Pantone Colour Of The Year 2019 – What Is It? And What Does It Mean?

Colour Of The Year 2019

Pantone has announced their annual Colour Of The Year for 2019. An earthy muted terracotta namely ‘Living Coral’, or Pantone 16-1546 if you will. With Pantone gleaning their colour trend predictions from a wide range of cultural references. What does the colour mean? And how will it impact design over the coming year? Here we take a look…

Laurie Pressman, Vice President of Pantone Color Institute states

“Just as coral reefs are a source of sustenance and shelter, we see this colour giving us assurance and buoyancy in an environment that’s been continuously shifting for 10 years. With technology, and all the [political] unrest around the world, our global culture has continued to accelerate this shift.”

Making a clear social and environmental link albeit a positive one. The Pantone press release continues to describe Living Coral as “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge. In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life. Are we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy”.

So where has Pantone ‘Living Coral’ popped up so far?

Here are a few examples we’ve found of Pantone 16-1546 in the wild…

Every December Pantone announce a colour of the year which has been taking place since 1999. Previous years have included:

2018 – Pantone Ultraviolet
2017 – Pantone Greenery
2016 – Rose Quartz & Serenity