Pantone Colour of the Year: Classic Blue | via thedesigntabloid.com

Pantone Colour of 2020: CLASSIC BLUE

January 29, 2020January 28, 2020 Design Monarchy2 Comments

Feature image via: Design Monarchy Interior Design Studio

by Marica Fick

Happy 2020 folks! 2020… can you believe?! It sounds very sci-fi. I hope you all had a lovely, rest-filled festive break and are all geared for the new year?

I’m sure by now you have all noticed a certain colour trend flooding your Pinterest, Instagram and blog feeds? You know the colour I’m referring to – it is a bold, almost primary blue… a kind of “delft-meets-school-uniform”. Well, however you choose to describe it, it is called CLASSIC BLUE and it is Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020.

I know I mention this every year, but I was once again surprised by Pantone’s selection for Colour of the Year – it is never what I expect it to be. Not that I am going to complain because I just so happen to be a blue-girl. While Classic Blue is a tiny bit on the strong and bright side for me, I generally love all shades and hues of blue.

Thinking back on Pantone’s previous selections for COTY, it does seem that they prefer bold and bright above muted and soft. With the exclusion of 2015’s dusky Marsala and 2016’s soft pastel duo, Rose Quartz & Serenity, the last ten years have been pretty bold and punchy. Think last year’s Living Coral, 2018’s Ultra Violet, and 2013’s Emerald.

The selection of Classic Blue as Pantone’s Colour of the Year also came as a surprise to a good few trend-watchers and forecasters who anticipated a shade of green to win out. Plascon, for example, reflected this in their choice for Hue of 2020, Mulberry Leaf, a gorgeous moody green.

Some trend observers are of the opinion that Pantone was playing it rather “safe” by selecting a generally liked colour like blue.

In an article written for Dezeen, design consultant Michelle Ogundehin stated that in choosing a democratic colour like blue, Pantone played it safe and still missed the mark:

“… seeing as blue is routinely cited as one of the Western world’s eternally favourite colours – no doubt because it instantly recalls cloudless summer skies and warm calm seas – it couldn’t go wrong with such an inoffensive pick. Or could it?”

Michelle went on to say that this rather safe choice is a result of the backlash and criticism surrounding last year’s COTY, Living Coral. Design commentators and critics felt the inspiration behind the colour and name selection was an insensitive choice considering the rapidly dwindling amount of coral left in our oceans.

Pantone Colour of 2019: LIVING CORAL

February 5, 2019February 4, 2019 Design Monarchy1 Comment

Feature image via: Honeycombers

by Marica Fick

Like previous years, I was once again surprised by Pantone’s selection for Colour of the Year 2019. My first reaction (and Rose’s too for that matter) upon hearing “The Chosen” colour for this year was: “Coral, really?! – been there done that!” That is so 8 years ago. In fact, we have actually mentioned coral in not one, but TWO blog posts in the past – both trend reflection articles – in 2011 and 2012.

Don’t get me wrong – it is not that I don’t like coral – I actually like it quite a bit and I was once again reminded of that fact while searching for all the gorgeous inspiration pictures we have shared below.

In Pantone’s defence – the way we use coral (now versus 8 years ago), how it is applied in an interior space and the colours we combine it with has evolved into something more “here and now”. Trends tend to do that – evolve.

I tried to recollect whether we at Design Monarchy have ever had interior projects that strongly featured coral. I immediately thought of one hospitality / retirement project we were involved with that included coral into the colour scheme. It was an upmarket seaside venue and we paired the coral with tones of blue – teal and aqua. See the fabric scheme: HERE.

On further reflection, I found that we had a few design and decorating projects that incorporated some shade of coral as an accent colour – be that a coral-coloured scatter cushion or a floral fabric featuring a lovely blue and coral bloom.

Pantone Colour of 2018: ULTRA VIOLET

January 29, 2018January 29, 2018 Design Monarchy3 Comments

by Marica Fick

Happy 2018 everyone! I hope you all had a brilliant and rest-filled festive break?

I’m sure by now you have all noticed a certain colour trend flooding image-sharing websites and blogs? You know the colour I’m referring to – it is a bold and dramatic shade of purple with a slightly bluer undertone – an almost “Royal Purple“. Anyhoo, however you choose to describe it, it is called Ultra Violet and it is Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2018.

Purple tends to be a colour that people either love or hate. It is often viewed as a transcendental colour – it symbolizes spirituality, the sub-conscious, creativity, and royalty. Purple is also associated with decadence and conceit and, in some countries, it is the colour of mourning.

Design Monarchy is no stranger to using purple in our interior design projects – we LOVE bold. In fact, when Pantone announced their new Colour of the Year last December, I immediately thought of two specific projects – Summerley Court and The Manor – both upmarket retirement/hospitality venues. While the purples used in the aforementioned projects were not the exact tone and shade of Ultra Violet, it serves as an excellent example of the power and popularity of purple.

Pantone Colour of 2015: MARSALA

February 3, 2015February 2, 2015 Design Monarchy3 Comments

I’m sure by now you have all spotted a certain colour trend featured heavily on all image-sharing websites. You know the colour I’m referring to – it is sort of a dusty red-ish brown-ish colour… Or is it more like a dull cranberry? Maybe it’s pink-ish paprika? Anyhoo, however you choose to describe it, it is called Marsala and it is Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2015.

Named after the Italian wine, the colour Marsala is said to be both elegant and earthy. While it took me some time to warm to it, I have seen some beautiful applications. Sleek Hollywood leading ladies walking the red carpet draped in gorgeous Marsala-coloured silks and a plush Marsala-hued velvet sofa – very dramatic.

Here is what Pantone had to say about their choice:

“Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.”

“Whether in a flat or textured material, or with a matte or gloss finish, this highly varietal shade combines dramatically with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. Because of its burnished undertones, sultry Marsala is highly compatible with amber, umber and golden yellows, greens in both turquoise and teal, and blues in the more vibrant range.”

And of course we can’t sign off without showing you some Marsala-inspired interiors and décor! Please click on the images below to enlarge and view sources…

So what do you think of the Colour of the Year? Yay or Nay?

http://www.thedesignchaser.com/2014/10/homes-to-inspire-fishermans-harbour-in.html

http://30smagazine.wordpress.com/2014/09/10/home-tour-a-family-home-full-of-contrasts/

http://freshome.com/2013/12/10/hypnotizing-mix-colors-textures-displayed-modern-apartment-brazil/

http://www.woolworths.co.za/store/fragments/product-details/product-details-index.jsp?productId=502544976

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/142989356894070218/

http://www.westelm.com/products/dip-dye-rainbow-silk-pillow-cover-t429/?pkey=cpillows&cm_src=pillows||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-

http://www.weylandts.co.za/product/brussels-easy-chair-limited0059

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=28486330&parentid=A_FURN_FURNITURE_CHAIR&color=065#/

http://myscandinavianhome.blogspot.se/2014/05/a-former-lighthouse-keepers-cottage-on.html

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/196610339958693388/

Pantone Colour of the Year 2013: Emerald

January 11, 2013 Design Monarchy3 Comments

Another thing we waved goodbye to at the end of last year was of course the Pantone colour of 2012 – Tangerine Tango. I eagerly waited on the edge of my seat for the big colour reveal of 2013… and well, I was a little disappointed…

On 6 December, it was announced that the Pantone Colour of the Year 2013 is… Emerald. It took both Rose and me by surprise – I expected something a little more minty and light. We couldn’t help wondering about Pantone’s selection process. Does a colour become the colour of the year because it’s trending or is the reverse true? Does it become a trend because it is the colour of the year?

Emerald, a vivid, verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony.

Here is what Pantone had to say about Emerald:

“Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the colour of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the colour of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other colour conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.”

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other colour in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

“The Colour of the Year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for colour influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, travelling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact colour, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.”

“Enhance your sense of well-being at home by rejuvenating the interior with Emerald paint, accents and accessories. This jewel-like hue will create a luxurious feel in an entryway, powder room, dining room or study, and bring life to a living room as an accent wall. Add a splash of colour to the kitchen and dining room areas with Emerald dinnerware, stemware and appliances.”

Shades and hues of green | via Apartment Therapy

Vesuvio Bakery | Duane Rieder 2000

Emerald & Blue

Green and white bathroom by The Sugar Monster | via Flickr

New York penthouse by David Hotson and Ghislaine Viñas | Photography by Eric Laignel

Wondering how to incorporate this bold colour into your home? Consider using them in conjunction with the following colours:

White – it’s fresh, light and easy on the eyes – a perfect balance to Emerald’s loud vibrancy. Play with patterns to add elements of interest and fun.

Black – mysterious and bold. Paired with emerald it speaks of opulence and sophistication.

Blue – another jewel tone that diffuses the bold emerald and adds a beautiful cool and calming facet.

Neon Pink – not for the timid. The introduction of pops of neon pink into an emerald scheme is playful and trendy.

Ag, maybe I’m just a little biased as emerald is not one of my favourite colours. I have since stumbled across many beautiful examples of emerald… especially in the fashion design industry. Mmm, I think it will grow on me…