When Pantone dropped two colors of the year in 2016, people didn’t know what to think. Quickly, the design community realized the colors represented a duality of trend. Rose Quartz and Serenity together highlighted a trend toward an unapologetically feminine aesthetic (think: Nov 2021 when Red Taylor’s version permitted us to glory in all things girly). Millennial pink had dominated design for years and people were grabbing onto neutral-eque color palettes and the prettiest, macaron-coded pastels
Regency returned (Bridgerton + Jane Austen fangirls), lace dripped from designer’s portfolios, and whimsical, teeny florals sprouted on our feeds. For brands, the tones paired easily with classic Black or White logo variations — keeping them on trend without destroying equity. You could do a one-off sale or event without committing to the visuals for the long term.
Now, I find the affection for pastels hasn’t waned. It simply cycles between all the shades that make us peaceful and happy.
Serenity Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year
In our culture, color has meaning. That’s why designers take so much care when selecting a palette for a design. Some think our interpretation of color meanings comes from an innate (from a biological impulse) source. Others believe we learn it (from use in society). I think we subtly ingest color trends and then, seek them out based on associations.
In color theory, Serenity falls between purple and blue. Purple can be a mysterious tone (especially in the deeper shades) — signaling exclusivity, richness, and luxury. In bright hues, it’s considered playful and quirky, making it an oddball color. By contrast, blue is popular and stable. It’s always conventional — which is why you see it in so many logos.
Which is why Serenity has staying power. It’s pastel without being too precious. It’s blue without being boring.
As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.
The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association.
In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, 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. – PANTONE
Mindfulness, wellness, and peace are more than buzzwords for gurus and celebrities. Individuals seek to create environments and moments that induce a feeling of calm and contentment (especially after 2020’s unprecedented times).
Spot the pretty pastels:
My Moodboard
I could color-pick these shades all day.
Color Combinations with Serenity
I put together several color combinations with Serenity as the focus tone.
Feel free to save these graphics and use the colors in your designs.
More Color Inspiration
If you love color, follow My Pinterest profile. I upload all of my color graphics and save my favorites from other accounts.
It’s an easy resource whenever you’re experiencing designer’s block.
Hire a Virginia Marketing Agency
In 2023, I launched a marketing agency under Verderame, LLC. And it’s all focused on retail. Our small team specializes in marketing services for makers, eStores, and retailers. We’re ready to maintain, manage, and promote your store on any platform including WordPress, Squarespace, Shopify, Square Online (Weebly), Comment Sold, Pinterest Shops, and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Shops. If you’re looking to hire a Virginia marketing agency, email me at danielle@theshopshop.co.
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