The Color  of Serenity

Whether or not there’s any snow outside, our houses may look like a winter wonderland inside with white drapes and rugs and upholstery and walls. Yes, white is the new color of the year. Specifically Cloud Dancer Pantone 11-4201, a soft billowy off-white not to be confused with the ubiquitous landlord white painted on the walls of rental apartments everywhere. Cloud Dancer, says Pantone is intended to “serve as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection.”

It promises to be a banner year for dry cleaners and stain removers and a bad year for red wine, chocolate, toddlers, and pets. 

Pantone provides a universal language of color relied on by more than 10 million designers around the world, according to the company. This is the 27th year Pantone has sought to capture the “global Zeitgeist” by selecting a color of the year.

Some may argue that white isn’t a color at all but paint companies beg to differ offering up hundreds of shades such as ivory, cream, Navaho white, brilliant white, white dove, pale oak, Chantilly lace, super white, paper white, alabaster, snowbound, always almond and so on. The company likens Cloud Dancer to a blank canvas offering the opportunity for a fresh start. The logo shows a graceful dancer clad in white wide leg pants floating through the clouds.

Cloud Dancer replaces last years’ chocolaty Mocha Mousse, the bright and airy Peach Fuzz of 2024 and the audacious Viva Magenta of 2023. Pantone partners who will feature the new color in their products include Motorola, Joybirds furniture and fabrics, Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Play-Doh, and Post-It notes among others.

“At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences.” And yet there is the anxiety factor. One gentleman’s reaction to a white living area was “I’m just afraid I’m going to spill something.”

“We are living in a transitional time where people are seeking truth, possibility, and a new way of living,” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is an airy white hue that exemplifies our search for balance between our digital future and our primal need for human connection—a liminal space that is a launchpad for creative expression—as individuals and communities are experimenting beyond traditional boundaries, opening the door to increased imagination and innovation.”

When it comes to fashion, brides won’t be the only ones wearing white. Perhaps Ralph Lauren got an advance memo about the new color because the American Olympic team will sport his white coats and trousers. That’s what we used to call winter white meaning white clothing in fabrics suitable for wear after Labor Day. 

Perhaps floating island will replace mocha mousse as the trendy dessert. But there’s no shortage of white foods from whipped cream to meringues to plain white bread.

Decor is another story. We checked in with some designers to see how Cloud Dancer could be applied specifically to Hamptons homes.

Meridith Baer Home

“In the Hamptons, white reflects the coastal environment beautifully,” says Meridith Baer, owner of Meridith Baer Home. “It mirrors the sky, sand, and water, enhances natural light, and creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. It also provides the perfect backdrop for seasonal shifts — whether that’s sun-washed summer living or richer, cozier layers in the fall and winter.

“White has always been foundational to the way we design. From the start, we gravitated toward white furnishings because they create a timeless, neutral canvas that works with virtually any architectural style or color palette. White allows a home to feel light, expansive, and effortless — qualities that are especially resonant in Hamptons homes, where natural light, airiness, and a sense of ease are essential.

“White painted walls act as a quiet foundation, giving other colors the space to fully express themselves without visual interruption.

“Beyond paint, incorporating white through upholstery, case goods, rugs, bedding, and accessories brings a layered softness and cohesion to a space. Mixing warm and cool whites, varied textures, and natural materials — linen, plaster, ceruse wood, stone — prevents the look from feeling flat while still maintaining a calm, elevated simplicity.”

Sarah Akbary Interiors 

Sarah Akbary concurs. “In the Hamptons specifically, white feels especially natural. With most residences tied closely to the seaside, a white canvas allows the landscape to take center stage. The ocean, sky, and surrounding greenery become part of the interior experience. White interiors frame those views rather than distract from them, letting nature be the focal point.

“White is often misunderstood as simple,” she continues. “but when used thoughtfully, it is one of the most layered and meaningful colors in a home. The key is selecting the right tone of white, which should always be informed by the surrounding materials and the direction the home faces. Natural light, wood tones, stone, metals, and textiles all influence how a white reads. When chosen correctly, it becomes grounding rather than flat.

“White sets the foundation for everything else in the space. It allows furniture, artwork, and architectural details to stand out and feel intentional rather than competing for attention. Its timeless nature gives homeowners flexibility to evolve their interiors over time, introducing new colors, textures, or art without needing to rethink the entire palette.

“I also love using limewash or plaster finishes in white,” she says.  “They add subtle movement and depth while remaining soft and calming. These finishes bring a sense of texture and imperfection that feels organic and relaxed, which aligns beautifully with the Hamptons lifestyle. A calming white like Cloud Dancer creates an atmosphere of ease and retreat, which is exactly what people seek when they come to the Hamptons.

“Whether it’s used in airy drapery that gently frames the views, plush rugs underfoot, or layered bedding that feels inviting and serene, white creates a soothing environment that encourages you to slow down and unwind. Ultimately, that sense of calm, balance, and effortlessness is what the Hamptons represents, and white captures that feeling better than any other color.”

Fran Berger

“White is a powerful architectural tool,” says Fran Berger. “It emphasizes millwork, beams, moldings, and fireplaces without shouting. In historic or shingle-style homes, it honors craftsmanship while keeping the feeling modern and relevant. 

“I find the fluid seasonality of white makes it such a perfect color for year-round living, especially by the beach. In summer, it feels crisp and cooling; in fall and winter, it becomes cozy when paired with deeper tones and lived-in, warm textures. White allows a home to evolve seasonally without ever needing a reset. It’s an exceptional foundation for creating a very personalized space. 

“White thrives most when it is grounded. Balance it with accessories and furnishings in textural, organic materials like oak, rattan, stone, leather or patinaed metals.  Dynamic yet natural contrasts keep white from feeling cold and give a space a sense of permanence and intention – essential for homes meant to be both beautiful and livable. 

“I love to curate an eclectic layering of all-white elements on a table for a modern setting with an unexpected mix of ceramic vessels, alabaster, marble, gemstone, bone and shell. 

“When used thoughtfully, white tells a story of light, ease, and understated luxury. It allows homes to feel timeless rather than styled, giving them an enduring appeal. I don’t consider white a trend or non-color, it’s an ever color. Cloud Dancer forever!”  

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