An Evolving Color Landscape

Through carefully examining the world around us for new color influences, Pantone has remained the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries for more than 50 years. Color forecasts including the PANTONE Fashion Color Report, PANTONE VIEW home + interiors and Color of the Year declaration continue to influence product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, beauty, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

This season displays an umbrella of accord that weaves earthy neutrals with a range of bold color statements and patterns to reflect a landscape of hope, fun, fantasy and all things natural. The colors are evocative of a love for nature and a timeless appreciation for warmth and security, which are conveyed through naturally inspired colors that remind us of things that are real and protective.

We are brought back to progressive moments in American history — from the seductive ‘20s to the bohemian hippie and modernists of the ‘60s and ‘70s — while stringing together an affection for colors and styling that is a truly unisex color palette. One such color is Marsala — the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year. Rich and robust, Marsala is an earthy wine red that enriches the mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Eye-catching, but not overwhelming or bright, Marsala is ideal for use in graphic design and packaging.

— Leatrice Eiseman Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

TOP 10 COLORS FOR FALL 2015

An olive green shade once thought of as strictly safari or military, Dried Herb has been elevated into a color we now perceive as sophisticated and chic. Closely related to nature, Dried Herb is an organic shade redolent of nature’s earthy fragrances.

A cool and soothing greenish gray, Desert Sage is the ideal neutral. Timeless and unobtrusive yet at the same time stylishly powerful enough to make an impactful statement on its own, Desert Sage speaks to this feeling of naturally inspired colors that remind us of things that are real and not invented.

Reminiscent of the sky on a gray, overcast day, Stormy Weather is dependable, cool and above all, constant. Implying quality and luxury, Stormy Weather is a powerful blue gray shade that is strong, protective and enduring.

Just as the sun comes out after stormy weather to bring us cheer and a glimmer of hope, Oak Buff is a mellow, comforting and warming shade that brings good feelings. Another one of nature’s illustrious shades, the golden yellow Oak Buff acts to nurture and comfort.

Interesting on its own and a wonderful contrast for other hues, Marsala is a winey red-brown that adds finesse and savoir faire. Rich and robust, Marsala incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

A lush and elegant teal, Biscay Bay splashes up against more heated tones with its cool touch. Combining the serene qualities of blue with the invigorating aspects of green, the cool and confident Biscay Bay inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters, taking us to a place that is pleasant and inviting.

Thoughtful, contemplative and composed, Reflecting Pond is a cooling blue with a lot of depth. Conveying a message of credibility, Reflecting Pond is a serious shade that speaks to our need for stability and security. A nod to the ‘60s and ‘70s, Cadmium Orange evokes a sentiment of optimism, fun and fantasy.

Both playful and sophisticated in its appeal, Cadmium Orange is a warm, welcoming and subtly dramatic orange shade that is striking enough to stand on its own or act as a bold contrast.

A play on the 1960’s with a twist of today, Cashmere Rose is a tactile and soft pink hue that renders exactly what it promises. Cultivated in its richness, Cashmere Rose is a gentle and composed pink that is more upscale than downtown.

Indicative of our affection for color, Amethyst Orchid is the jewel in the crown. Intriguing, vibrant and somewhat sensual, this enigmatic shade is an extraordinary hue that is unique, bold, creative and exciting.

PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2016 contains visual inspiration, suggested color harmonies, individual tear-out palette cards for each of the nine forecasted palettes, swatches of the 77 forecasted colors, and product imagery for use in presentations and storyboards. Highlighting additional insight and direction, a summary page provides a comprehensive color overview and a look at other factors influencing the world of home furnishings and interior environments. The nine directional color palettes for 2016 are: Natural Forms, Dichotomy, Ephemera, Lineage, Soft Focus, Bijoux, Merriment, Footloose and Mixed Bag.

In the French language, Bijoux means “jewelry” — a fitting title for this palette that gleams with drama and intensity across many jewel tones.

Capricious color combinations with vacation-destination blues and blue-greens create Footloose — a palette that supports the idea of throwing off the constricting scheduling of everyday life and simply enjoying the freedom of the outdoors.

Mixed Bag is an assortment of eclectic patterns and prints, with exciting and unique colors like pirate black and mandarin red as well as violet and florid orange.

PANTONE Colors displayed here may not match PANTONE-identified standards. Consult current PANTONE FASHION+HOME Color System publications for accurate color. PANTONE® and other Pantone LLC trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. Pantone LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All images © Pantone Fashion Color Report and the fashion designer attributed below the photograph. © Pantone LLC, 2015. All rights reserved.