2010 Color of the Year
Every December, Pantone’s color specialists and forecasters announce one and only Color of the Year. Based on the intense research and observation in the political, economical, social and cultural arenas, a color that best reflects a given moment in time and pronounces foreseeable future is selected. On December 8, 2009 Pantone unveiled that the Color of the Year for 2010 is Turquoise.
As much as the process of color forecasting may seem fun and exciting to some, in reality, it is a tough job and a big responsibility. These predictions directly affect what you, as consumers, see on displays, on TV and in the press. Last year’s serious economic downturn as well as history changing presidential election called for cheerful and joyous uplift. Therefore, a bright yellow (Mimosa) was selected as the color of the year for 2009. This year, we, as a nation, are dealing with a completely new set of challenges. As the US economy picks up, jobs are recreated and the outlook for the future becomes a brighter picture, we look for elements that can provide confidence, self-motivation and a temporary relief from the day to day stress. Turquoise, with its soothing tropical and healing characteristics does the job.
“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. It is believed to provide spiritual protection and security by some. Others view it as a healing agent inspired by calming elements like water and sky. To most of us, turquoise brings the imagery of tropics, sandy beaches and palm trees to mind, which puts us at ease and into a relaxation mode instantaneously.
The home decor industry draws inspiration from the runway. What you first see in fashion is soon incorporated into interiors. Paint and wallcoverings, area rugs, fabrics and furnishings, lighting and other accessories are transformed to reflect the trendy colors and patterns. Unfortunately, the cost of updating your living room decor far exceeds the cost of refreshing your wardrobe. How do you stay on top of the trend without breaking the bank? You can easily and economically add style to a space by changing over portable elements like lamps, drapery and throw pillows, rather than redoing the entire space.
Working with turquoise is not as complicated as it may seem. It pairs very well with most neutrals (black, white, beiges and grays) as well as deep blues and all greens. Combine it with a yellow-green for a more risky outcome, or with reds and pinks to achieve a bold complimentary scheme. Either way, you can be sure to bring excitement and joy to your design by implementing turquoise.
