One of the end of year moments that we have our eyes on is the Pantone Colour of the Year choice. The Pantone Colour of the Year goes back some 20 years. It is just as much about assessing current trends as it is about predicting future fashions. So what is in store for 2020…?
Pantone Colour Institute
The Pantone Colour Institute experts are brought together to analyse what has been going on in the world of colour. They look across many different fields and industries. This includes fashion, design, lifestyle trends, social media habits, new technologies, “in” materials and much else besides. It is a process that does a lot of the hard work of assessing what is going on below the surface of lots of fashion and design developments.
As mentioned above, it is not just about working out exactly what the times are saying now, but also sensing what’s going to be the big hit in the following 12 months. When they announce their colour of the year, Pantone themselves create some waves in the design world. The former colours of the year can be traced through into many defining interior decor looks of the past years.
So, with that said, we are excited to see that the Pantone Colour of the Year 2020 is….. Classic Blue!
2020 is Classic Blue
The analysts at the Pantone Colour Institute go deep into the emotional, psychological, as well as cultural associations of the colours that they end up choosing for their yearly pick. It is fascinating then that they have landed on Classic Blue (Pantone 19-4052). At first, this may seem to tell of a gloomy time. However, there is much more to this colour than initially meets the eye.
First of all, it is interesting to consider that this is a choice which speaks in some ways of solidity and sureness. It is Classic Blue, a blue that will be familiar and will not be seen as too risky or experimental. It is in fact somewhat of a return to what we know. In the year 2020, when so much is in flux and when it seems as though the speed of change has run riot, we appreciate those things which make us feel safe and secure. A Classic Blue theme might just, in its own way, be able to offer us that sense of security.
Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.
Pantone: Colour of the Year 2020
Natural Inspiration
Blue skies denote happiness and optimism for many people. It’s a clear sky that offers the most prominent example of blue in the natural world, as blue is not a common colour. Yet, due to the omnipresence of the sky and the striking quality of blue bodies of water, blue is also very familiar. The hue of Classic Blue in particular we might relate to a summer night’s sky. Just before complete darkness has taken over but after the sun’s residual brightness has cooled. Because of its darker shade, Classic Blue has a similarity to black in that it can go with many things.
How to Use Classic Blue
If you are looking to integrate the Pantone Colour of the Year into your commercial space or your home, then there are lots of fun and creative approaches to explore. An easy but hugely effective way of doing this is by adding accessories or decorations in the Classic Blue colour to your existing decor (if your interior colours allow). Whether it be your living room, or a hotel, restaurant or office space, you can bring a touch of Classic Blue into the interior without having to redecorate. Try adding blue artificial flowers or vases to your arrangements for a subtle introduction. Or perhaps try blue throws or cushions for a cool but cosy setting.
Alternatively, you can be inspired by this colour and boldly use it for your walls and furniture. With such a strong colour it’s a brave move to decorate with this as your primary colour in your scheme. However, it can offer a powerful yet calm and memorable space for people to spent time in. As Pantone describes it: “instilling calm, confidence and connection” within your interior space.
If you didn’t want to go all out with Classic Blue, then you can use elements of this colour with complimentary colours. Such as an orange or copper accessories to enhance a Classic Blue wall. If you prefer, you could even mix with analogous colours such as a blue-green and blue-violet to side comfortably alongside. This way you are incorporating the Colour of the Year into your interior design as a balanced blend with other colours or as a foundation on which to build your look.
Combining With Other Colours
Adding blues to your space can have a calming, peaceful effect. This holds true for any commercial space or home interior too. It is true, however, that you may not want to flood your space with blue. Think about how best to use it in relation to other colours and features.
Classic Blue can work wonders when deployed alongside many different kinds of yellows and greens. This includes lush or leafy green, as well as golden or buttery yellow. You might also think about choosing to add some orange into your room decor, as this cuts a brilliantly sharp contrast with the darker Classic Blue.
For a slightly more toned down look, you can also think about having your Classic Blue wall in the background and then filling your room with lighter pastel colours such as pale pink and off white. On top of that, don’t be afraid to turn to another classic: white! Especially in the kitchen, but also in hotel and restaurant spaces, white tables and counters can create a gorgeously clean and crisp distinction against Classic Blue walls.