credit: erin heatherton by steve hiett for vogue italia

With all the buzz about Pantone’s Color of the Year – Serenity & Rose Quartz – I’ve had colors, colors, colors on my mind.

So….favorite colors. What’s the story behind yours?

My favorite color memory goes wayyyy back – second grade, aka 6 years old. It involves my first encounter with a magnificent box of 64 crayons. Gingerly removing each one, I studied each new hue – Melon, Mulberry, Copper, Cadet Blue, Sea Green, Thistle, and so many more – so exotic compared to the basic shades I’d only known until then. And when I saw Periwinkle – that dreamy bluish-purple crayon – for the first time, I knew it. THIS is my favorite color. And I love it even more today.

A mini history lesson: Periwinkle, the color, comes from the perennial flower of the same name. In the Middle Ages, the Periwinkle flower was nicknamed “The Sorcerer’s Violet” as it was a favorite ingredient for magical charms and dispelling evil spirits. Then and now, Periwinkle is an herbal remedy for many ailments including anxiety, high blood pressure, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR: SERENITY

For a girl whose daily uniform consists of a range of grays, blacks, navys, and khakis, it might seem bizarre that my favorite color is a legitimate color. For me, I probably wouldn’t wear Periwinkle beyond my workout kicks. But when we’re talking about all things home, that’s where my favorite color can be an awesome accent. From cool Warhol prints to playful Pantone coffee cups, this dreamy hue looks lovely off any home color palette – whites, deep navy (my all time obsession – look at that Elle Decor inspiration photo above!), art deco golds, sleek silvers, and everything in between. And lo and behold: one of the Pantone 2016 Color(s) of the Year (2016) – Serenity – is a lighter shade cousin of my favorite color. After years as a favorite only in the wedding and bridesmaid dress world, the dreamy blues are having finally having its day.

Here are just a few of the home decor items currently on my Periwinkle and Serenity wish list. From Mad Men worthy champagne coups (!!!) to cozy throw blankets, I hope we can all add a little dreamy blue to our homes this winter.

SHOP SERENITY ITEMS, PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR

Crackle Coasters
Vintage 1960s Periwinkle Glass Coupes, S/11
Palmetto Wallpaper
 ‘Hamir’ Bath Rug
Block Stripe Throw
Mottahedeh Bread and Butter Plate
Mottahedeh Tea Cup & Saucer
Lacey Pillow
Mimi Striped Ottoman

Now it’s your turn – tell us your favorite Pantone Color of the Year story and how you use it. I can’t wait to hear. 🙂