It's the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas. We're referring to the reveal of Pantone's Color of the Year! The 2020 color is Classic Blue, a more traditional choice than last year's Living Coral.
According to the Pantone Color Institute, PANTONE 19-4052 "highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era."
If you're looking to bring new energy and warmth into your apartment this season, Pantone color of the year accents can bring the vibrancy you crave in your living space. Here are some suggestions on how to decorate with Living Coral.
If your seating area is feeling a little bit cold and uninviting, a couple of patterned throw pillows will do the trick. Aim for geometric or abstract patterns to bring more life to your neutral pallet.
Make your couch extra comfy with a fleece blanket in the 2019 Pantone color. Add a basket nearby for storage when it's not in use.
If you decide to use both, just make sure you find a balance. You don't want too many bright hues and patterns at once.
If your living room leans more on the gray side, invest in an accent table in Living Coral. While the color can be a bit loud, it will co-exist nicely with your other wood items and darker textures and hues. It's almost a little surprise for when your friends come over and see it next to the couch.
A coral lamp can fit both in your bedroom or in your living room. Overhead lighting can often be too aggressive for setting the mood during group dinners or when playing board games in the living room. Turn off your overhead LED and warm up your living space with light from a corner lamp.
Whether it's in the living room, your bedroom or in the bathroom, your walls can't remain bare forever. Use the new Pantone color of the year as an excuse to get started on adding artwork to your walls.
Think outside the box too – it doesn't have to be a coral-colored rectangle. Prints and photographs on sites like Society6 let you search by accent color – we're thinking Palm Springs, Cuban architecture, flamingos and maybe an antique car or two.
A rug always adds a little elegance to the room, whether you have hardwood floors or beige carpet. A beautiful rug with living coral accents can make your bedroom feel a little brighter and give you a smile every morning when you wake up – especially in the dreary winter. Or maybe add a runner to your hallway.
Got a green thumb? These small coral planters would be a great addition to your kitchen windowsill. Just add a few succulents and a little bit of soil. You can also add a few to your desk to bring a little bit of nature inside.
If you have open shelving in your kitchen, shop your local thrift store and hunt for coral bowls and plates to give your shelves a little life. Antique milk bowls, bakeware and pyrex often come in beautiful pink and coral hues.
If you don't have open shelving, that's OK. Try flower vases. It's a fun way to decorate your kitchen and encourage you to pick up an arrangement every time you stop by the grocery store.
Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about technology and its intersection with arts and culture. She's worked on content for startups like Mailchimp, Patreon, Punchlist, Skillshare, Rent. and others. Muriel has also contributed to The Washington Post, Eater, DWELL, Outside Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, AIGA Eye on Design, Bitter Southerner and more.