Incorporating Pantone’s 2016 Colour of the Year

For 2016, the Pantone Color Institute has broken their usual tradition of having just one feature colour for the year. This year is all about the influential blended together shades of Rose Quartz and Serenity which are intended to be paired together for a distinct, natural colour combination.

“Joined together 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” Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute.

Pairing these two tones together can give your space a fresh, calm and relaxing feel, aiding a sense of wellbeing in the home, and is really easy to achieve with many products showcasing these shades this year. These colours are taken straight from nature – the colour of the sky and flowers creates the promise of new beginnings for the spring season.

While Serenity is cool without being cold it is also weightless and airy, much like the expanse of the sky, and helps bring feelings of both respite and relaxation to the home even during turbulent times. Rose Quartz on the other hand conveys both compassion and a sense of composure with a warm embracing feel. Evoking a sense of calmness, balance and fluidity, the fusion of these two shades is a perfect antidote to the stresses of modern day life. Both are beautiful tones and can easily interchange with each other and other recommended colours in the Pantone Palette for 2016.

The gender blur within the fashion world has now impacted the colour trends being used throughout all areas of design, whether it be catwalk fashions or interior decoration, and each generation now has less concerns about the traditional concepts of colour association.

Mixing together different textures and finishes can help add further interest to this ethereal colour combination which will soften any space, so make sure to select a variety of fabrics and mix and match matte and metallic finishes in both Serenity and Rose Quartz. You could also try mixing these warm and cool tones together using tonal accessories in a neutral room as a subtle approach will work just as well as a bold statement with these shades.

While some may think that Rose Quartz and Serenity are associated with children’s bedrooms or nurseries, when combined in a more sophisticated way these shades can create a modern look with only hints of the nostalgia of childhood. For a feminine feel, combine Rose Quartz with soft grey to both lighten and provide warmth to a room, or for a more masculine approach, combine Serenity with natural brick tones, greys and deep navy blues.

Rose Quartz and Serenity are both welcoming colours, reflecting wellness and sense of peace so are ideal to use in bedrooms, studies and lounges where you want to create calm and relaxing atmospheres with a touch of luxury. Our Andorra and Kensington beds are available in a sky blue finish to bring this colour scheme to your bedroom. Add metallic copper and brass or black accessories for a more contemporary style, or combine with white or light grey for a fresher feel. Alternatively you could try adding in some geometric pieces in soft pastel colours to avoid the retro pastel look!

If overhauling an entire room seems too daunting, you can still get the calming, reflecting essence of this colour combination through using accessories with colour accents to your space. Why not try using these colours in photo frames, candle holders or cushions for a subtle approach? Or alternatively, why not let one colour take the lead in your room, with small accents of the second colour for a look that is unique to you but still creates balance. You could also add some freshness to an existing space by adding textured items in either Rose Quartz or Serenity – velvets, brushed cottons and linens are great materials to add luxury, or try light weight linen or organza for an airy window dressing to help emphasise the sense of light and space created by these shades.

For more inspiration, take a look at our mood board on Pinterest to show how you can bring the calmness of Rose Quartz and Serenity to your home.

If you are a Birlea stockist and are interested in collaborating on future blog posts, email Dani at info@birlea.com with your details.