And the Winner is… Classic Blue Pantone’s 2020 Color of The Year
Every December the design community awaits Pantone’s top color pick of the year. Sometimes the color proclamation — as it translates to home fashions — is met with more enthusiasm than others. Remember muddy Marsala (2015), moody Ultra Violet (2018) and the surprising twin combos of baby pink and blue (Rose Quartz & Serenity) in 2016?
Classic Blue, this year’s choice, feels familiar and fresh at the same time — and easily adaptable to a variety of interior design schemes.
“Finally, blue is getting its due,” says design icon Jonathan Adler. “Every decorator’s favorite workhorse is at last being recognized as a show pony and I couldn’t be happier.”
Check out our curated roundup of Classic Blue-inspired home products and the insights and inspirations from others like Adler in the industry to Pantone’s “solid, dependable hue.”
“Our design team talks about blue as the new neutral, especially navy. We see current design aesthetics rooted in biophilia, and a desire to reach back to nature. Using blue as a neutral balances natural elements and materials in a way that is simple and understandable.” Adam Dunn, creative director at Four Hands.
Holland Sofa in classic blue from Darlings of Chelsea – www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk
Rider Dining Chair with cobalt velvet upholstery by Jonathan Adler – jonathanadler.com
Blue Course I & II by Gold Rush Art Co. for Four Hands – www.fourhands.com
“I can’t think of a color that is more universally loved than a classic rich blue. Perhaps we love it because it is the ultimate color chameleon, looking equally at home in ultra-elegant and charmingly casual environments. Maybe it is for the deep sense of nostalgia it can awaken when we are reminded of childhood summers at the beach… Classic Blue is the one color that has never gone out of style, and I can confidently predict that it never will.” Cean Irminger, creative director of New Ravenna
Aurelia, a handmade mosaic, is part of the Sea Glassä Collection by New Ravenna (with Winnie, the wonder dog) www.newravenna.com
Photo: John Armich, Design NJ/August/September, 2019 | Designer: Janis Schmidt
Photo: Peter Rymwid, Design NJ August/September, 2019 | Designer: Julia Kleyman; cabinetry, Ulrich, Inc.; backsplash and floor tile, Artistic Tile.
Ombre Wood Bead Chandelier from Regina Andrew – www.reginaandrew.com
“We’re on the same page as Pantone for 2020. Deep blues like their Classic Blue and our own 2020 Color of the Year, Naval SW 6244, are poised to carry us into the next decade. Relaxing, assuring shades of navy add a calm confidence to any space of the home, from living rooms to bedrooms and kitchens.” Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams
Naval SW 6244 – www.sherwin-williams.com
“Classic Blue embodies a casual sophistication that complements a wide array of other colors, making it a harmonious tone. MasterBrand Cabinets has seen blue kitchen accents making waves in our segment of the market with finishes like Maritime, Naval and Blueberry. It’s optimistic and inviting and pairs naturally with shades of white, gray and trending wood tones.” Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets. www.masterbrand.com
MasterBrand cabinetry – www.masterbrand.com
“Deep blue tones like Pantone’s Classic Blue are timeless colors that offer homeowners flexibility from a design perspective…Deep blues can be used as both beautiful, grounding accent colors or even as a dominant color in a room for a bolder statement.” Jackie Schneider, CID, vice president of marketing at Marvin. www.marvin.com
Marvin Sliding French Doors – www.marvin.com
“Blue from an emotional, psychological standpoint, has always represented a certain amount of calm and dependability. It’s a color you can rely on.” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of The Pantone Color Institute.
Consider the endearing combo of blue and white…
Brennan Chair in Belgium Linen with Inspire Indigo 4-inch skirt from CR Laine – www.crlaine.com
Ginger Bench in a chic animal print from Councill- www.councill.com
The classic blue legs on Norwalk’s Beacon Settee creates a perfect balance of color. www.norwalkfurniture.com
“Hello Sunshine” wallpaper in white and cobalt from New Jersey-based Tempaper – www.tempaper.com
…Or the chic mix of metallic
Kindel’s accent chest — from the Facets Program — is defined by Indigo Golden Leather and a polished brass oval ring. www.kindelgrandrapids.com.
An indigo blue reactive glaze showcases the sculptural beauty of the Kapila Table Lamp, accented with a gilded brass base and finial. Designed by Aerin Lauder for Williams-Sonoma. www.williams-sonoma.com
Antonia Laurent Sideboard from E J Victor in navy with bronze accents – www.ejvictor.com
Ethan Allen’s McLevin Three-Drawer Chest is wrapped in fabric and accented with nailhead trim in a satin nickel finish. www.ethanallen.com