Pink is a polarizing color. Aligned with feminity and unapologetic girliness, the tone saturated social media (and most of the design world) throughout the 2010s. Then, it was declared basic and a little bit toxic — along with girl-bossing and performative friend-squadding.

Since the not-quite-bubblegum, not-quite-salmon shade was officially coined as such in Véronique Hyland’s 2016 essay, it’s gone from the hue you rosé-d all day with (while passing rosy-hued ads and debating which peachy-pink velvet sofa would best complement the neon sign you’d hang above it) to a basic—ahem, cheugy—shade everyone’s all too quick to declare passé. (Indeed, one of the top related questions people Google when searching millennial pink is asking whether it’s over—and what the new “it” color is.) – Purewow

Today, pink (especially the baby, pastel tones) indicates a color rift between tastemakers and consumers. It’s not on-trend anymore. Yet, it’s not going away.

Rose Quartz Pantone Color of the Year 2016

When Rose Quartz (and its partner tone Serenity), became the Pantone Colors for 2016, we were at the height of macaron color palettes. Pantone chose at the peak of the trend.

With color and context so intertwined there really are reasons why a color family or individual color comes into prominence when it does, and for the most part the popularity of a color is symbolic of the age we are living in. This was no different for 2016. Continually bombarded with information and finding it difficult to keep up, many consumers today are on a quest for well-being. With this comes a desire for shades that evoke an easy, calm and quiet mood, bringing us comfort and making us feel good. – Pantone, Rose Quartz and Serenity Embody the Tranquility and Inner Peace Consumers Yearn For

You could argue that while the trend is over, the color remains. It has a strong foothold as a reliable, consumer-friendly tone — always welcome in millennial-focused colorways.

I don’t yearn for the tone as a consumer or a creative. I’ll mix it in seasonally — always looking for fresh applications. I enjoy it as a new neutral with unexpected, richer tones.

Whether in soft or hard surface material, the pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity brings calm and relaxation. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, the engaging combo joins easily with other mid-tones including greens and purples, rich browns, and all shades of yellow and pink. Add in silver or hot brights for more splash and sparkle. – Pantone

For clients, I lean toward these tones for wellness products and services. They’re calm without relying on beige or greige.

Inspiration from Pantone

When Pantone released the color, they paired it with many nature-inspired combinations. It was like Rose Quartz was the bud from which mature hues bloomed.

It is because of what we saw happening in our global culture, for the first time ever, it seemed perfectly natural for our selection this year to be not just one color but instead, the fusion of 2 shades; Rose Quartz, a warm and embracing gentle rose tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure and Serenity, a cool and tranquil blue which comforts with a calming effect. Joined together this harmonious pairing of inviting shades reflects connection and wellness, conveying a message of a soothing sense of order and peace. – Pantone, Rose Quartz and Serenity Embody the Tranquility and Inner Peace Consumers Yearn For

Source: https://www.pantone.com/articles/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2016

 

Color Combinations with Rose Quartz

I created several color combinations inspired by Rose Quartz. Feel free to save them and use for your designs.

More Color Inspiration

If you’re looking for more color combinations, visit My Pinterest profile. I regularly pin colors with hex codes.

Additional Reading

About Danielle Verderame

I am a writer first. I specialize in content-heavy websites, bringing together my 15 years of marketing background with my imaginative aesthetic. Most of the time, I optimize small business websites for search and social media. Through Verderame, LLC. I offer my services to small businesses who need assistance with their websites, content, and search engine optimization. In 2023, I launched a Virginia advertising 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 for marketing help, email me at danielle@theshopshop.co.

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Jump over to my articles to find more inspiration. I regularly post about my Lynchburg full service marketing agency projects like website design, color palettes, typography, and other marketing prompts. As inspiration strikes, I generate lifestyle or educational content for publications. Most of it focuses on small businesses, supporting local initiatives, creative inspiration, and communication or marketing theory. On my profiles, you’ll find creative inspiration for your small business.