Pantone White Color of the Year Sparks Backlash

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For anyone who has spent years renting, staring at the same landlord-approved magnolia walls and dreaming of one day adding some actual personality to their home, Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year might feel like a personal attack.

This year, Pantone has chosen white as its colour of the year.

More specifically, Cloud Dancer – a white described as “lofty” and “billowy” which “serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection”.

It is the first time white has been chosen as the colour of the year, and it has raised more then a few eyebrows.

According to Pantone, Cloud Dancer “is

The Unexpected Backlash Against White Interiors

Designer Chris Beaumont argues the recent criticism of all-white interiors goes beyond mere aesthetics, suggesting white carries meaningful cultural weight and is rarely a neutral choice. He posits that white has become a “signal,” heavily influenced by a decade of minimalist celebrity homes – particularly Kim Kardashian’s – which projected an image of “wealth, order and distance from chaos.”

Beaumont explains that the preference for white isn’t about seeking inspiration, but rather about “being careful not to offend.” He describes the popular shade, exemplified by “Cloud Dancer,” as embodying “austerity, moral minimalism and the idea that neutrality signifies virtue.”

Chris beaumont

peach Fuzz Out, Gray In? Why Experts Are Rejecting Pantone’s Colour of the Year

For over two decades, Pantone’s Colour of the Year has dictated trends across fashion, beauty, and interiors. But this year, the choice of “Peach Fuzz” – a velvety gentle peach tone – is facing unexpected resistance from colour experts.

While Pantone VP Laurie Pressman argues the colour offers a “refined neutrality” and “works seamlessly” with existing palettes, some designers believe it lacks the vibrancy needed for truly inspiring spaces.

Interior designer Lara Clark feels the shade can create a “clinical vibe,” arguing that “homes should spark joy and feel warm and lived-in, and this shade feels quiet removed from that.” She, and others, are advocating for “full-scale dopamine décor” – embracing bold colours to express personality.

Pantone’s previous choices, like the optimistic Living Coral, the confident Classic Blue, the vibrant Viva Magenta, and more recently, emotionally driven tones, have consistently impacted industry trends.These colours aren’t confined to forecasts; they influence fashion collections, beauty launches, interior design, packaging, and even technology, shaping both marketing strategies and consumer perceptions.

However, the current pushback suggests a potential shift. Will homeowners embrace the subtle Peach Fuzz, or will they opt for bolder, more expressive palettes? The coming year will reveal whether Pantone’s influence remains as strong as ever.

Pantone Announces Peach Fuzz as 2024 Colour of the Year – But What About White?

For decades, Pantone’s Colour of the Year has dictated trends in fashion, interiors, and beyond. This year, however, the colour experts have surprised many by choosing… nothing at all. Well, not quite. Pantone’s 2025 pick is Peach Fuzz, a velvety gentle peach tone. But alongside this, they’ve highlighted the growing importance of white – specifically, a nuanced shade they’re calling “Mocha Mousse.”

This soft brown, described as promoting a “pure and organic approach to luxury,” signals a potential shift in our relationship with colour. while Peach Fuzz offers a touch of warmth and optimism,the emphasis on white suggests a move towards understated elegance and mindful consumption.

Interior designer James Mellan-Matulewicz admits he was surprised by the choice, calling it “essentially the absence of colour.” However, he draws a parallel to vanilla ice cream – universally liked, but rarely anyone’s favorite.He acknowledges white’s potential, particularly as a backdrop for architectural details like panelling and arched doorways, a trend gaining momentum in modern homes.

In fashion, white is already a mainstay, not a statement. As a Colour of the Year, it presents a unique challenge to designers accustomed to bolder palettes. Luxury stylist Oriona Robb believes elevating white is “less about novelty and more about intention,” reflecting a broader shift towards refinement after years of trend overload.

The rise of white, and shades like Mocha Mousse, may indicate a desire for calm, simplicity, and a focus on quality over fleeting trends. It’s a subtle statement, but one that could have a significant impact on the aesthetic landscape of 2025 and beyond.

## Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year: Peach Fuzz and the Nuances of White

The Pantone Color Institute’s selection of Peach Fuzz as the 2024 Color of the Year initially sparked surprise, particularly given the institute’s history of choosing bolder hues. However, the choice reflects a broader cultural shift towards tranquility and a rejection of excess, according to industry experts. While Peach Fuzz received initial attention,the conversation has expanded to include the meaning of white – specifically,Pantone’s choice of “Cloud Dancer” – and the complex connotations it carries.


Oriona Robb, a fashion commentator, explains that white, despite its apparent simplicity, demands a high level of attention to detail.”White forces designers and wearers alike to focus on form, proportion and quality, there’s really nowhere to hide,” she states. However, Robb also points out that white carries societal assumptions about body confidence, lifestyle, and privilege. “When white is treated as something onyl a narrow group of people can pull off, it becomes exclusionary.” She notes the industry is increasingly aware of these uncomfortable undertones, especially in the context of ongoing discussions about representation and accessibility, and emphasizes the importance of brands engaging with these nuances honestly rather than simply using the color aesthetically.

The selection of Cloud Dancer isn’t necessarily a trend, but a reflection of a cultural mood, according to stylist Katie Malik.She admits being initially surprised by the choice, given Pantone’s past selections, but believes it aligns with a wider desire for “quiet luxury,” burnout recovery, and a move away from ostentation. Malik reports positive feedback from her clients, many of whom are seeking calmer, more restorative environments.

“Many people are actively seeking tranquility and serenity in their homes and aren’t always ready to commit to more daring colours,” she explains. Whether white evokes feelings of calm or sterility, Malik argues, depends on its application.She views Pantone’s choice as highly usable, describing Cloud Dancer as a “blank canvas that allows all colours to shine.” this concept of a blank canvas isn’t one of emptiness, but of potential. Malik believes the color’s success will lie not in its worldwide adoption, but in its ability to stimulate a broader conversation about our desires for our living spaces.

Ultimately, embracing Cloud Dancer – and white in general – may require a practical consideration: a reliable stain remover.