Pantone’s Color of the Year announcement is one of the most awaited events in the design industry, as the chosen color—which is chosen by Pantone experts based on studies of trends over the years—is used in creating products in the interior, product, and fashion design fields.
The color authority’s declared pick for 2022 is Very Peri, which, according to the site, is a “daring and courageous color” meant to reflect the changing sensibilities of our world.
Inspired by the color periwinkle, Very Peri is a medium-violet tint with a sharp undertone of blue, and this is where “daring and courageous” comes in: it can be a bit tricky to use!
Unlike other past, popular Pantone Colors of the Year which were mostly in the warm tones that go well with beige, brown, and other toasty neutrals, Very Peri is a cool hue, and thus works best with other cool tints such as blue, mint green, pure white, cool gray, and other colors in the lavender-purple family.
So, if you are not used to cool colors, I’d say it is safest to use Very Peri in white, light beige, and light gray interior palettes.
But it’s still quite easy to incorporate the Color of the Year into your home. Here are some suggestions on how you can use it:
In pillows, throws, and other soft furnishings
Throw pillows in Very Peri would stand out against a white or light beige sofa. Choose pillows in different textures or patterns: tweedy or plain-colored twill, paisley or ikat print. A Very Peri throw would look great on a dark gray L-shaped sofa, too.
In decorative accessories
Vases and other small tabletop accessories could add just a wee bit of Very Peri to your space, if you’re color-shy.
But if you’re truly brave, add a deep Very Peri sofa to your vignette—it will make a stunning accent against a dark gray wall.
In nature—through your plants and cut flowers
Another subtle way to incorporate Very Peri into your home is through fresh (or faux) flowers.
Orchids, purple statis (this can be dried and used for a very long time), or even simple mums come in this beautiful, soothing color.
As paint in a children’s room
Very Peri is a nice, unisex hue that isn’t as predictable as baby pink or powder blue. Plus, this color grows up well with the child; no need for repainting when they reach the tween and teen years!
In a powder room
Your powder room is the smallest room in your house, and because of this, you can be quite experimental with it. Paint the walls around your tiles in Very Peri to give this space a cozy, cocooning effect.
So whether you choose to dive in with both feet or choose to take small bite size accents of Very Peri into your home — let this “daring and courageous color” resonate with you as we enter the year that calls us all to be both daring and courageous as well.
