Reef Madness
4 Tips for Bringing Pantone’s Color of the Year Into Your Outdoor Space
When The Pantone Color Institute announced its 2019 pick for Color of the Year, Living Coral, I *might* have done a little happy dance. Because while this vibrant marriage of pink and orange isn’t exactly for everyone—and may feel too bold for some inside the home—it is most definitely a wonderful way to add splashes of color to outdoor living environments.
Although I’ve heard grumbles that Living Coral colorways are more appropriate for coastal homes, I must beg to differ! In addition to its obvious nod to marine biodiversity, this warm and welcoming shade evokes some of the most beloved and breathtaking inland landscapes in the world, from Utah’s Monument Valley and Arizona’s Painted Desert to the global phenomenon of alpenglow. For those of you who aren’t near an ocean, desert or mountain, Living Coral’s most natural complement is green—so your plants will do the work for you.
So now that we’ve established that there’s really no reason NOT to experiment with the Color of the Year, let’s get to it! Here are four ways to invite a bit of “reef madness” into your life.
“Lying at the center of our naturally vivid and chromatic ecosystem, PANTONE Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color.”
(via Pantone Color Institute)
1. TEX DRIVE.
Not quite ready to commit to Living Coral’s Miami vibes? It’s easy to test-drive the idea with outdoor accessories and textiles—all hail the semi-permanent pop of color! We’re especially fond of our Ashmont Throw, which is warm in any color but especially cozy in peachy pink. Or tap into coral and its tangy green complements with some pillow pattern play; we love the combo of Strata Fern with Radiance Coral.
2. SWING VOTE.
What’s more summery than a soft cotton hammock swinging between your two favorite trees? A hammock in sweet sunset-inspired hues, that’s what! We sincerely hope your backyard has a suitable shady spot for our Carolina Double Cotton Hammock—a bright, durable and colorfast interpretation of the traditional Colombian cadejo-style swinger. It’s a slightly bigger plunge than a throw and pillows, but it’s one you will never regret.
3. ENERGY PLANT.
Of course, your plantings are an incredible way to incorporate Living Coral into your exterior living spaces. Coral zinnias are popular with humans and are a natural draw for butterflies, so they’ll make all your backyard guests a little happier. You can dip just a toe in that particular water with our Butterfly Seed Bombs. If you’re ready to dive right in, our crowd-pleasing Retro Bullet Planter also comes in the most gorgeous coral hue.
4. FLEX SPACE.
Finally, for those of you willing to take the plunge on a lifelong backyard wingman, our Laax Table is a perennial (no pun intended) favorite. This modern picnic table crafted with reclaimed barn timbers and cast stone has a built-in trough you can use for almost any kind of centerpiece you can dream up—from caviar on ice and floating candles to event-specific flower arrangements or living succulent gardens. We’re especially fond of that last option; choose your little cacti wisely, and you’ll have a living centerpiece in Living Coral.
Want some personal guidance in Living Coral or any other color story? We’d love to work with you! Get in touch today for a one-on-one consultation.