The 2020 Pantone Color of the Year

I love the fresh start offered by a new year. It’s a blank slate for all our resolutions and goals. It also happens to be the time of year when lists of hot new things pique our curiosity and challenge our resolve to save rather than spend. As predictable as the ball drop itself, Pantone announces its color of the year, and for 2020 it’s looking kind of familiar. It’s especially ironic (for me personally) that the gorgeous indigo crowned the king of color for 2020 is “Classic Blue,” especially since I just removed every last bit of Classic Blue from my kitchen when I renovated this spring. My “ahead of its time” kitchen has been decked out in this hue since 2006…see my kitchen chairs all lined up and ready for donation this summer? I obviously got rid of them at exactly the wrong time!

Saying goodbye to my Classic Blue kitchen chairs after 14 years of service.

Most people appreciate this particular shade of blue because it is somewhat nautical and beachy, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love the ocean? There’s also something preppy about it that I can’t deny liking. It also happens to vibe with both classic white kitchens as well as ones with expresso cabinetry. So where will you integrate Classic Blue in your home for 2020? Let’s count the ways…

Throw Pillows. In case you didn’t know, I have a serious throw pillow addiction. They’re so easy to swap out when you want to change things up, or in this case, if you want to incorporate the Pantone color of the year into your existing interior. Classic Blue pairs well with most colors, especially whites, turquoise, and greens. I love an array of throw pillows assembled on a neatly made bed or dressing up a side chair or sofa; they somehow manage to jazz up the room in a clean and crisp way. Etsy is a great source for fun throw pillows in super trendy fabrics. Homegoods, Target, and World Market have nice selections as well.

Velvet Sofa. There is nothing more luxurious than velvet, and when it comes in the form of a sofa decked out in a dreamy jewel tone color, I can’t help myself. A classic blue sofa or love seat would quickly become the center of attention in any room. Joybird has some beautiful velvet couches, and At Home carries a stunning blue velvet sofa that is surprisingly affordable.

Wallpaper. I know what you’re thinking, nobody uses wallpaper anymore, but actually it’s having a little moment! Trendy designers have launched their own lines of peel-and-stick wallpaper in artistic colors and patterns. The trick is to use it sparingly on one accent wall or as background behind shelving, or in a tiny powder room. Remember: less is more.

Accents. Along the same lines as wallpaper, incorporating bold colors like Classic Blue into your home can either take the form of painting an entire room, or you can start small with accentuating focal points in your home. For example, painting the bottom of your center kitchen island can add class and pop to the space without darkening the room. The same goes for accent pieces like lamps, rugs, wall art, mirrors, and throw blankets which can all infuse a room with color without going “all in” and committing to the hue.

Headboards, Ottomans and Sidechairs, Headboards, ottomans and side chairs are a great way to sneak some pizazz into your home by covering them in colorful patterned upholstery. These are accent pieces, so don’t fear taking risks, making a splash, and showing your personality with dashing design and fabric.

So off you go into the wild blue yonder of Pantone’s color of the year. Have fun with it! After all, it’s the Roaring 20’s again! I hope your 2020 has all the pop and color of this classic Pantone hue.

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