The color of the year for 2026 is Cloud Dancer! Besides the pretty name, the color is indicative of the interior design industry’s move towards much more natural, calm colors. Pantone says that the color “serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection.”
The color is stunning, and is a great idea for homes. It reflects the desire of homeowners to embrace more calming spaces, and to not be as overwhelmed with patterns and business. The color is a strong anchor for whatever decor theme is desired, and it’s versatile so that as the family in the home grows and changes, the color can stay as things around it change.
This color also is perfect for current fashion. The color is calm, and in an era where people love monochromatic outfits, the color is a great choice. It’s simply yet tasteful, and the color is perfect for shirts, or socks, in activewear, or in suits. With all of this, it represents customers’ desire for calm staple pieces, rather than statement pieces that are harder to rewear.
Pantone is the world’s leading color expert, with their patented Pantone Color Matching System. Before the system, replicating colors was a complicated process, and was often done incorrectly. With over two thousand colors, it is a state of the art system that allows for color replication to occur with ease. Pantone’s colors are used by governments and companies alike, with trademarked colors such as Tiffany Blue, Barbie Pink, USPS Brown, and T-Mobile Magenta. Used by a variety of industries, Pantone has made themselves indispensable.
The color of the year began in 1999, and is chosen by a group of color experts. These experts go through the entire world by evaluating “entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, aspirational travel destinations, new lifestyles, playstyles or enjoyable escapes as well as socio-economic conditions”. It is then decided as a conglomeration of everything seen, and the color is chosen as a showing of culture in color. While it has transitioned from bright intense colors to more neutrals, it is indicative of the world and how we approach common colors and which ones are the most seen.
In the end, Cloudy Dancer is a perfect paint color choice for everyone! Interested in doing a home project that includes this dreamy color? Penn Construction + Design is here to help! We are available by appointment to see our showroom, or call us at (484) 452-5071!
