Snippets from the Past – How to Decorate with Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020

Photo: Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020. Courtesy of Pantone

When the Pantone Institute announced its long-awaited color of the year for 2020, the choice seemed somewhat surprising. Not because Classic Blue didn’t deserve the crown, but because it was a dramatic turn from the daring Living Coral of 2019.

Yet most decor enthusiasts agreed: There was nothing more universally liked than the color blue, while the dark, deep Pantone shade was even more versatile. 

Explaining its choice, Pantone argued that Classic Blue spoke of stability, peace and communication. It seemed to be a reassuring chromatic decision for a world in constant turmoil. We find this to be true: If favorite colors are also the expression of our deepest wishes, a shade that makes one feel confident and protected is the right choice in today’s world. 

In interior design, blue is seen as calm and serene, perfect for spaces designed for relaxation, meditation or deep thoughts. When used in work spaces, blue has the interesting ability to motivate people to work better. This dual effect makes it a safe choice in interior design. However, when it comes to blue, “safe” doesn’t mean neutral or boring. In fact, Pantone’s dark blue never passes unnoticed when used in interior or exterior spaces.

So how can you use Classic Blue in commercial interior design or in your residential projects? First, think accents. The easiest way to introduce a new color into your space is through a few pieces of wall decor or a few decorative pillows. If you choose a large wall decor piece and a modern artistic treatment of the subject, Classic Blue truly shines as an elegant and trendy color. 

The transparency of glass goes very well with this dark blue shade, evoking the fluidity of water. Collections of glass vases are a wonderful way to create islands of color and visual interest. If you want to be dramatic, combine these with a handful of yellow flowers to truly bring a room to life. 

Blue glass accents are perfect as outdoor decorative pieces, especially in a beach-themed space. When used in combination with rustic accents, blue glass pieces soften it and give it a contemporary vibe.

When it comes to kitchenware, blue vintage pieces are a classic. If used as decor and placed on open shelving or in glass-door cabinets, such pieces bring a warm, familiar feel to a space.

In the kitchen, braver spirits can go way beyond vintage blue accents and dip a few window frames and cabinet doors in blue. When used in combination with white, blue is less dramatic and gives a kitchen a dreamy Mediterranean feel.  

The same Mediterranean feel can be achieved with a set of blue indoor or outdoor chairs. Dramatic against white walls, they make you dream of Greek islands, romantic getaways and maybe a simpler life.

However, nothing compares to blue lounge chairs that seem to borrow from the color of blue waves. 

When used in exterior painting, blue is daring without being overpowering. The color brings about the same mental connection to seashore houses and sunny islands. 

For a quieter effect, you can use the shutters as your artistic canvas. 

It’s never too soon to make your house give off sense of tranquility and peace. Paint your door blue to make others perceive your home as serene and inviting.

Using the power combination of blue tones and glass in light fixtures can give ceilings dramatic interest. Such pieces truly shine against a white background. 

If you are not ready for a total blue transformation, a blue accent wall is all you need to draw the eye to the best features of your space and incorporate Pantone’s color of the year 2020 into your design.

Don’t overlook the beauty of blue tiles, especially when used in combination with neutrals or softer shades. These tiles create the impression of a dynamic movement of waters, and give the space a fluid, elegant look.

Flow tiles design from GCThomas

When the blue tiles also capture the delicate shades and tones of a beautiful sunny island, the effect is total visual bliss.

Kauri tiles design from GCThomas

If you are in the process of designing a bar, lounge or restaurant that you want intimate and maybe a little mysterious, blue walls all around are a good choice, and the dark shade of Pantone’s color of the year 2020 even better. 

When you choose your fabrics for upholstery or accents, keep in mind the elegant, rich combination of gold and blue. The pair gives an immediate sense of sophistication, while the contrast is able to single-handedly revive a room. 

Finally, don’t overestimate the decorating virtues of denim fabric. Denim is back and the world of interior decor is taking notes. If this means upholstery, decorative pillows or a denim-wrapped picture frame, the effect is definitely a conversation starter and a familiar encounter.

Please take a look at Before and After images of some of our selected projects.

If you are thinking to open up a new business or in a process of rebranding and remodeling your existing business, contact us to get a free consultation from Mindful Design Consulting. Click HERE to price your project design.

Also, take a look at the “Branding By Interior” e-book, the only book written on this subject at this time. It brings insight into how you can turn your business into a market-dominating competitor by using human cognitive responses.