Radiant Orchid Rules as 'Color of the Year'

Wondering what color scheme might be ideal for your next store design/remodeling project or new packaging application? A wise choice might well be Radiant Orchid, which was christened as Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2014.

The annual December naming by the global color authority selects one color that is forecasted to be the breakthrough shade for the following year. Having deciphered worldwide trends to arrive at the new "It" color, Pantone #18-3224 is predicted to be the one to watch.

“While the 2013 color of the year, Pantone 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.”

Combing the Color World

Prior to arriving at its selections, Pantone says it “literally combs the world looking for color influences,” which can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Other influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

As for some cool ideas about how to use the new hue, Pantone suggests sprucing up interior spaces by incorporating it in paint, accent pieces and accessories. The adaptable Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and lends well to color combos with turquoise, teal and even light yellows.

Likewise, the vibrant color is sure to liven up neutrals like gray, beige and taupe, and can also reenergize almost any color palette while providing a unifying element for diverse spaces.

For more than a decade, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.