieces introduce into space.

Layer your room with texture using Classic Blue fabric artwork

Show your personality with patterns and texture

Add texture, softness, and dimension in Classic Blue

Classic Blue patterned fabric art

Every Single Pantone Colour Of The Year From 2000 – 2023

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What's been your favourite?

By Olivia Heath

2 Dec 2022

Pantone

For the Pantone Colour of the Year selection process, colour experts at the Pantone Colour Institute comb the world looking for new colour influences, from the entertainment industry to fashion, travel destinations and socio-economic conditions. Influences can also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, social media platforms and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

Then towards the end of each year, a defining colour for the forthcoming year – better known as the Colour of the Year – is announced. The new 'It' colour is typically announced in early December.

Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, says there's 'a misconception that we gather a bunch of colour influencers in a room one day and emerge with the decision'. That couldn't be further from the truth. The selection does not take place in one isolated meeting at a specific time of year. Instead, as Laurie explains: 'It is one long, continuously flowing conversation among a group of colour-attuned people.'

Pantone provides the universal language of colour, with the annual announcement (that has been established for more than 20 years) gaining global attention and influencing products across fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design.

The Pantone Colour Institute created the Pantone Colour of the Year educational program in 1999 to engage the design community and colour enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around colour. Here we take a look at all the defining colours chosen by Pantone so far, from Cerulean to Viva Magenta…

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2023: Viva Magenta

Viva Magenta is a nuanced crimson red with pink tones that presents a balance between warm and cool. Rooted in nature, this hybrid colour is powerful, empowering and assertive, but not aggressive – it encourages experimentation and self-expression without restraint. Ultimately, this electrifying, boundary-less shade promotes optimism, joy and strength.

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2022: Very Peri

Very Peri is a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone. Futuristic in feeling and encouraging inventiveness and creativity, Very Peri blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red. A brand new shade, it marked the first time Pantone created a new colour in the history of its Colour of the Year forecasts.

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2021: Illuminating and Ultimate Gray (JOINT)

For the second time, the blending of two shades – Illuminating and Ultimate Grey – are chosen as the Pantone Colour of the Year.

Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity; a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.

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2021: Illuminating and Ultimate Gray (JOINT)

For the second time, the blending of two shades – Illuminating and Ultimate Grey – are chosen as the Pantone Colour of the Year.

Ultimate Grey quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience. The versatile grey shade resembles pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time.

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2020: Classic Blue

An expansive presence, Classic Blue is evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky opening a world of possibilities.

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2019: Living Coral

Living Coral is an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge.

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2018: Ultra Violet

A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us towards the future.

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2017: Greenery

A refreshing and revitalising shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings.

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2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity [JOINT]

For the first time, the blending of two shades – Serenity and Rose Quartz – are chosen as the Pantone Colour of the Year.

Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.

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2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity [JOINT]

For the first time, the blending of two shades – Serenity and Rose Quartz – are chosen as the Pantone Colour of the Year.

Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure.

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2015: Marsala

A naturally robust and earthy wine red, Marsala enriches our minds, bodies and souls.

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2014: Radiant Orchid

An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health.

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2013: Emerald

A luminous, magnificent hue, Emerald is the colour of beauty, new life and prosperity.

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2012: Tangerine Tango

Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango is a vivacious, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.

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2011: Honeysuckle

A bright, sherberty pink shade, uplifting and optimistic, evoking nostalgic feelings of summertime.

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2010: Turquoise

Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

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2009: Mimosa

A warm and engaging yellow. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other colour expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.

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2008: Blue Iris

Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.

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2007: Chili Pepper

A deep, spicy red, its boldness is appealingly eye-catching, sophisticated and enticing. Chili Pepper connotes an outgoing, confident, design-savvy attitude.

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2006: Sand Dollar

Natural and organic, Sand Dollar – considered to express concerns about the 2006 economy – is a warm shade that relaxes and soothes nerves. It is also reminiscent of the desert and soft sandy beaches.

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2005: Blue Turquoise

Taking inspiration from the colour of the sea, the calming and reassuring Blue Turquoise is gentler in tone than true Turquoise.

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2004: Tigerlily

Bright, bold, passionate and rejuvenating, Tigerlily contains red and yellow and draws its inspiration from the flowers around us.

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2003: Aqua Sky

Soft, calm and cool, the blue-green Aqua Sky lends a serene look.

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2002: True Red

A vivid red, associated with love, passion and power, and chosen for its deep and meaningful hue.

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2001: Fuchsia Rose

A bright, feel-good feminine colour, Fuchsia Rose is passionate, intense and exciting, yet also warm and endearing.

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2000: Cerulean

The official colour of the millennium is Cerulean Blue; the colour of the sky on a serene, crystal clear day. It connotes restful, peaceful and relaxing times.