Trends

June 4, 2017 •
The Color Wheel: Nature’s Neutral

Most of us are acquainted with Greenery, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at the Pantone Color Institute, its ascent was obvious from examining several design domains.

“We saw (Greenery) happening in areas as diverse as stage lighting, graphic designs for advertisements, fine art and pop art, fashion, cosmetics and films,” noted Eiseman, who is also director, Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training.

Greenery marks the first green Color of the Year since 2013’s Emerald, but emits a very different vibe, she continued. “Greenery has more of a yellow base — it is a fresher version of green, one that speaks to regeneration, renewal and ‘turning over a new leaf.’ It’s less formal than Emerald, a bit earthier and one that attaches itself to the concept of nature. Green (itself) is beyond trend— it is (about) lifestyle changes as people are more aware of eating healthy, exercising more and certainly more concerned about climate change.”

This tone also amplifies a real need for “harmony in a chaotic world,” she emphasized. “Greenery bursts forth to provide us with hope amid a complex social and political landscape. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate, revitalize and unite, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.”

Eiseman underlined that Greenery’s symbology comes through no matter the material or what shades it is paired with. Expect to see this “trans-seasonal” shade adding a pop of color to neutral palettes, yet working equally well with brights, deeper shades, pastels, metallics and even the still-important Colors of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity.

She also described Greenery as pairing exceptionally well with several tones in particular. “Greenery and purple — all variations of that color family continue to fascinate people. It is two complex colors used together, making for an intriguing combination. Greenery and turquoise blues is always a crowd pleaser, and greens used monochromatically with other greens is always interesting.”

Don’t expect Greenery to wilt any time soon, Eiseman finished. “Because there is such an attachment to all the social and health implications mentioned above, I don’t see Greenery disappearing in 2018. It will have a long shelf-life.”

Perfect Pear wedding card is printed on 100 percent recycled paper from Fresh Out of Ink.
Foil-stamped page flags are from Girl of All Work.
From ilootpaperie, Snail Mail postcard includes value-added enamel pin.
From kiss and punch, Need to Guac card is made in America.
Color-blocked husband birthday card is from Matrick & Eve.
Letterpressed fill-in from Pickett’s Press has a traditional, welcoming vibe.
Letterpressed cards are from Noteworthy Paper & Press.
Primrose Hill soy candle is from Mudlark through The Madison Park Group.
Reyn Paper Co.’s cucumber card features gold foil seeds.
Houseplant card from Shades of Expression Designs is accompanied by a gold envelope.
New letterpress design is from Sparkvites.



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