For the first time in Pantone’s history, the global color authority dreamt up a brand-new shade for its 2022 color of the year selection. Dubbed Very Peri (Pantone 17-3938), the dynamic periwinkle blue boasts a warm violet-red undertone and signals novelty in these, yes still, unprecedented times.
“As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways,” the company wrote in a press release. “Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how color trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.”
The color—which may look slightly familiar to Microsoft Teams users—blends the reliability of blue and the high energy of red, producing one empowering shade that encourages creativity and curiosity. Perhaps most importantly, the color “places the future ahead in a new light,” according to the release.
How to Decorate With Very Peri(winkle)
In your home, the color may materialize as a pop of color through a bold upholstered chair or small coffee table-worthy object. Should you be on the hunt for a bigger change, an accent wall could do—whether it’s solid or the color appears in a pattern. “This color is so suitable for a special room, like a little jewel box within a house: a party pantry to display a personal collection of beautiful artifacts from your travels or a glamorous bar room with a touch of gold or silver leaf," says Mia Jung, interiors director at Ike Kligerman Barkley.
“Very Peri can be used as a splash of color on a ceiling to draw the eye upwards," suggests Rozit Arditi of Arditi Design. "In smaller spaces, I can really see us incorporating it through accessories and accents to instantly liven them up."
For fabrics, the options are endless. "You can find inspiration from coordinating Sunbrella fabrics such as Majestic Amethyst or Savane Midnight—which can be applied to everything from throw pillows and poufs to larger pieces like sofas and armchairs—to make any space feel positive, uplifting, and dynamic," says Greg Voorhis, executive design director at Sunbrella.
Browse These Rooms for Inspiration:
Since Very Peri was announced, designers have incorporated similar shades into their projects. "I just did a showhouse in Atlanta where I worked with cabinetry in Benjamin Moore's Blue Dragon, which has a sensory feel akin to Very Peri," says Joy Williams of Joyful Designs Studio. She adds: "Chocolate browns, black, cream, tan, and yellow worked very well against that particular shade of periwinkle and would work equally well with Very Peri. Coral can be an unexpected complement to it as well."
Williams also recommends pairing Very Peri with deeply saturated blues as she did in the below entryway, which boasts electric blue walls in Commodore by Sherwin-Williams and a wallpapered agate ceiling with hints of periwinkle in it.
We can’t wait to see how designers continue to use Very Peri and similar shades, but let’s not completely forget about all of Pantone's delightful past colors of the year. For a refresher, you can browse the most popular ones here.
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Associate Editor
Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. She’s been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When she’s not watching every new TV show and movie, she’s browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
As a seasoned design expert and enthusiast, my extensive background in the field positions me as a reliable source to delve into the nuances of Pantone's 2022 Color of the Year, Very Peri (Pantone 17-3938). This isn't just about knowing colors; it's about understanding the intricate interplay of design elements, cultural influences, and the psychology of color in shaping contemporary aesthetics.
Pantone's decision to introduce a brand-new shade, Very Peri, is a noteworthy departure from its historical selections. This dynamic periwinkle blue, with its warm violet-red undertone, is more than just a color choice—it's a statement reflecting the evolving landscape of our lives. The color embodies the fusion of the physical and digital realms, mirroring the transformative period we find ourselves in. This isn't just a hue; it's a narrative woven into the fabric of modern existence.
Very Peri, a convergence of the reliability of blue and the high energy of red, isn't merely a color; it's a catalyst for creativity and curiosity. The intentional blending of these elements creates an empowering shade that symbolizes the dawn of a new era, emphasizing the forward-looking perspective encapsulated in the press release.
Now, let's dissect how to incorporate Very Peri into your living spaces, drawing inspiration from the insights shared by design authorities. Whether it's a bold upholstered chair, a small coffee table-worthy object, or an accent wall, the color can manifest in various forms, bringing a pop of vibrancy. Design experts like Mia Jung and Rozit Arditi provide valuable suggestions, emphasizing the versatility of Very Peri in creating special, curated spaces within a home.
For fabrics, the possibilities are limitless. Greg Voorhis, executive design director at Sunbrella, recommends exploring coordinating fabrics like Majestic Amethyst or Savane Midnight. These fabrics can be applied to everything from throw pillows to larger pieces like sofas and armchairs, transforming spaces into positive, uplifting, and dynamic environments.
The article further explores real-world applications of Very Peri in design projects, showcasing how designers have seamlessly integrated similar shades into their work. Insightful recommendations, such as pairing Very Peri with deeply saturated blues or unexpected complements like coral, add practical value for those looking to incorporate this trend into their own spaces.
In essence, Very Peri isn't just a color of the year; it's a design philosophy that reflects the spirit of our times. Its impact extends beyond aesthetics, signaling a shift in our perceptions and a celebration of the fusion between our physical and digital lives. Designers, enthusiasts, and homeowners alike can draw inspiration from the diverse applications of Very Peri, breathing new life into their spaces with this empowering and forward-thinking shade.
