A few steps into 2020 and it’s time we said goodbye to Pantone’s Living Coral and welcome the new Color of the Year: PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue. Last year, Living Coral reminded us of the organic relationship between humans in the age of social media and its animating, life-affirming shade resembles the many coral reefs, a very important part in the global ecosystem, are now under harm due to pollution and climate change.
The reason why…
This year’s Class Blue is in tune with the last to emphasize sustainability. The main reason that the blue shade was considered once again stemmed from the reality that we are living in, which is described as “with a lot of unrest, where some days we don’t feel quite as secure” by Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the company’s Color Institute.
Pantone felt that the color highlighted dependability, trustworthiness, credibility, and constancy, all traits that are valued in the rushing, high-stress situations of the current world.
A tone for all
She also pointed out that the deep blue matches that of the sky at dusk, which provides an close example of why this color can be enjoyed by so many people.
“The sky at dusk – it’s not a midnight blue, it’s thoughtful, but it’s not so deep and mysterious,” she said. “It speaks to our feelings of anticipation, when you think about the sky at dusk, the day isn’t over. You’re thinking, what’s ahead of us? It’s reassuring, but thought-provoking. It highlights our desire for this dependable, anchoring foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era. We’re living in a time that requires trust and faith and confidence. We all see this blue sky and can relate to it, it’s approachable.”
Indeed, Classic Blue seems especially fitting for this moment in time. The hue is genderless and doesn’t represent any season, making it both accessible and desirable, for people in all walks of life. Additionally, its indigo shade can be achieved naturally from plants and dyes, making it a color that aligns well with the sustainability movement, echoing last year’s concentrated focus on sustainability with the selection of Living Coral as the 2019 Color of the Year.
Classic Blue in Architecture & Interior Design
Color Camp, Los Angeles, by J Byron-H
Cobalt blue chairs and bar stools are the most striking element of Los Angeles’ Color Camp nail salon by American architect J Byron-H.
Roksanda Ilincic’s house, London, by RA Projects
A blue steel-fin stairwell design also functions as a bookshelf in this London home that local studio RA Projects designed for Serbian-born fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic.
Le Plonc Restaurant by Greg Natale
Greg Natale has unveiled his latest restaurant design project – Le Plonc wine bar – a must for lovers of top drops and boutique shops.
La Muralla Roja by Ricardo Bofill
La Muralla Roja, Spanish for ‘The Red Wall,’ is a housing project located within the La Manzanera development in Spain’s Calpe.
Blue House in Rotterdam by MVRDV
Dutch architecture firm designed an extension for the Didden family on top of an existing monumental house and atelier.
Blue Library by Steven Gambrel
