GET THE BLUES

Pantone’s Color of the Year adds attraction to any home

With an appeal that invokes feelings of peace and tranquility, Classic Blue has been named the 2020 Pantone Color Institute Color of the Year.

The institute describes Classic Blue as a restful color that highlights the desire for a “dependable and stable foundation,” as humanity looks to the future. The Pantone Color of the Year helps influence product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings and industrial design.

Classic Blue’s timeless appeal is just one of its attributes that makes it great for decorating.

“It’s just pure blue, but it has so much depth to it,” said Nancy Hatfield, Allied American Society of Interior Designers member and coowner of Sowell’s Furniture in Searcy.

Classic Blue can be incorporated into home decor in a number of ways, Hatfield said. In a neutral room, Classic Blue can be incorporated with items such as pottery or pillows to give a surprise splash of color to the decor.

“To me, as a designer, I always try to put a pop of color [in a room],” Hatfield said. “Classic Blue just adds to the depth of color.”

Hatfield said Classic Blue is versatile when pairing it with complementary colors such as orange and yellow. She said to consult a color wheel when choosing complementary colors.

Another way to incorporate Classic Blue is in tile work, said Cathy Chapman-Boyd, co-owner of Chapman’s Marble, Cabinet and Flooring in Morrilton. Chapman-Boyd said recently that a customer used a ribbon of blue tile in a backsplash. Chapman-Boyd said that using blue as an accent color to pair with a countertop, cabinets or flooring can make an impression. She also said the color looks great with white, creams and wood.

A band of tile in Classic Blue can provide an accent to a plain white backsplash. Pair the look with the countertop and accessories to add color to a bathroom.

Rugs can be a simple and affordable way to add Classic Blue to a bedroom or office. Various patterns can help add texture to a space.

Lamps can be a simple way to incorporate Classic Blue into your living room. A new lampshade on an existing lamp can also do the trick.

Painting an accent wall in Classic Blue can help make furniture stand out from the background.The color pairs well with a variety of wood tones.

Refinish old furniture in Classic Blue for a piece that really stands out. Match the color with a rug or other decor to make a room inviting.

A throw can be a great way to add a surprise splash of color to a couch or chair.

Pottery and ceramics in Classic Blue can be easily and affordably matched to other items in your room. Pottery can also be a way to add interesting patterns to your decor.

Throw pillows can be an affordable way to add a pop of color to a space while also introducing interesting patterns.