You may not have heard of the Pantone Colour of the Year, but for many people (especially those interested in interior decorating and design), it sets the colour trend for the year to come.
The Pantone Colour Institute’s Colour of the Year for 2020 is Pantone 19-4052, otherwise known as Classic Blue – a deep blue shade that’s both comforting and elegant in its simplicity.
Described as ‘genderless and seasonless’, Classic Blue ‘goes with everything’, but it also makes a strong statement on its own. A popular choice for heritage homes, Classic Blue is an accomplished chameleon, often featuring in contemporary homes and coastal-chic interiors. Versatile to say the least, Classic Blue is widely acknowledged as a universal favourite with interior decorators.
With a ‘reassuring presence instilling calm, confidence and connection’, 2020’s hero hue from Pantone ‘brings a sense of peace and tranquillity’ to any home. But before we get into how to use Classic Blue successfully in your décor, just what is the Pantone Colour of the Year and why is it important?
Back in 1963, Lawrence Herbert, Pantone’s founder, created an innovative system of identifying, matching and communicating colours to solve the problems associated with producing accurate colour matches in the graphic arts community.
His insight that the spectrum is seen and interpreted differently by everyone, led to the innovation of the PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM®, a book of standardised colour in a fan format. Most of us are familiar with the Pantone fan (you may have even seen it at the Bunnings paint counter). Every year, Pantone choose a Colour of the Year – a colour snapshot of what colour experts see taking place in the world of colour that expresses a mood and an attitude.
The annual colour, announced every December, is chosen based on what is taking place in our global culture at the time. But what does this mean to those of us who don’t have a degree in graphic arts? Essentially, the Pantone Colour of the Year sets trends for things like design accents, soft furnishings and homewares, in much the same way as fashion trends affect the clothes we buy each season.
Subtly weave in Classic Blue with simple accessories like ceramics and prints.
Pillows and throws make it easy to add Classic Blue to your decor on a budget.
Classic Blue is already a popular colour choice, thanks to its sophisticated and soothing tones. Here are some practical ways you can incorporate it into your home décor.
Add a splash of blue
One of the easiest ways to incorporate Classic Blue into your home is with paint! Paint an entire room (or just one feature wall) and then decorate to match. Classic Blue looks fresh and fabulous, creating an elegant contrast, especially with white.
Give your kitchen a Hamptons feel
Make a bold move and choose Classic Blue for your kitchen cabinetry. It’s sure to give the hub of your home a sophisticated look. And remember, gold hardware looks fabulous with any shade of blue – but in particular, Classic Blue!
Trending in upholstery
Upholstery is a wonderful way to introduce colour into your home, and blue has never been so popular! Start small with an armchair or footstool, which can be easily removed if you think it’s too much. Or, if you’re already a big fan of Classic Blue, go for a larger piece like a sofa. It will create a marvellous centrepiece for the room. Either way, make sure the colour is complemented by pieces such as a rug, coffee table and other decor items in more neutral, lighter shades.
Finishing touches
If you don’t want to make a long-term commitment to Classic Blue, go for smaller pieces such as vases, books and candles! If you’re prepared to take it a bit further, consider items like rugs, cushions, throws and artwork.
Stores like Kmart and Target are great at producing on-point home decorator items at very affordable prices. Think bedding, cushions or a throw. And best of all, if you haven’t spent a lot of money incorporating this colour into your décor, you’ll be happy to update it when the Pantone Institute announces its Colour of the Year for 2021!
If you’d like to see how easy it is to incorporate Classic Blue into your home décor, come and see Hallmark Homes’ Display Centre at Springfield Rise. Always at the forefront of the latest colour trends, our stylists have woven this cool, calm and collected hue throughout our popular Aspire 291 design. This beautiful display home features a relaxed Hamptons-inspired decor that works brilliantly with its fresh interior design.
Textural additions like throws and cushions bring Classic Blue to life in Hallmark Homes’ Aspire 291 display home at Springfield Rise.
Add a pop of colour to a neutral colour palette with scatter cushions.
The Aspire 291 is a spacious, open plan home, perfect for growing families. Not only does it feature four large bedrooms, a separate study and generous designer-style kitchen flowing onto the family/meals areas – it also has the added bonus of a separate media room and kids’ activity area. Plus, if you love entertaining, there’s a spacious outdoor alfresco area, just made for kicking back with friends and family.
So if you’re thinking of building a new home in South-East Queensland, the friendly team at Hallmark Homes is ready to help you make your dream come true. If you have any questions about our home designs or house and land packages, please contact us today.
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