Morganton’s CBB Design Firm suggests how to add the Color of the Year to your home

You might think these are attributes found in personality profiles like the Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, or DiSC. Nope. None of these describe an Enneagram Type 1, a Myers-Briggs ESFJ, or a DiSC Type DC. These descriptors are for hues named Color of the Year over the last decade by Pantone. 

Pantone is a standardized color-matching system used across various industries, providing a universal language for accurately communicating and reproducing colors. It assigns unique numerical codes to each color, facilitating consistent color communication in design, printing, and other visual fields. When Pantone first began in 1963, the Pantone Matching System (PMS) initially consisted of 10 basic colors. Today, there are nearly 2,400. (See related story on 3D.)

Each year, Pantone Color Institute’s global team of color experts scout the world for new color influences. They look at art collections, fashion designers, the entertainment industry, and popular landscapes. World events also influence color choice. Each December, Pantone names its new Color of the Year.

And now the moment you all have been waiting for. Timpani drum roll…

The 2024 Color of the Year is ... Peach Fuzz (Pantone 13-1023). 

According to its website, “The Pantone Color Institute originally created the Pantone Color of the Year educational program in 1999 to engage the design community and color enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around color.” 

Let the conversation begin.

Last year’s preeminent color was Viva Magenta (Pantone 18-1750), described as an “unconventional shade for an unconventional time.” The vivid, purplish-red color is brave and fearless, powerful and empowering. 

But like most things in life, the pendulum eventually swings the other way. For 2024, Pantone calls for a return to comfort and coziness, the calm in the storm. 

Peach Fuzz is described as “a velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul. A compassionate and nurturing peach shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others and the feelings this creates, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz presents a fresh approach to a new softness. Subtly sensual, a heartfelt peach hue with a tender touch, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz communicates a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration. … PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”

Whoa. That’s a lot from a color. In all seriousness, the color exudes warmth and a sense of ease. It’s not an in-your-face color. No, Peach Fuzz is too elegant and sophisticated to be brash. The color is soft, but can still stand out in home decor. 

“Color doesn’t have to be loud to stand out,” said Christina Kubiatowicz, an interior designer at CBB Design Firm in Morganton, as she placed a soft blush fabric swatch against gray. CBB Design Firm is a soup-to-nuts design firm, whether you are building a home from the ground up, overhauling an existing room, or reupholstering a favorite sofa. CBB also has a retail space with curated pieces of furniture and home decor.

She also noted that the peachy shade can be easily dressed up or down.

“I first think French chateau, but this can easily lend itself to a more beachy feel, bohemian, or even modern mountain,” she said.

Today’s trend is away from over-the-top opulence, said Charlie Bennett, head of marketing for CBB.

“There’s a warmth now and you see that reflected in a lot of things,” he said. “You see it in culture, the state of the world … (The color) is understated luxury. It isn't screaming -- it's whispering at you. People don’t want to go crazy with anything as they might have used to. It’s interesting to see that shift. That even goes with modern design. I think of Kim Kardashian’s home. These homes are very simple and understated. There’s not much loudness to them. Color can have an effect on our psychology.”

The softer color goes deeper than aesthetics. 

“That’s another aspect of that color. The space you live in has a profound effect on your mental health and how you are feeling. If you want to create nice, serene spaces, it will have an impact on your life. I believe that,” Bennett said.

Incorporating Peach Fuzz or a similar color can be as subtle as the hue itself. Examples include adding peach taper candles on the dining table or placing an accent pillow on a statement chair. Those updating or adding tiles might consider peachy grout. Many wallpapers, back in vogue, can also feature the mellow tint.

Textures also enhance the vibe you are trying to create. Velvets and satins add a touch of elegance while woven textures give a more coastal feel, Kubiatowicz said.

Bennett said he was glad to see a warmer color in the spotlight. 

“I’m over the grays in general,” he said. “I’m big into warm and I think this inspires people to create warmer spaces in their house.”

When asked about how to best pair Peach Fuzz with other colors and whether there were any hard and fast rules, Kubiatowicz’s answer was simple: “The only rule is there are no rules.”

Angela Kuper Copeland is the arts & entertainment editor at The Paper. She may be reached at angela@thepaper.media or 828-445-8595.