"Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet." Famed artist Paul Keel said it best when it comes to describing color and its importance in our lives. With that said, Pantone, a leader in color matching and color systems has announced the 2019 Color of the Year.

Pantone Color of the Year 2019 © Pantone

Pantone Color of the Year 2018 © Pantone

Designers, artists, and architects alike know how much color and its presence and absence influence design. For the past 20 years, Pantone has released its annual color of the year to the public. Influential in various aspects of the industry, the announcement influences product development, purchasing decisions, graphic design, and more in multiple industries. The search for new color influences is what the company's color experts scour the world for. 

Image © Pantone

The Pantone Color Institute is an entity within Pantone that researches and highlights global color trends and seasonal runway colors while advising companies on color and brand visual identity. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, shared her thoughts on this year's color choice. "Color is an equalizing lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral. With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial PANTONE Living Coral hit a responsive chord."

Emmanuelle Moureaux Color of Time Image © emmanuelle moureaux architecture + design

However, despite how influential Pantone's color choices are, the use of color and its link to individuality and self expression is what makes the subject all the more interesting. Many may love this coming year's color choice, while others may be indifferent. As designers, it is important to learn what is trending, but also to use it as a reference in how design trends can be challenged. One thing is certain, the team at Pantone is optimistic with the influence Living Coral can create. 2019's color pick is expected to spread a bit of optimism and joy.  

Original story on Archinect News