9 Ways to Embrace Pantone’s Two Colours of the Year

How to add these calm and comforting tones into your life

Got a case of the baby blues—and pinks—this year? It’s true: Pantone has twinned its typically solo Colour of the Year pick. The 2016 palette pair features Rose Quartz (Pantone 13-1520) and Serenity (Pantone 15-3919), two calming colours that “fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security,” say the Pantone colour pros.

The pink and blue hues are apropos of the “gender blur” with respect to fashion, which impacts colour trends throughout design. “This more unilateral approach to colour is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression.…”

Not feeling the hues? Then a little colour therapy is in order. Click through for 9 mindful ways to express yourself with these calming colours.

Be a change agent

For a Pantone pairing that has staying power, go for the four-season Ekko wool throw blanket ($180) from Design House. Don’t think of the navy and rose two-tone as a polarizing palette. Instead, the jacquard weave creates an inverted pattern that’s harmoniously shape shifting: you don’t have to make up your mind as to which side is front or back. Flip it, fold it or wrap it around you to achieve a look that’s all your own.

Lighten the bar

The home bar is often outfitted in moody, masculine style. But these rocks glasses offer a lighter touch. Tinged in pink, the Marta double old-fashioned glass ($3.50) from CB2 brings a pop of Pantone to your home bar. It’s a fresh take on gender fluidity for sure. Cocktails, anyone?

Bring home the beach

The Latin word for “shore” is the inspiration behind the Litus glass vase ($57–$70) by 18 Karat, which embodies the essence of sand and sea in shape, texture, and calming colour. Place it in front of a flickering fire or soft lighting and watch its serene glow suffuse your room. It’s like therapy for your home.

Understate your accessories

Tired of look-at-me style that seems like it’s shouting to get noticed? Us too. Oversized watches have become de rigueur, but we like the shrunken size (26 mm) of Kate Spade’s Mini polka dot metro watch ($210). Rose gold dots add grownup flair to the girlie pink strap and enamel dial. Small just may be the next big thing.

Soothe your living space

What could be more comforting and supportive than a cushion that softens the hard edge of modern design? The Ariel pillow ($89) is a new offering from BoConcept, the Danish design store feted for its stripped-back style. While it’s not quite the deep shade of Serenity, the paler checkerboard pattern presents a warmer way to accessorize neutral rooms. Think of it as your gateway to go beyond shades of grey.

Blur gender lines

The name—Curious Rose Absolute No. 57—says it all. This natural candle ($55) by True Grace carefully co-mingles masculine scents such as leather, cognac oil, and clove with feminine florals including Turkish rose and vanilla. The result is a gender-bending blend that’s at once fresh and earthy.

Indulge in regression

Remember those halcyon days in the 1950s when everyone gathered around the dinner table sans smartphones? Channel the days of yesteryear by bringing throwback tones into the kitchen. We love the pastel hues of this dreamy refrigerator made in Italy by Smeg (From $1,999 at West Elm). It may have retro styling, but this fridge is all about modern technology and smart touches like energy-efficient design.

Soulful shoes

Put some spring in your step with Nine West’s Banter perforated slip-on runner ($125 from The Bay), while staying true to the subdued hues of on-trend rose quartz. Thanks to the detailed design, these stylish shoes go from day to night, so you can spend more time socializing instead of stressing over what to wear.

Moody blues

Calvin Klein’s Saffiano leather crossbody bag amply illustrates that feeling a bit blue has its perks (this colour is on sale for $78 at The Bay). This dose of Serenity will definitely improve your mood and enhance your wardrobe. Form meets function with thoughtful touches like the chain-top handle, top-zip closure, and inside pockets. Spirits lifted yet?