Decorating with Coral—Have Fun with Pantone’s Colour of the Year

Inside: Decorating with coral in 2019.

My grandmother Mildred could rock coral.

Growing up in the 70s, her style fascinated me. Her outfits couldn’t have been more different than the hippie togs sported by my parents’ artsy crowd.

So when we visited my grandparents every summer, I would study her look.

She was always impeccably groomed with flattering makeup and a ‘do. Her quality clothing was well tailored. She wore lots of light-coloured neutrals, and never black. But she wasn’t afraid of colour. I remember coral jewelry, coral lipstick, a jaunty coral scarf.

Many decades have passed since then, and coral is due for a serious comeback.

2019 is coral’s year

Pantone has declared Living Coral the Colour of the Year for 2019.

I think we can agree that Ultra Violet didn’t make the expected impact in 2018. Coral will be different. I expect to see lots of it in fashion, media, and home décor.

This is what Pantone has to say about Living Coral:

Vibrant, yet mellow [coral] embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.

In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of [coral] welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, [coral] embodies our desire for playful expression.

Representing the fusion of modern life, [coral] is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.

I find it fascinating that Pantone’s colour choice for 2019 offers us warmth, stimulation, and comfort. These were also prominent themes in the Finnish design trend showcase that I recently posted about.

So let’s talk about coral in the home. As a warm accent colour, it has a lot going for it. It’s less aggressive than red, less sugary than pink, and less garish than orange.

Decorating with coral in your home

I pulled together a Pinterest board for you, with lots of coral interior inspo. Check it out and remember to follow me on Pinterest!

pinterest board

Some of the fun ways that designers are using coral as an accent:

• paint a wall, a door, or a baseboard
• transform a table or chairs with coral paint
• add some coral cushions
• go all out with a printed or solid coral sofa
• add some art featuring coral
• use coral patterned fabrics for curtains, tablecloths, upholstery, or bed linens

More reading about Living Coral

Although there are some amazing rooms bathed in coral, most interior experts are recommending small doses of the colour:

• Domino shared some great tips on decorating with coral
• Apartment Therapy got designers’ takes on the new colour of the year

I’m looking for a way to add some coral to my home. I’m thinking some form of block printed fabric? Or maybe something more restrained that my grandmother would approve of.

What about you? Does your home need a pop of coral? Tell me in the comments!