Pantone Announces Two Colors of the Year 2016

In a historic first, Pantone announced two Colors of the Year for 2016—Rose Quartz and Serenity—marking a shift in how color trends reflect culture, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing.

Instead of choosing a single standout hue, Pantone paired these two soft, soothing tones to represent balance, calm, and connection in an increasingly fast-paced world.

As a Designer and True Color Expert®, this announcement was a big moment in the design world—and one that still influences interiors, fashion, and branding today.

Pantone Color Of The Year 2026 - Color Inspiration, rose quartz, serenity, pink, blue, See how to use them in your home with these do-able decor ideas, wall color inspo, color palette ideas, color trends

According to a release from the brand the choice of these two colors responds to “Societal movements toward the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, [and] a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.”

Why Pantone Chose Two Colors of the Year in 2016

Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year selection was rooted in cultural and emotional trends, not just aesthetics.

According to Pantone, Rose Quartz and Serenity were chosen to:

Reflect a growing desire for peace, mindfulness, and wellness
Blur traditional gender color boundaries
Create a sense of comfort and reassurance during uncertain times

Together, these colors symbolized harmony—something many homeowners still crave in their living spaces.

These two colors aim at creating a relaxing and calm environment and feeling….and I believe they do!

Pantone color palette inspiration:

Color Inspiration for your home decor! Color palettes that co-ordinate with Pantone's Colors of the Year 2016 Rose Quartz and Serenity! design trends, color scheme, wall color ideas

Rose Quartz: The Warm, Nurturing Neutral

Pantone 13-1520 Rose Quartz is a soft, muted pink with warm undertones. It’s elegant, gentle, and surprisingly versatile.

Rose quartz is a gorgeous color to pair with neutrals such as beige, ivory, brown and black.

Why Designers Love Rose Quartz

Adds warmth without feeling overly feminine
Softens modern and minimalist interiors
Pairs beautifully with warm whites, light woods, brass, and soft grays

How to Use Rose Quartz in Interiors

Bedrooms for a calm, restorative feel
Accent walls in nurseries or guest rooms
Upholstery, throw pillows, or artwork for subtle color layering

Designer Tip: Rose Quartz works best when treated like a neutral—use it sparingly and ground it with texture rather than bold contrast.

Serenity: The Calm, Airy Blue

Pantone 15-3919 Serenity is a light, dusty blue with cool undertones. It evokes open skies, fresh air, and a sense of ease.

Pantone Serenity is also a great color to mix with neutrals! It looks beautiful with greige, black, dark brown and white.

Why Serenity Works So Well

Feels clean and calming without being cold
Complements both warm and cool color palettes
Translates beautifully across walls, cabinetry, and decor

Where Serenity Shines

Bathrooms and spas
Kitchens with white or light wood cabinetry
Home offices where focus and calm are key

Designer Tip: Serenity pairs beautifully with greige, soft taupe, and warm metals—making it far more flexible than traditional baby blue.

Why the 2016 Colors of the Year Still Matter Today

Even years later, Rose Quartz and Serenity continue to influence:

Modern neutral palettes
Wellness-focused interior design
Soft, livable color schemes for real homes

These colors helped pave the way for today’s popularity of:

Blush-based neutrals
Muted blues and green-blues
Calm, emotionally driven design choices

In many ways, 2016 marked the moment when color became less about trend and more about how a space feels.

How to Use Rose Quartz & Serenity in a Modern Home (Without It Feeling Dated)

If you love the idea of these colors but want a timeless look:

Use them in soft furnishings, not permanent finishes
Layer with natural textures like linen, wood, and stone
Keep the palette restrained—think accents, not saturation

This approach keeps your space current while still benefiting from the calming energy these colors provide.

Need Help Choosing the Right Colors for Your Home?

Color decisions are some of the highest-stakes choices homeowners make—and they’re also the easiest to get wrong.

As a Designer and certified True Color Expert®, I help homeowners choose paint colors and palettes that work with their lighting, finishes, and existing decor—so your home feels cohesive, calm, and intentional.

Explore my Virtual Color & Interior Design Services to get expert guidance without the guesswork.

Contact Us!

Contact us today to learn more about our virtual paint color and design services!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a color expert to use trend colors successfully?

Working with a color expert helps ensure trend colors enhance your home rather than overpower it. Professional guidance prevents costly mistakes and ensures your color choices work with your architecture, flooring, and furnishings.

Should I paint my walls Rose Quartz or Serenity?

It depends on your lighting, existing finishes, and overall color palette. Both colors can work on walls, but testing undertones and light exposure is critical to avoid a space feeling too pink or too cool.

What were Pantone’s Colors of the Year for 2016?

Pantone selected two Colors of the Year for 2016: Rose Quartz (Pantone 13-1520) and Serenity (Pantone 15-3919). This marked the first time Pantone chose a dual color pairing instead of a single shade.

More Design and Decor Ideas

2 Comments

linda says:

at

I like them better than previous ones! We actually have a couple of rooms that are more than half way there with these colors . They will go well with all the soft whites and grey. :kinda

1. heather says:
  
  at
  
  Great to hear Linda!! Yes – these colors will go well with whites and grey!