2020 Pantone Color of the Year is Classic Blue

When it comes to home design, you can expect to see a lot of blue this year. That’s because Pantone recently announced that their 2020 Color of the Year is “Classic Blue,” a shade reminiscent of the blue sky at dusk.

According to the Pantone Color Institute, responsible for selecting the color of the year, Classic Blue is a calming hue meant to reassure in a tumultuous time

“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith,” says Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a press release announcing the company’s 2020 Color of the Year. “It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.” Eiseman also explained that the color Classic Blue is meant to challenge people to “think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.”

A recent story in Seattle Magazine about local resident Eiseman dived deeper in an interview with her about how the color is chosen. The process is at least a year long and definitely much more than just a whim or a staff favorite. To help make the annual decision, Eiseman visits art galleries and museums while traveling the world to attend trade shows and talks at least a year in advance of her decision. She also watches colors that appear on everything from fashion runways to NASA.

Sociopolitical climate plays a role as well, and Eiseman says the Pantone Color Institute has embraced the power of its platform to spark conversation about pressing issues beyond color. Last year, it chose “Living Coral” as the 2019 Color of the Year, in part for its aesthetic appeal and for the growing popular acceptance of the orange family of colors, but also for its contribution to an international dialogue about global warming.

The great news about this color is that when it comes to home design and décor, Classic Blue can fit any style from edgy to classic or modern to country. Like a good pair of denim jeans, it can be paired with practically anything and easily incorporated into home design in an almost limitless way.

If you love Classic Blue and want to incorporate it into your home, here are a few ideas:

KITCHEN: If you prefer keeping the kitchen a bit lighter and brighter, try using this shade of blue to add pops of color here and there (not everywhere). You could try this by painting the bottom of your island or just a few of your base cabinets Classic Blue. Appliances that come in bold colors have been another kitchen trend in the last few years, and you can easily find some in this shade. For a fun focal point, try just one appliance in blue, such as your oven or range and hood combo.

BATHROOMS: Kitchens shouldn’t get to have all of the color fun. You can start with adding Classic Blue with accessories such as towels, shower curtains or artwork. Or you can get really creative and decide that new tile is in order and create a blue oasis in one of your bathrooms. No matter how you use blue in your bathrooms, it’s a good bet that you’ll be adding feelings of being in a spa or soothing space, so go for it in these rooms for sure.

BEDROOMS: Blue is calming, soothing and can remind you of days spent on the beach or relaxing at a spa or resort. Bedrooms are supposed to be your oasis of calm in the home, so adding blue is perfect for this. Add some Classic Blue to your bedroom by refreshing bed sheets or covers, adding a few colorful pillows that pop, or going bold with new paint, wallpaper or artwork on the walls.

REST OF THE HOUSE: You can incorporate Classic Blue in everything from paint colors and wallpaper to furniture, pillows, and artwork. The sky is the limit (and the color too!) so have fun adding a little blue to your home and life. There are even flowers you can add to your home in shades of blue that will complement your Classic Blue vibe such as hydrangeas, lavender, lilacs and iris.