I understand that the two colors of the year for 2016 chosen by Pantone are Rose Quartz and Serenity. These pastels of pink and blue are usually found in a baby or small child's room, but I like the calm, soft hues and was wondering where and how I might use them in the rest of my home.
"I do see those colors have been incorporated into clothing and accessories some," says Barbara Boyles, an associate with Coming Home Interiors, an interior design and decor business in west Little Rock.
This year, Pantone expanded its usual selection of one color to two. The company, owned by Washington-based Danaher Corp., is known for its system of assisting manufacturers to precisely define colors. The choice is a departure for Pantone, which usually selects bold shades and since 2000 has also chosen only two other colors that could be considered pastels -- Aqua Sky in 2003 and Cerulean in 2000.
The subdued shades of Rose Quartz and Serenity "demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace," the company said in its announcement of the pair of pale hues.
The soft rose and sky blue were chosen to appeal to consumers who are seeking calmness and security. The colors may also serve to add some elegance, lightness or whimsy to a room where the design is too bold, dark or heavy.
So, how could we pull those colors into the design of a room? "You could pull those colors in with some accent chairs," Boyles says. "You might use a little bit of that in your rug or art. And I see they're also playing up those colors in other various hues. You can also incorporate it through accessories and floral arrangements."
But Boyles also offers a word of caution to use some restraint when blending in the two pastels.
"Personally, I wouldn't use a whole lot of that but I would just do it in small doses."
The subtle tones lend themselves to other hues including grays, teals, greens and taupes. While some may have trouble envisioning the colors being used anywhere except in a baby's nursery, those with creative imaginations will find a way to accent with them, she says.
As an example, Boyles suggests that those who want to incorporate the colors into an adult bedroom should consider keeping the bedding in another color but coordinating it with either Serenity blue or Rose Quartz pink and including the pastels in the rug.
"I would keep that bedding the basic colors you know are going to be in style for a long time or at least a while because bedding is expensive," Boyles advises. "And then I would bring the Rose Quartz or Serenity in on accent pillows or with some accent chairs around the room."
"I like to use whatever color I'm accenting with at least about three times around the room and use it in small to medium doses," Boyles said.
-- Linda S. Haymes
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:
lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle on 05/21/2016