In a bold move, Pantone, the leader in forecasting color trends for decades, chose not one but two colors as the Pantone Color of the Year 2016. It also did an about-face from the deep and earthy Marsala from the Color of the Year for 2015 and chose to go softer for 2016 with Rose Quartz and Serenity.
It’s a brilliant color trend move and one that promotes balance. Rose Quartz is a gentle color that evokes compassion and composure. Serenity is an airier color that conveys a sense of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. While both colors are quite nice, neither color is all that earth shattering on their own, or worthy of the Color of the Year distinction, but when paired together the impact is truly sublime.
The selection is an admitted symbolic one that acts as a color snapshot of our changing culture. It also seeks to provide an antidote to our modern day stresses by promoting mindfulness and fulfilling our yearning for reassurance and security. Pantone’s color selection also attempts to show how gender lines are becoming blurred in fashion and color coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity.
“Joined together Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,” Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute said in a statement.
You may not see much of these colors now (they are the forecast colors for 2016 after all), but pretty soon you will see them everywhere–from home decor to fashion. In the meantime, here are some pretty Color of the Year finds.
Offbeat Rose Quartz and Serenity Color of the Year Finds
Colorblock Color of the Year Pillow
Image: JillianReneDecor
Restless Photographic Print by Alicia Bock
Image: Pottery Barn
Metallic Placemats
Image: West Elm
Triangle Art Print
Image: MossAndTwigPrints
Octopus Nautical Art
Image: AdamsAleArtPrints
Serenity and Rose Quartz Merino Wool Yarn
Image: Zanetto
Color of the Year KitchenAid Mixers
Image: KtchenAid
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Image: Pantone