Early in December of 2019, Pantone announced their much anticipated 2020 Color of the Year. Meet Classic Blue (19-4052), a fresh yet comforting and familiar hue that is already making its presence known in fashion, consumer products and home décor.
Blues are consistently at the top in surveys of people’s favorite colors, and this seems true regardless of country, gender or age. What is it about this year’s selection that makes it the right color for now? According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable hue we can always rely on. Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.” Being attracted to the color blue seems innate to our psyche. Studies have shown the healing benefits of being around water, including oceans, rivers and lakes. “Proximity to water – especially the sea – is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental wellbeing, from higher levels of vitamin D to better social relations” (The Guardian, November 3, 2019). Known as “blue space”, the act of being near water is increasingly proving to have therapeutic benefits. Even urban planners are incorporating blue space into community designs by featuring waterfront parks, harbors, ports, marinas, rivers, open air streams, canals, lakes, ponds, and fountains in public projects. The results improve community access to recreation and nature while lessening the effects of urban heat islands.
Pantone is not the only leading color influencer to target a blue for 2020. Sherwin-Williams announced earlier in 2019 that the deeply shaded Naval is their 2020 Paint Color of the Year. Shown here side by side, it’s easy to see that whether using the brighter jewel-toned Classic Blue, the deeply resonating Naval, or any tones in between, blues represent a strong color direction for the beginning of this new decade.
If you’d like to incorporate some “Blue Space” into your custom framing design, Crescent has you covered with multiple matting selections that are a good match to the Pantone Color of the Year. Below is a handy chart to easily reference our best matches.
