Living Coral | Pantone's Color of the Year 2019

It’s that time of the year! While everyone is giddy over the holidays, we’re gushing over the Pantone Color of the Year for 2019; 16-1546 Living Coral. The Pantone Color Institute is the business unit within Pantone that highlights top seasonal runway colors, forecasts global color trends, and advises companies on color for product and brand visual identity. Every winter, Pantone announces a “color of the year” - a retinal reflection of the cultural moment.

“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.”
- Leatrice Eiseman
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE

So…why coral?

We live in a digital world. Our lives are constantly consumed by technology + social media which leaves us wanting more authentic + intimate experiences. PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral’s social spirit engages nature while encouraging lighthearted activity. It evokes a playfulness that we so desire in our every day lives. The Color Institute states that it “symbolizes our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits.” Originally, the Greek word Coral corresponds to the element of the ocean + means ‘daughter of the sea’. It supports creative energies + displays a lively presence.

Coral in the Workplace

Generally, we tend to see more neutral colors in the workplace. With the recent focus on employee well-being, most work environments try not to visually overwhelm staff. The main goal is to provide employees with a healthy, appealing environment to increase productivity. Some might think coral is an overwhelming color to use. However, if used correctly, it can provide us with comfort + buoyancy.

Image source: https://www.decoist.com/2014-07-16/hot-color-trends-interior-design/

Living Coral is the perfect bold statement for 2019. Use it in communal spaces such as pop-up installations + interactive areas. The Color Institute also adds, “As a color linked to tactility and human connection, PANTONE Living Coral in shag rugs, cozy blankets, and lush upholsteries create a warm, comforting, and nurturing feeling.”

Use PANTONE 16-1546 in your designs!

Curious in how to use the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year? The Color Institute has created five different color pallets that feature Living Coral to help you bring this year’s special shade into your designs + illustrate the dynamic nature of this color within various combinations.