Pantone's 2016 Color of the Year

Yesterday, Pantone announced its 2016 Color(s) of the Year.  It is the first time Pantone has chosen to name two colors for the Color of the Year. They are being dubbed twins (paternal?) and are Rose Quartz  (Pantone 13-1520) and Serenity (Pantone 15-3919), a pale pink and soft blue.  I must admit that I am happy they did not select white. I was secretly hoping their choice would be something in the blue family.  If you read my blog (yesterday’s post), you already know how I feel about blue and as Dr. Schauss, a scientist who studied color and it’s effect on human behavior back in the 1960s, once said, “It is impossible to remain angry in the presence of pink.” The colors Pantone has selected for the upcoming year are soft pastels.  They are soothing and invoke a sense of calm, which after the year of tragedy and turmoil we all have experienced, soothing and calm may be exactly what we all need.  Here’s a look at a few spaces that are already on trend with the 2016 Color of the Year.  What are your thoughts about Pantone’s selection?  Let me know in the comments!

                                                   Photo via ecobuildingpulse.com

                                                 Interior designer unknown.  

                                                         Photo via elle.es

                                                  Interior design by Jay Jenkins.

                                                        Photo via houzz.com

                                                 Interior design by Anthony Buratta. 

                                                     Photo via AnthonyBuratta.com

                                                   Photo via ecobuildingpulse.com 

                                               Interior design by CWB Architects.

                                                 Photo via CWBArchitects.com

 

Simply White

As we patiently await Pantone’s 2016 color of the year, many brands and designers are already starting to put forth their ideas and guesses regarding 2016’s color trend.  One very important influencer in color trends and paint, Benjamin Moore’s creative director, Ellen O’Neill, announced Tuesday that the company’s 2016 Color of the Year is Simply White. 

I will admit as much as I love color, I am also huge fan of white.  I never feel more pulled together than when I am decked out in all white (all black, too).  I love white bathrooms and kitchens and I obsess over white bed linens and duvets.  I love white upholstered fabric but as much as I obsess over keeping white clean, I know I could never use it in my own space as I'd cut a side-eye everytime someone decided to sit down.  Nevertheless, white is crisp and cool.  It indicates cleanliness and purity. 

It may seem like an easy task but decorating with white can be somewhat difficult.  The first question is which shade is the perfect white.  Some whites have a blue tint, while others have a yellow or pink tint.  Once you start to look at several, your eyes begin to play tricks making it even more difficult to find a pure white.  Decorating in all white can be used to highlight a particular work of art as we see in many museums and gallery spaces.  You can also mix it up and decorate with layers in a variety of shades of white to give your space more depth.  White can be paired with just about any metal finish from polished chrome for a super crisp look, to a brushed brass for a chic glam feel.  

In light of the announcement and until Pantone unveils their Color of the Year, I have compiled a few photos of my favorite interiors dressed in shades of white. 

An all white interior done right.
Photo via styleathome.com

Stair risers, trim and wainscoting are Benjamin Moore's 'Simply White'
Photo via Benjamin Moore's Pinterest

Kitchen Design by Shea McGhee Design. Cabinets are painted 'Simply White'.
Photo by homebunch.com

Interior Design by Patricia Gray Inc.
Photo via PatriciaGrayInc.blogspot.com

Benjamin Moore's 'Simply White', 2143-70 or OC-117.
Photo via bowerpowerblog.com