For the first time, Pantone has chosen a blend of two soothing shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity (a pastel shade of blue) as the Colour of the Year 2016, thus opting for  a “softer take on colour”, it says.

“As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colours that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent,” pronounced Pantone. “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”

Moving away from the solid colours which made it as the colour of the year in the past, Pantone says that “The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of colour association”.

Pantone describes Rose Quartz as a “persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure”.  While Serenity, it says, “is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times”.

(Numbers from the Pantone palette for Rose Quartz & Serenity:  PANTONE 13-1520 & PANTONE 15-3919)