For the first time ever, Pantone, the world’s leading color authority, has chosen not one—but two! —colors of the year for 2016 – Rose Quartz and Serenity. Sure, at first glance, this pastel palette of pale pink and blue screams baby nursery. But you don’t have to be expecting to love the refreshing effect of these whisper-soft colors. Unlike last year’s bold Marsala, this much calmer color scheme provides a welcome contrast to the current craziness in our lives. So don’t poo poo these baby shades just yet. Making subtle color changes is one of the easiest ways to update your home décor sans the stress and expense of a total makeover. And when combined, Rose Quartz and Serenity give any space a fresher, balanced, gender-neutral feel. Can’t imagine it? Read on…
Soften Your Surroundings
Pick your “IT” color—will it be pink or blue? —and then paint a wall, or two, or more. Next, compliment the look by adding splashes of the other color with accent pillows and interesting decorative pieces. To ensure you’re using the true blue and pink Pantone colors, simply take a color swatch with you to your local paint store or upload a picture to the website. Most brands such as Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Glidden can mix up a perfect match.
It’s All About The Accessories
Okay, so maybe you need a little help getting started with this surprisingly gender-neutral combination. Here are 10 fancy-schmancy home furnishing ideas from Pinterest to inspire your creativity. 1. 1stdibs – Danish Modern Jeppesen Brazilian Rosewood Sofa 2. Dwell Studio – Surya Pouf Ottoman 3. Roche Bobois – Oslo Vase 4. Jonathan Adler – Large Blue Globo Box 5. Bergdorf Goodman – Daum Blue & Pink Sophie Figurine 6. Lily Stockman – “Socked In,” 2015 7. 1stdibs – Pair of Tomlinson Slipper Chairs by Erwin Lambeth 8. Abc Carpet & Home – Tender Rose Candleholders 9. Leif Shop – Gloss Porcelain Pitcher 10. Gilt – Sparrow Lake Lacquer Deco Mirror. And if none of the above grab your attention, check out the other spectacular selections on Pinterest.
Other Pairing Possibilities
The good news about working with these super-pale colors is you have plenty of pairing options. Both blend nicely with slightly bolder shades, yet still maintain the “peace and tranquility” color theme. Simply follow the suggestion above – choose your wall color and then accent up a storm with the following accompanying colors.
Pantone suggests these gorgeous combinations:
Rose Quartz pairs well with:
Peach Echo
This color is bolder and a bit orange, but simply stunning in any room. Peach echo accessories such as lamps, pillows, vases, and candles add striking sophistication to any space.
Lilac Gray
Do you see purple or gray? It can be either, depending on the decorations around it. And this perfectly neutral wall would also be pretty in pink—Rose Quartz, of course.
Serenity pairs well with:
Buttercup
This vibrant shade instantly brightens up a neutral space, like adding sunshine to a cloudy gray—or Serenity blue. Consider a buttercup comforter for the bedroom or some bright yellow dishes and pottery for the kitchen.
Snorkel Blue
This maritime shade is definitely the snazzier member of the blue family. And the combination of these blue hues together creates a peaceful retreat that encourages relaxation- just what you deserve.
So the verdict is in. Pretty pastels are Pantone’s 2016 colors of the year. They’re stylish, versatile and fun. Feeling inspired? Go for it!
