Pantone Colors of the Year for 2016 are Rose Quartz and Serenity.
The kitchen has become a key area in the home to incorporate color. It’s the one place in the home where families, friends, and guests gather most often, so it’s a great space to add the energy that color can bring. Kitchen and bath experts say that the kitchen is getting more colorful, and today’s tastemakers say that the most popular colors being used are more muted tones that inspire a sense of relaxation.
For the first time ever, world-renowned color authority Pantone has identified two colors as the trending Color of the Year. For 2016, the color experts say it’s a blend of two shades that will dominate fashion, interiors, communication, and numerous other industries. Rose Quartz is a soft pink that’s described as “persuasive yet gentle.” It’s a tone that “conveys compassion and a sense of composure.” While Serenity is a transcendent blue that provides a naturally connected sense of space.
Why these two shades? Well, Pantone says that they convey a sense of warmth and tranquility amongst the hustle and bustle of our world. The natural pairing (think of a pink sky just before sunset) offers a unique freshness and is capable of making interesting color combinations. A softer take on color, they say that Rose Quartz and Serenity will resonate with consumers since they’re welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill a yearning for reassurance and security. And sure enough, we’re hearing the same sentiments from kitchen and bath designers, who report a surge in soft, muted color palettes.
Manufacturers have recognized the trend toward creating calming and serene spaces, too. Lunada Bay Tile, for instance, has recently introduced their Tommy Bahama line of glass tile. The collection was designed to create a respite from the “noise” of today’s over-stimulated digital world. The collection features a palette of blues ranging from whisper soft to strikingly deep, mixed with greens, earthy tans, and pearlescent whites.
We’re also seeing more options in cabinetry colors that reflect these tranquil shades. Check out Mussel Shell, Sanibel, Spearmint Leaf, Seastone, Portland Rose, and Honeysuckle from Cabot and Caribbean Blue and Submarine stains from Eco Safety Products.
If your customers fully embrace the sky blue and pale pink shades, they might be committed enough to choose countertop colors that reflect these hues. From natural stone to manmade quartz and laminate, there are many options available that will help create a soothing kitchen (or bath) space.
Our friends at Marble and Granite, Inc. in New England provided a couple of examples of natural stone shades:
Pink Onyx marble. Photo courtesy of Marble and Granite, Inc.
Azul Macaubas marble. Photo courtesy of Marble and Granite, Inc.
Blue Diamond marble. Photo courtesy of Marble and Granite, Inc.
The blending of Rose Quartz and Serenity results in a dusty purple hue that’s strong, yet calming. A great example of surfacing in this shade is this lovely granite:
Aquarella Quartzite. Photo courtesy of Marble and Granite, Inc.
If you’re looking for man-made alternatives, here are a few choices:
ColorQuartz surfacing in Salmon. Photo courtesy of ColorQuartz.
Aqua Fizz laminate by Wilsonart. Photo from Wilsonart.com
Blue Barn laminate by Wilsonart. Photo from Wilsonart.com
First Lady Pink laminate by Wilsonart. Photo from Wilsonart.com
Color is a mood-enhancing design tool that can have a tremendous impact on our psyche. It’s a powerful instrument that can evoke feelings of cheer, calm, drama, comfort, and so much more. To help your clients strategically use color in the home and express themselves with color, ask them what they want to feel when they walk into their kitchens. If they’re looking for a soothing sanctuary from the busy world outside, the Colors of the Year just might be a good choice. Take it from there and help them incorporate a color that not only expresses their own unique style but one that makes them happy and resonate with them for years to come.