Last week Pantone, the world's authority on color, broke with tradition and named not one, but TWO colors of the year for 2016: Rose Quarts and Serenity.
We wrote a post about Pantone's Color(s) of the Year after the announcement that included our take on the colors, but we were curious... what were other designers thinking about the soft pink and blue shades? So we asked around and this is what they said:
Clockwise from top left:
Erica Islas; Michael Murphy; Beth Dotolo & Carolina V. Gentry; Lynda Quintero-Davids; Megan Hudacky
Erica Islas, Interior Designer, EMI Interior Design
Los Angeles
“I adore Pantone's color or the year choices for 2016 - Rose Quartz and Blue Serenity are soft sophisticated colors. They are the perfect colors for setting a tranquil, inviting mood in a space. They bring balance. For a sophisticated room I can easily see them paired with taupe and some jewel tones for richness and depth.”
Michael Murphy, Interior Design and Trends Producer, Lamps Plus
Los Angeles
The direct correlation between runway and home is very evident in this year’s twin colors of the year. Rose Quartz is an especially great color as most people look good in a peach pink hue, so why shouldn’t your surroundings complement you too?
The two colors (Pantone’s Rose Quartz and Serenity) work nicely with the warm metallic finishes that are trending for 2016. From lampshades and toss pillows to a dramatic sofa and area rug, these colors play well with the popularity of the gray room.
Rose Quartz and Serenity can even act as neutrals in a room, and both shades will look especially beautiful next to brighter colors as it will soften the impact of really bright, saturated colors.
Calm and comfort seems to resonate with these colors since both seem to draw inspiration from nature. Serenity reminds us of the calm blue of the sky and sea while Rose Quartz brings to mind a fresh bouquet of peonies. The warmer hues have an updated positive attitude that will brighten up any space and help create a visually happier home.
Beth Dotolo & Carolina V Gentry, Co-Founders & Principal Interior Designers,
Pulp Design Studios
Dallas + Seattle
“Rose Quartz and Serenity have been used in interiors independently for a very long time. But, paired together these colors are incredibly dynamic and ethereal bringing a fresh modern appeal.
There is definitely a place in interiors for this color combination, but we don't see this color combination standing the test of time for the investment our clients are making. We see it as an accent, that pairs beautifully with neutrals, blacks, and metallic.
So if you ask us our take of Pantone's color of the year? It's happy and modern and very 'of the year'!”
Lynda Quintero-Davids, Interior Stylist, Focal Point Styling
Triad Area - North Carolina
"Pantone's 2016 first time color duo pick of pairing soft pastel hues: Rose Quartz (pink) and Serenity (blue) is to me a more quiet, yet reminiscent take on the 80's colors mauve and country blue - which seems fitting, since many styles in both fashion & decor today are also influenced by that era.
Shades of blush and rose have been a popular color choice on the red carpet and is flattering to most skin tones, especially for cosmetics plus its packaging.
Pale blues have been a popular winter coat color, and as its name defines, is very 'serene' for bedrooms as well as bathrooms. Both colors also complement two other popular interior design colors: shades of grey and white.
My recommendations for these colors would be to anchor with a white, and pair rose quartz with copper for a fresh look, and pair mixed metals of patina gold and mercury with serenity blue for an antiques & modern mix.
Start small with accessories: nail-polish, flowers, pillows, a painting - layering COTY 2016 into your wardrobe or home and I'm sure before the end of the year, you'll transform a room (and perhaps your wardrobe) with one of the two.
For more inspiration, just look up into the sky during sunset, and you'll see this pairing surround you."
Megan Hudacky, Interior Designer, CKY Designs
Denver
“I'm trying my best to disassociate the introduction of these 2 pastel colors with the baby boy vs. baby girl stereotype. Yes, these colors are beautiful and calming, but personally feel dated and not inspirational from an interior palette or decor perspective.”
Lucky for you, Lamps Plus has products that come in the same soft pink and blue hues as Rose Quartz and Serenity:
One of our favorite blue table lamps is the Spencer Table Lamp in Dusk Blue
If we're going to talk pink table lamps, the Ovo Table Lamp in Linen is near the top of our favorites list too.
We have many more styles in shades similar to Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue, so be sure to check them out to make your decor on-trend for 2016!
Image source: Pantone; Lamps Plus