Designing with Pantone 2020 Colour of the Year
Defined as "a timeless and enduring blue hue" that's "suggestive of the sky at dusk," — classic blue is a strong visual symbol about fresh starts, stability, confidence and connection.It is elegant in its simplicity… and brings a sense of open mindfulness, peace and tranquillity to the human spirit. Since blue is the colour of the vast and infinite sky, it’s also a colour everyone sees everywhere around the world — a universal hue that transcends global cultures!
What is the Pantone Colour of the Year?
Pantone is a company devoted to what they describe as “colour intelligence”, best known for the provision of professional colour language standards and digital solutions. For 20 years, the company has announced a Colour of the Year every December.In recent years, the colour institute has selected shades based on their “uplifting and life-affirming” qualities. 2020 colour is no different, its choice is inspired by the current climate where technology’s accelerating developments and feelings of instability continue to grip the world today.
At this time, many desire a return to trust, authenticity and empathy. The calming, dependable shade of blue feels solid, honest, non-aggressive and easily relatable, making it the perfect antidote to an uncertain milieu.“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on”, said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute.
Influence on upcoming 2020 design trends
From a practical standpoint, the colour forecast means it will undoubtedly dominate the creative arts space for the coming 365 days. Pantone’s announcement is the ultimate influencer as it will dictate purchasing decisions and product development across a range of industries; from interior design and fashion to industrial design and product packaging.
SourceTurns out, the simple colour (which is darker than aquamarine and lighter than navy tone) is a universal favourite that’s comfortably embraced. It offers so much versatility, which makes it superb at utilising a variety of tonalities, prints and tactile materials (rightfully so, since the texture is having a moment in interior design). And because it’s good old blue, decor in this colour can express tradition and elegance, but can also be bold and edgy.
Incorporating classic blue into your home design
Adding classic blue into your space, either as a statement or an accent, won’t just look great, but will apparently set exactly the vibe you are going for. While the colour might be very specific for some tastes, it can be used in a variety of ways to fit all decor styles; from classical interior spaces and coastal-inspired settings to contemporary home design… after all, who doesn’t love blue!
Make a statement with upholstery
The Pantone Colour of the Year for 2020 impart a sense of luxury. It gives a space a feeling of sophistication and elegance — so what better way to accent your home than with plush upholstery. In the next year, design trends are moving away from traditional, neutral sofas and chairs in favour of more daring colours and fabric choices.
SourceThink soft-to-touch velvet sofa in this fairly dark, eye-catching shade to enliven your living room. It’s sure to set an inviting tone while adding textures and just the right punch of visual interest. Bold classic blue upholstery keeps grey fresh and pairs effortlessly well with walnut and white oak.
Add interest with decorative accents
For accents that really pack a punch, look no further than end tables, decorative vases, cushions and throws, floral arrangements and even touches of blue in lighting and artwork. Classic blue is rich, so small amounts stand on their own without overwhelming a space.
Simply choose a handful of small-to-medium sized accents, space them strategically throughout your home, and pair with complementary hues such as pastels, cool greys, bright white, gold or cognac.
Paint an eye-catching accent wall
For a bolder addition of the colour, pull out the paintbrush. Bold accent walls add personality, character and most importantly, a focal point; making this slightly darker shade of blue perfect for making a statement and completely energising a room.
SourceBecause classic blue transcends periods and styles, it looks good in just about any space — in a formal living room as it does in a coastal-inspired bathroom or a contemporary kitchen design.
Spruce up kitchen cabinets
Rejuvenate your kitchen aesthetics by using colour on your lower and upper cabinets. Classic blue-toned cabinets are all the rage and are a stunning way to breathe new life into an all-white kitchen space. Blue cabinets feel sophisticated paired with marble counters, striking backsplashes in detailed tiles, and gold accents for a playful edge.
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Pull together an open-concept space
Sometimes you don’t need to redo your entire home with a new colour to create a perfect vibe. One way to incorporate a burst of colour is to dress your floors with a good quality area rug. This allows you to tie the whole room together with the Colour of the Year in an understated, decorative way.
Keep it stylish in the bathroom
Finding blue in a classic bathroom is probably not a surprise. Yes, even this serene and rejuvenating space can benefit from a touch of classic blue when the rest of the room is a little neutral and soft on the eyes. It goes everywhere… adding cosy and depth especially in compact bathroom spaces — from contemporary vanities to detailed wall tiles and classic fixtures.
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Get started!
Each day, Pantone collaborates with over 10 million designers and manufacturers to select, communicate and approve colour across the design industry. The company profits from selling everything from swatches to the chemical formulas for its proprietary colours. It also offers a free trend forecast to the wider world, with the aim to lead the conversation about colour and further cement its expertise.
SourceLooking for the right tools for your colour needs? Engaging an interior design team can easily help your project direction into an approach that is friendly to both your aesthetic preferences and budget. Whether you’re remodelling a space or building new, rely on an expert’s in-depth knowledge to provide you with the most relevant design services and colour palettes available.
Final thoughts
For all of us colour addicts out there, the Classic Blue ushers in a fresh decade. The familiar calming shade, which has been selected by a panel of expert artists and designers who comb the globe looking for influences and studying trend analysis, is imprinted in our psyches as a restful colour, exhibiting the perfect balance of peace and tranquillity. Incorporate the colour by painting cabinets, choosing classic plush upholstery and accessories, adorning your living and working environments with the richness of the hue.