When the Pantone Color of the Year is announced it’s always a big deal, regardless if you love the color or not. Each year it creates buzz and it has a strong influence in the home & fashion industries. Some years have been duds (in my humble opinion), like last year’s Radiant Orchid or in 2016 when clearly baby shower colors of Rose Quartz and Serenity were the two winners. Like it or not, since 2016 Rose Quartz has become a hit, and is used over and over in the design industry.
So this year when Living Coral was introduced I got excited. Hues of green and blue have been getting a lot of attention over the past five years so adding coral into your decor this year should be a no brainer. Living Coral is meant to evoke high energy, socialization and interaction in a changing environment. In these crazy times I could use a color that will push me towards some positive vibes.
Naturally, once I started thinking about this color, it made me also think about what Black Tastemakers are creating this year with the Pantone Color of the Year in mind. Shades of pink and oranges all play nicely with coral, so I decided to pull a list of items from 28 Black Tastemakers that were inspired by the Pantone Color of the Year.
The Copper Batik rug by the London based designer Eva Sonaike will make a bold statement in any interior. This African batik pattern is abstract enough to play well with lots of different colors and textures. Each one of these rugs is handcrafted with 100% New Zealand wool. Plan to have this heirloom piece in your home for years to come. I’m gonna be honest: it was tough just picking one piece from her shop for this mood board (too much African luxury goodness).
This original illustration, Black Bird by Erin Robinson of Brooklyndolly is exactly the image you need to bring in some positive energy for the spring. I’m in love with this imagery of a Black girl getting ready to swim, and her feet are elevated like a dancer. This is a limited signed print by the artist, so get it while supplies last.
This mug feels like a great morning mantra to get yourself together. “Be You Bravely” is exactly what you need to hear some days when you are not feeling like yourself. Also, this modern color block style of orange, white, pink, and black will definitely make a statement at your desk. That orange handle is calling my name for a chai latte and good vibes.
Every season you always need a new pillow to freshen up a space, and if you are looking for something modern look no further than the Zori Half Moon Bogolan Pillow Cover (de)constructed. I’m a big fan of the minimalistic design of this pattern on mudcloth. This pillow could be just what you need to give your sofa or bed a pick me up for the spring.
Rochelle Porter is constantly playing with color and patterns, so her Coral pillow is the perfect addition to freshen up your sofa, accent chair, or bed this spring. This subtle geometric pattern plays well with others. I could see layering it with blue patterned pillows and a linen throw.
A one-of-a-kind piece always adds a personal touch to your space, which is why I found this funky vase in the vintage store Dress My Room by Ariene C. Bethea. It’s hard to believe that something made in the 80s is now considered vintage (guess I really am getting old), but regardless of me lamenting about my age, this vase is a really cool statement piece. I can definitely see this piece sitting on a coffee table in an all white room with big green branches coming out of it, and then a waiter comes in and brings me a glass of red wine (uh oh, I went too far), but you get the picture. This vase would completely upgrade your room.
One of the best ways to transform a room for a new season is paint, so I naturally thought this paint color Pop, by creator Nicole Gibbons of Clare Paint, would be an energizing color for a space in your home this upcoming season. They describe this paint as coral-y, and I think it will just make a room more whimsy and fun to hangout in this spring.
If you are feeling like your whole room needs a complete makeover for the spring, and Living Coral is on your mind, look for inspiration in this design by Danielle Colding. This bedroom is from a residential project that Danielle worked on in Park Avenue in NYC. You can feel that the inspiration for the space is light and bright with lots white and a pop of color with coral accents in the bedding, window treatment, and accent wall decor.
Check out the links to buy these items and/or connect with the designer to re-create this look in your home! Let’s add some vibrancy and life this spring with Living Coral and support Black businesses at the same time.