January 13, 2020

Designing With Pantone’s 2020 Colour of the Year

The Pantone Colour Institute has announced its colour of the year for 2020 — a shade that "brings a sense of peace and tranquillity to the human spirit, offering refuge". "Associated with the return of another day", Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue is a timeless and enduring blue hue that instils elegance in its simplicity.

In applications related to home decor, Pantone notes that Classic Blue is a pervasive favourite, offering the promise of protection, a stable foundation, and creative confidence. The hue is easily applied across different materials, textures and finishes, and can express tradition and elegance as well as boldness.

Ahead, we've lined up our favourite ways of incorporating Classic Blue into your home, creating a traditional yet bold foundation inside your space — from bold blue kitchen cabinets to area rugs in the elegant hue.

Classic Blue can make for an eye-catching accent wall

(Image: JSE Design)

For years, dark blue has been a favourite colour of interior designers for accent walls. Depending on the size of your room, using Classic Blue as the main colour will give the space a rich look. However, for bedrooms and living spaces, Classic Blue is suited as the accent colour.

Classic Blue to add interest to neutral rooms

(Image: BG Loft Conversion)

Why not add Classic Blue to a room in the form of a large piece of furniture, such as a statement-making couch or in a built-in seating area to excite an otherwise neutral room. Similarly, Classic blue-painted cabinetry adds interest to kitchen islands, bathroom vanities and more.

An area rug in Classic Blue can pull together an open space

(Image: Black Lacquer Design)

The first step in building a stable foundation in your home is with the floor. A textured area rug in the rich blue colour can pull together an open-concept space. This Classic Blue-inspired rug designed by Black Lacquer Design helps to separate the kitchen area from the living room.

Small doses of Classic Blue can brighten up a room

(Image: Moore House Interiors)

Classic Blue can be used in small doses to brighten up a room and create an enduring look. Think Classic Blue throw pillows, vases, rugs, throw blankets, and artwork. Why not sprinkle a few Classic Blue items around on a bookshelf or add a dark blue vase on a nightstand.

Classic Blue doesn’t have to be the only “pop” of colour

(Image: JSE Design 2)

Classic Blue doesn't have to be the only "pop" of colour in the room. Here is a living room space by JSE Design incorporates a range of colours with Classic Blue-toned chairs coordinating with the colourful bookshelf and bold wall art.