TRENDS: International colour forecasting powerhouse Pantone released their key colour for 2019 in December and it’s an eye-popping doozy.
Living Coral (Pantone 16-1546) is a luminous pink, reminiscent of a salmon off to an underwater disco. Pantone describes the hue as an “animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone, that energises and enlivens with a softer edge.”
Just Who Is Pantone?
Pantone is a US-based company that has established itself as a global authority on colour, with its intricate colour-matching system dominating the field of creative design, print and fabrics.They began forecasting a ‘Colour of the Year’ two decades ago and its announcement has become a key watershed moment for the industry each year.
How is the ‘Colour of the Year’ chosen?
Rather like the new Pope. Twice a year the company hosts a secret meeting of international representatives from colour standards’ groups around the world. After two days of intense discussion and debate, they choose a colour for the following year.
It is important that the Colour of the Year connects with the zeitgeist. While 2017’s Greenery was a soothing, natural colour that provided relief in fractious times, Living Coral has been chosen to “demonstrate the authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy.”
Leatrice Eisemann – CEO of the Pantone Color Institute – says that in an era when consumers are craving human interaction and social connection, “the humanising and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.”
How should I use it?
There are many arguments within the interior design community about how seriously to take trends. While there will always be a place for classic, timeless design, there will also always be a place for the latest fashions and refreshing the status quo.
Use Living Coral on a feature wall in the garden to immediately brighten alfresco conversations. Or play with the colour in furniture fabrics, such as this gorgeous chair from Melbourne furniture-makers Jardan.
In a nutshell, Living Coral is a fun, bouncy colour for 2019. Our interiors can help shapeshift our emotions and connect us not only to others but to ourselves. Isn’t it time we all went dancing?
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