Comfort Us With Color

Can a color help heal our turbulent, fractured times? It might sound like an uphill battle, but Pantone, the global color authority, is willing to take it on.

Warm and cozy Peach Fuzz, Pantone 13-1023, the new color of the year, replaces last year’s bolder, more audacious Viva Magenta. “At a time of turmoil in many aspects of our lives, our need for nurturing, empathy and compassion grows ever stronger as does our imaginings of a more peaceful future,” the company declares. 

Does this sound similar to the wellness trend in the hospitality industry? Yes, according to Pantone, the color of the year “captures the global zeitgeist, serving as an expression of a mood and an attitude on the part of the consumer.”

With this year’s color, “we see an increased focus on community and people across the world reframing how they want to live and evaluating what’s important — that brings the comfort of being close to those we love,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “The color is one whose warm and welcoming embrace conveys a message of compassion and whose cozy sensibility brings people together and enriches the soul.”

The introduction of Peach Fuzz marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year program. An elaborate launch party in Manhattan featured branded merchandise from carpets to cellphones to makeup showcasing this airy, cozy color. The venue was decorated in everything peachy to illustrate how the color can be applied to rugs, furniture, walls, even a signature Bellini.

Official Pantone Color of the Year partners include Motorola, Shades by Shan, Ruggable, Ultrafabrics, Motorola, and Spoonflower all of which are offering products featuring the color. Rugs and fabrics are obvious, but Motorola? Yes, the new Razr 40 ultra cellphone is available in Peach Fuzz.

We checked in with some designers to discuss how Hamptons homeowners might use this color.

“Pantone is a company that provides guidance on colors across the spectrum from print to fashion and beyond. With this in mind, you can see where an unexpected color might be chosen,” says Paul Kropp, co-founder of Bakes & Kropp.

“Peach Fuzz is exciting to me because it radiates optimism, which I think we need when moving into a year where the world has paths to travel in the economy, politics, and peace,” Kropp continues. “It’s a bold choice to use as any type of primary in the kitchen, but I’d prefer to use it as an accent color in small doses. My favorite way to use a color like this is as the interior of one or two very special cabinets where, perhaps, there are not even glass doors, but you open it and are delighted with a pop of optimism! A cabinet for drinking glasses or spices might be a good fit for this surprise.”

Roxanne Mosieh Ginsberg, an interior designer working in the Hamptons and Palm Beach, gravitates towards natural stone such as quartz. “It’s important to remember that any color is not only something that can be used in paint and textiles but also in stone and fixtures throughout the house. I start to think of beautiful rose quartz countertops that can be used in kitchens and baths. When I design kitchens and baths I start with the stone first. I also used it for a countertop in a woman’s office.” She also notes that there is a resale benefit in using high end stones in homes. “It can be marketed. There is a big price difference between saying porcelain floors or marble floors throughout.” In addition to stone surfaces, Ginsberg considers numerous options in wall papers. “A fabulous new paper I’m in love with is Water Lily Blush by Clarke & Clarke Kravet. It’s very much the color of the year. Also in a Bridgehampton project, I’m using my favorite Gucci paper Heron as a full wall mural in a guest room.”

Floors can get into the act too. Ginsberg recommends Bolon, a Swedish vinyl woven floor covering for Hamptons pool houses for its durability. Their Artisan Quartz would fit this year’s color scheme. As a dealer for Missoni Home, she is also using Missoni pillows and throws which incorporate the peach color.

The possibilities are endless whether you’re redecorating or simply want to add a pop of color.

Beverly Stephen writes about design, food, travel, and lifestyle. She is co-owner of Flavor Forays, a culinary travel company.