Marlaine's Take

For the first time they have chosen 2 shades, Rose Quartz, a pale pink, and Serenity, a baby blue. Make no mistake thinking this pairing works well for things just baby related. Beginning in the fashion and design industry the trend will continue to spread to home furnishings and décor. Executive director of Pantone’s Colour Institute Lise Eiseman oversees each year’s colour choice and says “rose quartz is not baby pink, it doesn’t have that wimpy feel”. She says the “two colours are often seen together as they are a natural pairing. It makes a perfect combination in the home for tablecloths, glassware and ceramics”. She predicts paisleys & plaids will make use of this combo.

Only 2 of the 16 colours chosen since 2000 could qualify as pastels (2000’s Cerulean & 2001’s Aqua Sky) Pantone colours of the Year tended to be bold such as last year’s Radiant Orchid, 2013’s Emerald and 2012’s Tangerine Tango. The softer hues this coming year are often colours that will resonate with consumers. The news of late has felt threatening and makes many people feel unsettled. Ms. Eiseman says “we wanted compassion, which today a lot of people are looking for”. Pantones new release describes colour as “inducing feelings of stability, constancy, comfort and relaxation”, and says that they “create balance in a chaotic world”. We have seen a trend in furniture upholstery for a couple of seasons now with softer warmer shades emerging from the popular grey palette that has recently dominated people’s choices for their living room spaces etc. and so often co-ordinated with purple hues. With grey tones moving toward taupe tones, we are seeing patterns like paisley and plaids now on upholstery sofas and things like duvet ensembles which integrate more brown tones. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, the engaging combo joins easily with other mid-tones including greens and purples, rich browns, and all shades of yellow and pink.

We will no doubt see introductions of blue and pink in decorative cushions, rugs, pictures, lamps etc (and combined with silver or hot brights for more splash and sparkle is stunning) as seen in recent spring 2016 clothing collections on the fashion runways. Blues have always been popular in home goods and apparel. Canadian men can take a cue from their British counterparts, who have never shared their fear of pink. Thomas Pink (designer stores) known for their daring choices is using Rose Quartz in men’s shirts and ties. “I think it’s a little bit about duality and men being confident in themselves” says Florence Torrens, creative director of Thomas Pink. “It says you’re an open person, and gives you an air of authority”. Remember, Benjamin Moore and others forecast different colours so let’s all relax and embrace this as one predicted new, upcoming colour trend.