Ways to Use Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year
Pantone is known as “the global authority on color” and recently revealed its 2020 Color of the Year: Classic Blue. In 2010 it was Turquoise, five years ago it was Marsala and last year it was Living Coral. The last decade has been a diverse mix of earthy neutrals and perky hues, so how did Pantone come up with the dramatic Classic Blue – a shade just a smidge lighter than navy blue?
For one thing, the company initiates a global research effort a year in advance to survey colors that are popping up in fields and industries as diverse as art, beauty, automotive, tech and even outer space.
According to Architectural Digest in an interview with Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of Pantone’s Color Institute, this recognizable, reliable color is a response to the uncertainty the future may hold. While the world around us may seem chaotic and unpredictable, this blue – from an emotional and psychological standpoint, represents calm, stable dependability.
“It’s a color that you can rely on,” says Eiseman. The company’s Instagram page further describes it as “a timeless and enduring blue hue elegant in its simplicity”.
How to Use the Pantone Color of the Year
So how do you take advantage of this classic, reliable color, given your particular design preferences and style personality? The answer: fairly easily. The color already has been influencing everything from upholstery fabric to furniture and accessories – which makes incorporating it into your living spaces up to you. The designers at Room & Board suggest choosing a handful of items, and placing them strategically throughout your home for subtle, but impactful updates.
An area rug works with gray flooring, just as well as it complements walnut or white oak. Pillows, vases, paintings, even hand towels and shower curtains are inexpensive ways to layer Classic Blue into your everyday life. And the Palette Exploration page on the Pantone website, gives you an idea of the different color combinations that Classic Blue balances.
Classic Blue Walls and Furniture
One of the bigger, but least expensive, statements you can make if you love the 2020 Pantone Classic Blue color, is paint an entire accent wall one of these near-navy blues from top paint manufacturers. It’s instantly elegant and sophisticated – and in the right setting, makes lighter colors, in artwork, light fixtures and furniture, pop.
You can order blue-painted cabinets (like these from Masterbrand), or paint your own. Lowe’s shows you how it’s done with a step-by-step video tutorial. It’s time consuming, and detail-oriented, but inexpensive, and the results are eye-popping.
This six-foot queen sleeper-sofa from West Elm has reversible zip-off velvet covers in Ink Blue making it a versatile addition to a living space or spare room – for a cost of between $859.99-$1499. A Crate & Barrel upholstered headboard in Nautical blue goes for $1799 and offers a squared silhouette in a soft linen blend of fabric.
Pillows, Ottomans, Lampshades
The Resident, a London-based lifestyle magazine that celebrates the best in food, fitness, fashion, interior design and beauty, showcased a variety of accessories that pull in the Classic Blue color of the year from Pantone.
A Zara throw pillow can grace a sofa, chair or loveseat AND provide lumbar support – oh, look – form AND function! The Libra Wall Art is a study in abstracts that uses blues and browns, and the Mint & May Midnight Blue pendant lampshades in this timeless color provide a splash of options for your living, dining and family rooms.
Look at all these blue lampshades in linen, burlap, and silk which easily transform your table lamps in a quick mini-makeover.
And don’t forget smaller furnishings and accessories like nightstands, baskets and candle holders, dishes and linens, accent chairs, chaise lounges and wallpaper. You can use a little Classic Blue or a LOT, and since it’s enduring, never have a single regret!
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