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Color of the Year for 2019 is Living Coral

February 19,2019 | by John Stein


Pantone Color Institute offers hue as energy boost with softer edge

When you first peer at the stimulating Living Coral hue from color specialists Pantone, you are immediately struck by the immediate energy bouncing back at you – though there is a soft edge of mellow that is equally apparent.

Pantone Color of the Year

Pantone Color of the Year

Pantone Vice-President Laurie Pressman told The Associated Press that Living Coral has a saturated orange base with a golden undertone. She calls the color “convivial,” warm, welcoming, versatile and life-affirming. Last year’s pick was the vivacious Ultra Violet.

The spirited impact of Living Coral (a.k.a. PANTONE 16-1546) delivers a realness that Pantone describes as a fleeting feeling we must re-imagine as social media and the constant tidal wave of digital technology washes over us – even threatening to drown us.

According to Pantone, Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment. Recognized as both sociable and spirited, Pantone’s Living Coral welcomes and encourages fun, playful and relaxing activity.

“Color is an equalizing lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral. With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord,” says Latrice Eiseman, executive director Pantone Color Institute.

According to Darvin Furniture Buyer Jeanie Harrison, Living Coral is a vibrant and expressive hue that delivers an immediate influence. “While it has a very dynamic and bold initial impact, it also has a distinct ability to offer a level of calm, it’s a mellow component that manages to balance the overall impact,” she says. "Look for Living Coral and similar colors to be assimilated and blended into the latest furniture lines as well as in accessories, lamps, artwork and area rugs."

Selection Process
Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries for more than two decades. From fashion, home furnishings and industrial design, to product, packaging and graphic design, the world relies on Pantone to set the bar each year.

The Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful trend analysis. Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute constantly look for new color influences. This includes the entertainment industry art collections, contemporary artists, fashion, and new lifestyles. Pantone says influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.