For the first time in the past sixteen years, the global colour authority Pantone announced two Colors of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity.
Both pastel hues radiate a sense of space, respite, and relaxation; they represent an antidote to our hectic, technology-driven modern world. As Pantone describes they are "welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security."
Rose Quartz is a soft pink that expresses compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity, a light tone of blue, represents the sky and transports us into a world of calmness, spaciousness, and relaxation. The two Pantone Colors of the Year 2016 seem to provide an answer to the current trend for living with less, leading a meaningful life, a minimalist de-cluttered lifestyle with space to concentrate on the important things in our lives.
[blockquote align="center" variation="purple" cite="Leatrice Eisemann, Executive Director Pantone Color Insitute"]Joined together Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace. [/blockquote]
Often, we see colour trends originating in the fashion industry and over time impacting other areas of design. According to Pantone, this unilateral approach to colour is going along with developments towards gender equality, the consumer's openness to express himself through colour and digital information age that has enabled different approaches to using colour.
Pastels have shown a strong presence over the past couple of years at European trade shows. The Heimtextil Trends 2015/2016: Sensory Experiences of Textile Worlds, which I published on this blog at the beginning of the year, embrace the two pastel shades in Sensory, one of the four major trends announced by the Heimtextil designer team.
Rose Quartz and Serenity work well with other pastels and contrast darker hues of green, grey, or purple. Summer is a perfect time to introduce the new Colors of the Year into your home. Book a colour consultation if you would like assistance in bringing a sense of respite and relaxation into your home.
