Leigh Spicher
A few weeks ago, a colleague asked me to predict the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year. Now I’m not a betting girl, but, I gave my prediction with such confidence I was willing to place a wager. I was confident because Pantone chooses their Color of the Year based on social trends in fashion, art, music and travel, as well as socioeconomic conditions, technology, culture, world events and social media. As a design leader and someone who helps people create their homes, I follow these things closely too. As a mother and human being, I’ve questioned things like how social media is affecting my kids and my relationships. I sensed a need for change.
I was willing to bet all on black. Black signals a bold change. Or maybe charcoal … but 2019 was certainly going to reflect something bold, something new, something that signals the end or maybe even a beginning.
We need bold change in 2019 Design.
I was already writing up my own personal and professional resolutions and that push has inspired my philosophy for design in 2019:
1. We need harmony and natural, healthy elements in our homes.
2. We need designated spaces for connecting without technology or social media.
3. We need to personalize our homes for our lifestyle, not trends we are following at the moment.
I lost my bet, but not really. I chose black as a signal that a day is over, and a new day is on the horizon. Pantone’s Color of the Year is “Living Coral”. It is a deep warm, orange hue and in my opinion … it is a literal sunset. I’m calling this one a win as my love for Pantone’s philosophy on color deepens further. They bring us optimism and a color that celebrates the beginning of a new day.
My father-in-law will be thrilled to learn his favorite orange crocs are now a fashion statement, but don’t worry if you are not a literal orange fan. “Living Coral” simply represents warmth, nature and harmony in our homes.
Here are some fun easy ways, to incorporate the philosophy of Living Coral in your home:
1. Choose warm wood tones with amber hues in your cabinets, flooring or even décor.
2. Mix materials and include natural textures. Focus on harmony...a blend of elements working together the way water gives the coral life.
3. Bring the sun inside, by refreshing things like linens, pillows or picture frames in this life affirming color.
I love how Pantone uses color to illustrate what is happening in our life today. I think they got 2019 right. They chose optimism and that is definitely a design trend I support.
