Pantone Color of the Year 2016

Pantone wants us all to calm down in 2016.  For the first time in history the color institute, Pantone, has chosen the blending of two hues for Color of the Year 2016--Rose Quartz and Serenity (Pantone 13-1520 and 15-3919, respectively).

Rose Quartz and Serenity

Much different than 2015's full-bodied and complex Marsala, the blending of Rose Quartz and Serenity offers a softer take on color, fashion, and art for 2016.



This blending is a mindful and symbolic act; it is to be seen as an antidote to modern-day stresses and as a visual participant in the social and cultural transformations happening around us.  According to Pantone's Executive Director, Leatrice Eisman, the blending of Rose Quartz and Serenity seek to "challenge traditional perceptions of color association," while simultaneously demonstrating "an inherent balance" between warm and cool tones.

Color Palettes

The Rose Quartz and Serenity combination mixes well with similar mid-tones such as muted purples and greens, soft blues and grays, rich browns, and most shades of yellow and pink. Check out the palette samples below.

Flower Pairings

Rose Quartz and Serenity will make the creation of fashionable flower arrangements easy-to-achieve this year, even for the novice designer.  After all, a complementary color is built right in! For those who have more experience in color theory and design, you will enjoy creating seemingly limitless color-of-the-year palettes for your work.

L-R: Serenity-hued Delphinium, Hyacinth, and Hydrangea

For example, you could pair light blue delphinium, hyacinth, hydrangea, and iris with Rose Quartz vases, table-runners, or bridesmaid's dresses.  Or, use the light pink and peach hues of our lilies to pair with any Serenity-hued background.

Peach-hued Eudoxia and Light Pink Party Diamond

Pink snapdragons and celosia will make excellent accent pieces, and wine-hued flowers (such as dahlias) will add dramatic contrast and focal points to any Rose Quartz and Serenity arrangement.

L-R: Dahlia, Snapdragon, Celosia

Another complementary color includes all shades yellow--look to use yellow and white matricaria, soft yellow ornithogalum, and, of course, the many warm hues of our tulips. 

Yellow Ornithogalum

Warm-hued Tulips

Looking forward to the summer season,  I cannot wait to see what designers start doing with hydrangea and even later, antique hydrangea--both hydrangeas' fresh and antique tones are the perfect accompaniment to the Pantone palette. 

Be creative and have fun with these versatile colors this year.  Look for the two colors in all materials and finishes, and add in silver, hot brights, or dark chocolate hues for heavier impact.  For more inspiration, check out some Rose Quartz and Serenity Wedding ideas here.

Rose-Quartz Brassica

But above all,let the blended, inspiration Colors of the Year fill you with tranquility, compassion, and mindfulness throughout 2016.

Happy New Year!