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With fires raging and wars brink-ing, 2020 has had a less than an ideal start. In less than a week, our hopes for the new decade turned gloomy and we were back to our regularly scheduled stressed-out programs — who could’ve predicted this?! Well, aside from scientists and about half the world’s population, it seems the people over at The Pantone Color Institute had an inkling when they announced in December that the company had deemed PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue the Color of the Year.
If you’re unfamiliar with Pantone, the company is best known for its Pantone Matching System, whichtwas founded in 1963. The system organizes color standards through a proprietary numbering system and chip format, and is mainly used in industries like design and printing. And for over two decades now, the company has chosen a Color of the Year — a shade that best represents the times — taking into account cultural trends and worldly events. So 2020 has been prescribed “Classic Blue,” a color a bit lighter than Navy, resembles the evening sky and is meant to instill a sense of calmness and stability while opening the mind to communication and reflection.
While the shade won’t completely eradicate your Apocolypse fears, studies have shown the positive effects the color blue has on our brains. Now don’t pull a Vincent van Gogh and start eating paint. Instead, try incorporating the hue into your everyday surroundings — i.e. your home, office or closet. And to help you in your quest for tranquility, we’ve compiled a few Classic Blue options below.
The French Terry Crew
This french terry crew from Everlane could be one of your go-to basics this year. Tightly spun for extra durability, made from 100% super soft cotton and it’s backed by a 365 guarantee.
Estevao Barrel Chair
Looking for a statement piece to liven up your space? Consider this retro-style barrel chair, with sexy blue cotton-poly blend upholstery. Tell me you don’t wanna sip a martini in this.
Empire Rug
One of our favorite furniture brands started selling rugs last year and we kinda became obsessed. Burrow’s collection of rugs are distinct enough to make a statement, but not so gaudy to overpower the room. Like this Empire rug, which includes those relaxing blue tones in a cool design that’ll go with the rest of your decor.
Stretch Washed Chinos
A pair of cotton chinos with an added bit of stretch, in a shade that offers a welcome departure from the boring old navy you wear every other day.
Bathing Lady
Put your snacks, your candles, your soap, your joints and all other minuscule objects in these uniquely designed Bathing Lady glass dishes.
90 Mini Mini Desk Lamp in Steel Blue and Grey
The main appeal of this desk lamp from Anglepoise, next to this gorgeous tone of blue of course, is its portable, USB-powered design for ultimate flexibility and exactly zero ugly cords.
Ikat Runner Indigo
Your kitchen table could use some zen, and this runner from Minna, which was handwoven by a family-run cooperative of weavers in Nahuala, Guatemala, is just the pop of color that’ll help you accomplish that.
Pantone Classic Blue Canvas
Pantone and ethical sneaker brand Cariuma have come together to give us a sustainable shoe that’ll keep us truly grounded this year.
Swoosh Cactus Pot
I mean, you have to put your cactus somewhere, right?
Blue Shapes on White Background Art Print
Society6 offers a ton of custom art designs at affordable prices, so no doubt you’ll find a piece perfect for your home. Take this one for instance. It’s abstract, it’s art but more importantly, you can throw it up on any wall and it’ll look nice.
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