The 2016 PANTONE color of the year is…Rose Quartz. And Serenity.

That’s right, for the first time, the color creators have named the blending of two shades their “color” of the year.

Gimmick? Maybe. Strange combination? Not so much.

The rationale behind the blending of these two soft and dusty colors was to “demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”

Order and peace. That I can get behind.

Not to get philosophical or political, but it is no surprise that in today’s world a theme aimed to free you, to encourage having less and living more, has some appeal.

Just look at the recent popularity of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo. She’s everywhere. And the idea is the same, simplify and find joy (or something like that).

On a more practical design front, these tones are often called “decorator” colors, because they are so easy to live with. They sit back and let something else be the star of a room. And they have more staying power than a bold statement color. Because of that, I prefer them on a wall or on a floor. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have my eye on a fabulous velvet rose sofa. An homage to rose quartz at its best.

These color are also opposites – a warm and a cool tone that work well together. I’m actually grateful for PANTONE for raising that contrast point, because it’s something I tell my clients all the time. This shows I’m not crazy!

There’s nothing better than a wood floor (warmth) with a cool paint. Or a marble floor (cool) with warm pink walls. It just strikes balance and harmony.

While these won’t be right for all clients – and I’m a firm believer that the client’s tastes come first – they do provide an interesting and not-to-offensive way to bring some contrast to your home. For me, a space with contrast is intriguing and interesting. Life’s too short to not take that risk – at least in room (baby steps people).

So this year, take a minute to appreciate the literal and figurative beauty of rose quartz and serenity. It might be just what our souls (and living rooms) need right now.