Perfectly Pantone: Why 2020’s Color of the Year is the Best Yet!

Classic Blue is, and always will be, the epitome of cool in my book. From a dusty pair of blue jeans to a slick coat of paint on a wall, Classic Blue speaks to all of us. And by tapping into sight, sound, smell, taste, and texture, Pantone is taking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue to the next level with the first multi-sensory Color of the Year in the company’s history. 

“The Pantone Color of the Year highlights the relationship between trends in color and what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time, a color that reflects what individuals feel they need that color can hope to answer,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions, designers and brands should feel inspired to use color to engage and connect. The Pantone Color of the Year selection provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.”

Over the years, Classic Blue has become the very basis of my own personal style and my home’s interior design. From my collection of blue and white chinoiserie vases, to the blue and white striped roman shades in my kitchen, to my Colonial Blue sofa and the vibrant Ralph Lauren rug it sits upon (as modeled by my Scottie pup above), Classic Blue is where my design eye shines.

​However, it took me a long, looong time to figure this out. My love affair with Classic Blue probably started in my twenties when I paired crisp white jeans with a Classic Blue linen button down on a whim - a style decision I likely referenced from fashion magazines, and have repeated time and again. It’s a pairing that’s easy, effortless, and chic. I mean what is more “classic” than blue and white? It’s Americana at its finest after all! And it’s safe to say, this mystical magical color of water and sky makes my heart sing!

What I love most is that there is so much versatility in a Classic Blue. To some, it’s a chic neutral, like how leopard is to the fashion set. It’s a trademark color of the world’s most storied real estate brand. It’s highlighted in the iconic homes of Mark D. Sikes and Bunny Williams. And it’s a treasured hue in one of Brunschwig & Fils’ most beloved colorways, Bird and Thistle Blue.

Yet, Classic Blue can be unexpected too. Take blue and black for example. It’s the powerhouse combo you never knew you needed! I can’t wait to add a pair of sleek brass lamps with black tapered shades to a vintage console I recently purchased. The choice is sure to pull my space together and give it a classic yet unexpected look and feel. 

If you need inspiration, take a peek inside Ralph Lauren’s Norman-Style Stone Manor House in Bedford, New York. It’s what Classic Blue dreams are made of! From subtle hints in the drawing room to Ralph’s masterful use of the color in his bedroom, Classic Blue makes an impact that is undeniably chice. And it proves just how many colors pair well with Classic Blue. 

Another resource? Pick up Beautiful: All-American Decorating and Timeless Style. It showcases the color beautifully. And the Jackie O-inspired mood board is everything!!! Anyone else a fan of Draper James? Word on the street is Mark D. Sikes helped design their brick-and-mortar stores. Of course, the brand itself is a love letter to Classic Blue. As is another design darling, Serena and Lily. Don’t get me started on their French Blue linens or Coastal Blue Alpaca throws. I could collect them all! Once you start digging, everything poised and seasonless stems from Classic Blue - but perhaps Pantone describes it best. 

“Offering the promise of protection PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is a pervasive favorite for home. Creating a stable foundation from which to build, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue injects creative confidence into interiors, transforming a space through unique color combinations and tonal statements. Easily applied across so many different materials, textures and finishes, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is a dependable blue that can take you in different directions expressing tradition and elegance as well as unexpected boldness."

Now that is a color I can get behind! What are your favorite ways to celebrate Classic Blue? I would love to hear in the comments. 
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Cheers, 

AP

Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter