Zhakila Decorating

The Pantone colours of the year for 2016 are Rose Quartz and Serenity. For those of us with more pedestrian attitudes to colour - that means pink and blue. I’m sure you already knew this, but perhaps your mind is occupied with higher things. My mind, on the other hand, is generally occupied with all things flippant and frivolous. Which is why I was wondering how Pantone come up with their selection. They definitely didn’t ask me! Maybe they asked you?

Pinterest have also come up with décor colours of the year - grey and mauve. I think that might be more representative of the what people like. After all they base it on the things that people pin – people like you and me. I think grey is the most useful and versatile colour to use in decorating. But that just me – and as I already said, Pantone didn’t ask me.

So back to pink and blue. I’m not entirely sure about this combination – it makes me think of babies and nurseries. Not that I don’t like thinking about babies and nurseries. There are a some happy memories associated with those days, although most of the memories are about lack of sleep and leaky body parts! My question is, are pink and blue indicative of decorating in today’s world, Have we not somehow evolved beyond that? Don’t get me wrong, I like pink and I like blue, I’m just not sure I like them together that much. Maybe Pantone didn’t necessarily mean them to be used together.

Apparently these colours were chosen because they psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security. According to Pantone; "Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times." Well, who can argue with that!

When I was searching for pictures to illustrate this post, there were many horrible pink and blue combinations. But I found some beautiful photos too. I could see myself living quite happily in these rooms. So maybe Pantone know what they are doing after all.

I may be eating humble pie.

Last year's colour of the year was Marsala - the colour of red wine. I was fine with that, even though, once again, they didn't ask me. While I didn't have any actual Marsala coloured decor in my home, I just made sure I was carrying a glass of red wine at all times and I was right on trend!