Friday Five // Pantone Color of the Year
This year, Pantone did a split between two shades for its color of the year, and we couldn’t love it more. A blend of the bright and cheerful Illuminating yellow (13-0647) and the buttoned-up classic shade of Ultimate Gray (17-5140) feels like the exact combo we need to hit the reset button on a new year. Between the pandemic and the total unpredictability of each day, we’re all for embracing a little refresh. So, how can you incorporate these gorgeous colors into your everyday spaces? You don’t necessarily have to paint every inch of your walls. In fact, with a few strategic decor updates, you can enjoy pops of Pantone’s colors without an extensive overhaul. Read on for our favorite ways to introduce these hues into your home - you’ll be living la vida Pantone in no time.
NO. 1 ART
Lately we’ve been obsessed with moody paintings, and this Still Life with Lemon from McGee & Co. hits all the right notes. Not only is it the perfect addition to just about any space - alone or as part of a gallery wall - but it also happens to incorporate both Pantone colors of the year. And of course, the fact that it’s a painting of a lemon gives us all the hopeful and positive vibes (you know, that whole “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade” thing). Life is unpredictable right now, but we can absolutely do all we can to make the best of the new normal. And having pretty art isn’t a bad way to start!
NO. 2 PILLOW
Nothing refreshes a room quicker than a simple pillow cover swap, and the Mavis Floral Pillow Cover from the Danielle Oakey Shop is total perfection. It’s got just the right balance between spring vibes (hello, gorgeous floral pattern!) and classic style (we’re looking at you, soft neutral palette), so it’s sure to fit right in with your already-existing array of throw pillows. Pop it on your living room sofa, add it to your bedding layers, or set it on an entryway bench - it’s so good, it will literally fit anywhere, guaranteed.
NO. 3 FORSYTHIA
Whether or not Forsythia grows where you live (and in Minnesota, nothing’s really growing or blooming for another couple months), you can still incorporate this gorgeous plant into your decor right now. Pottery Barn’s faux version is not only totally realistic, but because it’s faux, it’ll last well beyond the spring season. Combine several branches together for a full and bursting bunch in a vase, or let one stand alone as a subtle pop of interest on your shelfie or in a corner vignette. The infusion of yellow is bound to lift your mood each and every day.
NO. 4 TABLE
If we had to pick one of the most versatile furniture pieces out there, it would hands down be an end table. It’s so easy to incorporate in any space, and if you ever need a room refresh, you can simply place it in a new spot and re-style the shelves. This little number in Saffron from Room & Board is simply ah-maze-ing. It’s the ideal height for a nightstand, sofa end table, or even a corner bar cart, so longevity is definitely built in. And with a touch of va-va-voom color in your home, it’s sure to stand out from the crowd. Just be sure to balance its vibrancy by keeping your accessories more pared down (think neutral colors and organic materials like a wood tray or bowl, or even a chic white or black lamp).
NO. 5 CHAIR
Technically, this chair is an outdoor dining chair, but honestly, we think it would look stunning indoors, too. So for those of you who still have a bit of winter to get through before patio season, you can get a bit of that warm-weather fix by adding this to your dining room table. We absolutely love the classic grey color, and that S-shaped silhouette? Well, it’s absolutely to die for. And while you can certainly use this for all of your dining chairs for a streamlined look, it would also look great as a contrast piece on the ends of the table. Paired with a few more structured chairs, your dining room will be ready for the most stylish of entertaining sessions whenever we’re all able to gather together again!
There’s no doubt that Pantone’s choice in color(s) this year was unexpected, but there’s also something refreshing and exciting about their decision to pair two hues together. And while grey might seem the safer of the two to incorporate into your decor, yellow is a color that provides the perfect pop of interest - even in the smallest decor additions. So, bottom line, don’t be afraid to lean into these shades - we’re certain you won’t regret it for a second.