Pantone Selects 2010 Color of the Year

The hue is one of 3,000 colors available in Pantone's line of eco-friendly paint.

Laurel Petriello -- Interior Design, 12/14/2009

Hot and fresh out of the Pantone color guide is 2010’s color of the year, number 15-5519 Turquoise.

The global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected the luminous color based on its juxtaposition of tranquil blue notes and energizing green tones. In the essence of color therapy, the hue should evoke soothing, serene emotions, while restoring vigor, zest, and motivation.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many—taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

A universally flattering color with warm and cool undertones, Turquoise complements neutrals, reds, deep blues, greens, and yellows, making it exceptionally easy to translate to fashion and interiors. The hue is also one of 3,000 colors available in Pantone’s line of eco-friendly paint, which combine the accuracy of Pantone Colors with high-performance Dutch paints.