For Year Colour of 2011 Pantone has chosen a reddish pink called Honeysuckle (18-2120). They say it’s a brave new colour for a brave new world. The 2010 colour of the year – turquoise – served as an escape for many, whereas the 2011 colour ‘emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor’. Honeysuckle is the colour that attracts hummingbirds to nectar. In home decor, the suggestion for 2011 is to add a lively flair with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Or to paint a wall in this reddish pink for a dynamic burst of energy.  It is an appetite and conversation stimulant when used on the dining room walls. In the kitchen, it adds a fun touch on the table in placemats and other linens, colored glassware, candles and small appliances.

While Akzo Nobel chose a light airy optimistic blue for The Colour of the Year 2010, Pantone picked a combination of blue and green – Turquiose. Pantone claims turquoise is a colour that most people respond to positively; whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits.

“With both warm and cool undertones, turquoise pairs nicely with any other colour in the spectrum. It adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.”

Turquoise Transports Us to an Exciting, Tropical Paradise While Offering a Sense of Protection and Healing in Stressful Times..

As always, cautious neutrals provide a backbone. These are particulary well suited to the sunny splashes of spring. A personal favourite is the bubbly luxury Pink Champagne. This “delicate, wispy tint” is the season’s newest neutral. Three additional neutrals round out the palette: Tuscany, a warm beige hue, Dried Herb which is the ultimate green neutral, and the cool Eucalyptus, an eternal, practical gray. To round up, here’s some fashion examples from the report:

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colours. Above is the colour-palette for the upcoming season.

In the fashion colour report of fall 2009, Leatrice Eiseman, the Exec. Dir. of Pantone Color Institute, states that the fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful than the typical autumnal hues of years past. This season, designers recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to current economic conditions.

Personally, I like both this season’s colours and their names. A favourite is Burnt Sienna, the reminiscent of an autumn sunset, that has a warm tone and is spicy in an earthy way. Same with Honey Yellow, it’s warm and down-to-earth yet golden and expressive. The Creme brûlée, a grayed-down beige colour, has a gorgeous light caramel feel.

According to the report, Iron serves as the “new black”. It’s strong yet understated, neither gray nor brown, and coordinates well with all colours in the palette. Very welcome, autumn colours!