Pantone announced that Living Coral, a bright coral shade, is its 2019 Color of the Year. Although it may seem pinker in nature, Pantone describes Living Coral as “an animated, life-affirming shade of orange, with golden undertones.” 2018’s color was Ultra Violet, a deep purple hue.
“A global team of color experts comb the world looking for new color influences,” said Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute. “This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.”
Pantone also cited Living Coral as a color of carefree happiness. A press release says it “symbolizes our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits.”
“Color enhances and influences the way we experience life,” said Pressman. “As a shade that affirms life through a dual role of energizing and nourishing, Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral reinforces how colors can embody our collective experience and reflect what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time.”
Living Coral’s bold tone can be incorporated into your interior design in many forms. Here are examples showcasing various applications.
Fabrics.
If you want to ease into this bright color, try something simple and affordable like incorporating accent pillows and throws. Pieces like these bring in color that’s not too overwhelming. They are also easy to replace.
Decorative accents.
Taking this color a step further, try incorporating wall art and accent pieces into your space. Even side tables or other small pieces of furniture painted in Living Coral will add just a splash of this wonderful color. Window coverings are another great place to add this color for a bright, attractive and whimsical feel.
Furniture.
Make a statement with larger pieces of furniture painted or upholstered in Living Coral. Living Coral is THE color now so if you like it, go for it in your furniture. You will see this color popping up in fashion, furniture and décor so it will be easy to find the right furniture pieces for your home.
Accent wall.
You love this color and want to showcase it with an accent wall. That’s great…however, to ensure there’s a good balance of color in the room, use neutral colors on the remaining walls. This approach allows the eye to go to the accent wall and not make it feel too busy or overpowering in the space.
Feature.
Add Living Coral as an architectural feature in your home. Built-ins in an office or cabinetry in a laundry room will add boldness to the space. Don’t want something so permanent? Find one architectural piece in your home and paint it Living Coral. Concentrate on one key feature and like the accent wall, soften this bold hue with other neutral paint colors and furniture.
Outdoor.
Your outdoor space can be a great way to use Living Coral. Taking this color outside on furniture and accessories gives you the freedom to go bold and not be too overpowering. The daylight and for that matter, the evening, is more forgiving and will take vivid color more easily than indoor rooms.
Front door.
The front door is a fabulous place to go bold with Living Coral. This color on your front door invites people in…it is lively and fun and a great way to welcome guests.
Finally, it is interesting to note other hot color choices for 2019 from various paint companies like Cavern Clay from Sherwin-Williams, Metropolitan from Benjamin Moore, Blueprint by Behr, and Garden Patch by Dutch Boy. These paint colors are richer and darker than Living Coral. Will they hold their own in 2019? Only time will tell. In the meantime, color is back so go ahead… take the plunge…and add more color to your home!