The PANTONE® Colour of the Year announcement has become something of a colour carnival within our studio. Come December, whispers of ‘which tone will triumph?’ lead to lengthy discussions on the merit (or not) of the selected shade.
Last year’s Ultra Violet divided the design team’s opinions, but 2019’s winner ‘Living Coral’ (aka Pantone 16-1546) is a certified crowd-pleaser.
Described as ‘buoyant, vibrant and effervescent’, the marine shade is as much of a timely cultural observation as it is a unifying vibrant pigment. PANTONE’s selection is rooted in both the disastrous fate of our coral reefs and said to be representative of our ‘innate need for optimism.’
But bold and playful as it is, Living Coral is surprisingly easy to incorporate into your interior. Clashing tints and tonal-blocking, or subtle accents and subdued casts provide endless options on how to embrace 2019’s shade with the grand accolade.
Here’s how . . .
Pretty in Pattern
Floral patterns are an accessible way to incorporate PANTONE’s vivid heroine, offering opportunity to include as much or as little of the shade as you choose.
If you’re after a subtle take on the trend, be inspired by this moody and dramatic de Gournay wallpaper highlighted with pops of the shade, or go all out with an intensely coral background such as this custom wall covering by Zoe Design.
Tonal Blocking
Professional coral converts can try layering different shades of Living Coral to create a single bold look. A daring mix of coral paint, upholstery and flooring will inject a room with playful personality.
Pastel and paler versions of the shade sit nicely alongside the more vivid Living Coral, and prevent the colour from becoming too overbearing.
Painted Playfulness
Painting your walls is an easy and affordable way to make a coral-themed impact in your home. Our designers suggest pairing the shade with wood tones, or creating a subdued effect with furniture and accessories in darker shades.
You can also use paint on a smaller scale, by opting for a peach-toned featured wall, or sparse hits of coral on doors and skirting boards for punchy playfulness.
Image via Pinterest
Home office rendered in Sherwin Williams Coral Reef SW 6606.
AKD ACCENTS
Our favourite way to use PANTONE’s coral shade is as an accent. It sparks a burst of interest in any monochromatic or neutral-themed interior, as well as acting as a complimentary colour to blue or green hues.
In the girl’s bedroom of our Wentworth Street project, we achieved a pink palette that wasn’t too saccharine sweet. A vivid coral colour for the soft furnishings added a whimsy yet daring feel perfect for this feminine space.
Our Wentworth Street project photographed by Pablo Veiga and styled by Megan Morton
Artwork by Kerry Armstrong Art
We also picked up the shade downstairs in the open-plan living area with commissioned artwork by Australian artist Kerry Armstrong. Sitting alongside complementary blues and greens, the coral colour really punctuates the otherwise white oasis, defining the dining room area within the open-plan space.