Pantone Color of the Year - 2026

December is always one of my favorite months. It’s when we wrap up the year in a cozy blanket of reflection and look ahead to fresh, exciting new beginnings. And for the creative world, December also means the highly-anticipated announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year!

This year, the choice is simple and sophisticated at the same time. The Color of the Year for 2026 is: Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201). It's not pure white as you can see below. It's described by the Pantone Color Institute as, "a lofty white neutral."

How Cloud Dancer and White Compare to Each Other

It perfectly aligns with our mission here at Pink Sapphire Designs to infuse everyday life with charm and simplicity.

Before we dive into why this particular white is a game-changer, let’s cover the basics.

Who (or What) is Pantone, Anyway?

You might hear the name Pantone thrown around in design circles or you might never have heard of them at all, so what exactly are they? The Pantone Color Institute is essentially the global authority on color. Back in the 1960s, they invented the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which is a standardized color language. Think of it as a dictionary where every single shade has an exact, universal number. This allows artists like me, designers, and manufacturers all over the world to communicate colors precisely, ensuring that the vibrant pink you see on your screen is the exact same pink that shows up on a printed fabric or product.

The Purpose Behind the Color of the Year

The Color of the Year isn’t picked randomly. It’s a deep dive into global culture, art, fashion, technology, travel, and societal mood.

The purpose is to capture the essence of what people are collectively seeking for the year ahead and to signal a direction for the design industry. In short, it’s a forecast for the color palette that will dominate runways, home décor, product design, and—yes—surface pattern design, for the next 12 months.

How Do They Pick the Color of the Year?

A secret group of color experts at the Pantone Color Institute travel the world, keeping their fingers on the pulse of global events and trends. They don’t just look at what’s popular; they analyze what is missing and what people need emotionally.

Cloud Dancer is a perfect example of this. In a world that can feel loud and chaotic, this soft, "billowy" white is the visual equivalent of a gentle breath. Pantone chose it to represent a collective desire for clarity, serenity, and a fresh start—a clean slate to invite joy and creative focus back into our lives.

Cloud Dancer is especially noteworthy because it is the first white tone to ever receive this designation. As you saw from the swatch above, it’s a beautifully balanced white—not stark and cold, but naturally warm and airy, like the cozy feeling of freshly washed linens under a bright sky.

This serene shade follows some truly vibrant and engaging colors. Below are the colors chosen for the last few years:

What Cloud Dancer Means to You

As an artist and surface pattern designer, this is where the real fun begins! Cloud Dancer is the foundation that allows everything else to shine. You will begin seeing it used in fashion, branding, and home decor items world wide.

• For the Surface Pattern Lover: Think of your favorite vibrant pattern—a floral, a playful geometric, or a lush botanical. When set against a soft, generous neutral like Cloud Dancer, your pattern will feel more balanced, sophisticated, and clean. It provides the charming backdrop that lets the colors in the design truly pop!

• For Your Cozy Home: This is the perfect shade to use as an accent in your home décor. Use it in textiles, wall art, or ceramics to bring that feeling of quiet reflection and spa-like serenity into your favorite spaces. Because it's a neutral color, it will easily compliment many of the paint manufacturers' colors of 2026 that I shared last month, the darker shades, in particular. (If you missed it, you can reference that article here.)

• For a Creative Reset: The message of Cloud Dancer is “clarity.” It’s an invitation to simplify, declutter, and open up space for new creative ideas. For me at Pink Sapphire Designs, this is my cue to explore new pattern ideas with a focus on fresh, clean layouts that still have plenty of joy and color!

I hope this inspires you to find your own cozy, new beginning in 2026!

Inspiration Corner: Finding Timeless Charm in the Colors of 2026

From Grounded Greens to Rich Espresso: How the 2026 Colors of the Year Will Elevate Your Home

The unveiling of the annual Colors of the Year is always a delightful peek into the future of design. For 2026, major paint manufacturers have spoken, and the message is clear: we are moving toward thoughtful, grounded colors that prioritize warmth, serenity, and longevity. As you look to infuse your everyday life with charm, let’s dive into the common theme and explore how these timeless hues can inspire your next décor project.

2026 Colors of the Year, by Paint Manufacturer:

The 2026 Color Trend: Enduring Warmth

If we look closely at this delightful palette, the clear trend is "enduring warmth." The colors are heavily focused on deep, earthy neutrals and restorative greens, moving away from bright, saturated tones.

This trend encourages creating a warm, cozy interior that is refined and promotes a sense of grounded calmness—perfect for the homeowner who desires enduring style.

Art Pairing: The Best Colors to Complement the Trend

For walls painted in these sophisticated shades, the best art pairings should either offer high contrast or a complementary color family to bring life and coziness to the space.

For Deep Walls (Silhouette [Espresso], Mahogany): Look for artwork with bright, vibrant yellows (like mustard or gold), crisp whites, or soft pinks. These colors will truly pop against the dark backdrop, adding a delightful energy and elegance. Alternatively, deep, rich greens, blues, and reds will provide a softer look.

For Neutral Walls (Khaki, Ivory): These walls act as a beautiful, timeless canvas. Seek art that features deep, beautiful blues, rich terracotta reds, or jewel-toned teals. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase pieces with complex color stories.​

For Green Walls (Jade, Safari, Eucalyptus): Since these greens are already very calming and natural, art featuring warm, deep reds (like burgundy or merlot), pops of bright coral, or elevated botanical illustrations with white backgrounds will create a sophisticated, layered look.

✨ Finding Your Charming Art Pairing

This trend toward deep, earthy neutrals and restorative greens is a beautiful opportunity to create a warm, cozy interior that feels both refined and deeply personal. Remember, your home should reflect your unique charming style. Whether you are seeking a vibrant piece to truly pop against a dark wall or a canvas with a complex color story to elevate a neutral space, the goal is to create a space that is uniquly you. I’ve always believed that art is the final touch of joy that ties a beautiful room together.

Now, I'd love to hear from you—which of these 2026 colors are you most excited to bring into your home? Please reply to this post and let me know!

If you are ready to find that perfect piece that blends the timeless with the current, including the paintings depicted above, dive into the full Pink Sapphire Designs collection here.

How to Determine the Best Location, Size, and Placement for Your Wall Art

As a homeowner who values authentic, elevated décor, you know that the right artwork can transform a house into a truly charming and personal space. Yet, knowing exactly where to hang it and what size to choose can feel like a daunting challenge.

Let’s dive into some easy-to-follow guidelines that will help you perfectly place those thoughtful pieces and truly elevate your décor.

Determining the Perfect Size

The biggest mistake people make is choosing art that is too small for the space. To avoid this, think about how the piece relates to the furniture beneath it:

• Above a Sofa or Headboard: The art should be approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. This ensures the art and the furniture feel connected and balanced.

• On an Empty Wall: If the wall is truly bare, the art should generally cover about 60% to 75% of the available wall space. Don’t be afraid to go big—a large piece adds drama and sophistication.

• Gallery Walls: If you don't have large pieces of art to cover the wall, consider arranging a gallery wall. Group small pieces closely together (3–5 inches apart) so they read as one unified piece. Make sure to keep in mind the guidelines above for gallery walls as well.

The Rule of the Eye: Placement Height

To ensure your art is enjoyed effortlessly, focus on hanging it at eye level.

• Standard Placement: The center of the artwork should be approximately 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This height is considered the average human eye level and is what museums use.

• Over Furniture: If you’re hanging the piece over a sofa or credenza, the bottom edge of the frame should be hung 6 to 12 inches above the top of the furniture. This allows the two elements to relate without looking crowded (and keep you from touching your head on them if you lean back while sitting on the couch or chair below).

Location Tips for Lasting Charm

• Living Room: This is often the anchor of your home, making it the ideal spot for your most impactful, statement pieces. Use art to define conversation areas.

• Dining Room: A space for thoughtful conversation and joy. Art here can be a little more decorative or abstract, adding a vibrant touch without dominating the meal.

• Kitchen/Bathroom: When using art in these spaces, make sure the pieces are framed behind glass or sealed to protect them from moisture and steam.

By following these tips, your wall art is sure to elevate your space.

From Garden Inspiration to Art: The Making of a New Fall Pattern

The trip to the botanical gardens last month was so inspiring, I couldn't wait to get back to my studio. Since you aren't allowed to pick the beautiful blooms there, I stopped on my way home and picked up a fresh bouquet for my art table.

These sunflowers, zinnias, and coleus' vibrant fall colors just begged to be captured in art.

That evening, I decided to turn them into a pattern.

The Designer’s Process: Color and Detail

My medium of choice for this piece was watercolor, allowing me to achieve that rich, translucent texture that feels so organic. The first step in any pattern design is getting the colors right. I spent time mixing and swatching until I had the perfect shades—from the deep, moody plums of the coleus leaves to the sun-kissed golds of the sunflowers. This critical step ensures the final digital prints retain the vibrancy and depth of the original artwork.

​Next, I meticulously painted each floral element individually. This is a common practice in surface design because it gives me complete control over the final arrangement. With each motif separated, the opportunities for different pattern layouts are truly endless.

The Art of Arrangement

Once the paint was dry, I scanned the images into my computer. This is where the magic of digital design begins! Using Photoshop, I was able to play with the scale, color, and density to devise a variety of looks.
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Here are three different pattern variations I created based on the flowers I painted that evening:

• Dense All-Over Repeat: (Far left top image) This variation features a tight, repeating geometric arrangement of the sunflowers and plum-colored coleus. It's the perfect choice for a bold statement wallpaper or a lively kitchen curtain that brings high energy to a space.

• Wreath Medallion Repeat: (Top right image) By arranging the flowers in a circular formation, this design creates a beautiful, balanced medallion effect. This sophisticated layout is ideal for accent pieces like throw pillows, tapestries, or as a central detail on bedding.

• Spacious Diamond Layout: (Bottom left image) This pattern uses the motifs to create a more open, airy diamond repeat. The negative space allows the deep navy background to shine, lending a classic, tailored feel that would look stunning on a traditional accent wall or a high-end duvet cover.

Be on the lookout for these, or other patterns using these same beautiful motifs, coming soon to my store on products like bedding and wallpaper!

Bringing the Botanical Beauty Home: Color and Texture from a Day Trip

I'm in the process of building new design collections for my portfolio. To get started on the planning, I decided I needed some fresh inspiration, so a few weeks ago I played tourist in my own city and took a trip to the local Botanical Gardens. What an adventure! The gardens are absolutely breathtaking in the early fall.

I arrived just as they opened on a quiet Friday morning to avoid the crowds. The sun was bright and the air, still a bit warm, carried the crisp scent of late September.

The Unexpected Palette of Shade

The initial stretch of the trail was a welcome relief, covered completely in shade. It was here that I discovered an unexpected bounty of color. I had no idea there were so many vibrant, shade-loving plants!

Several garden beds were overflowing with variations of the beautiful Coleus plant. Their leaves showcased rich, velvety burgundy fading into a bright, acidic lime green at the edges—a stunning color clash that somehow feels perfectly grounded and balanced.

This specific contrast between the deep and vivid color is exactly the kind of inspiration I’m excited to translate into home decor. I immediately pictured these designs becoming a luxurious bedspread, bold wallpaper, or a trailing curtain pattern.

A Symphony of Shape and Texture

As the path opened up, the air became thick with the buzz of pollinators in the butterfly garden. Everywhere I looked, I found incredible texture, shape, and vibrant color that begged to be immortalized on canvas or fabric.
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One plant, the Red Roselle, with its glossy, deep crimson pods, instantly reminded me of a classic, trailing wallpaper motif—organic yet tailored.

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Further along, the delicate, wispy white threads of the Cat’s Whiskers (pictured on the left, below) contrasted beautifully with the tight, jewel-toned globes of the Globe Amaranth (pictured right, below). Imagine a playful serpentine pattern mixing these two textures for a lively powder room wallpaper.
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The Grand Finale: Finding Serenity

The most surprising discovery of all had to be the stunning waterfall tucked away right in the middle of the city. Seeing the rushing, silvery white water cascade over the mossy, dark rocks was absolutely breathtaking. It provided a moment of calm and serenity, a quiet anchor to all the vibrant life I’d just experienced. This contrast between the bold energy of the flowers and the quiet power of the water is the core feeling I want to capture in my newest art.

What Will You Bring Home?

The best part of a day like this isn't just the memory—it's the fuel for creating a truly curated home. I've left the gardens with 250 pictures and an entirely new vision for color palettes and artistic textures that I know will resonate with your desire for timeless, inspired decor.

Keep reading this blog! In the next article, I'm peeling back the curtain to show you the botanical pattern directly inspired by this trip and how I'm developing it for print.

My 100-Day Project 2025

I DID IT! I completed the 100-Day Project this year! In case you’re not aware, the 100-Day Project is a free global art project that thousands of people from all over the world participate in. It’s officially held in the spring, but many people do it at different times of the year.

My schedule didn’t allow for me to participate in the spring, so I decided to do mine over the course of the summer. I started the first of June and painted a small picture every day of a subject I’d never painted before. The goal was to learn to paint 100 new things by the end of the summer. For accountability, I also decided to post my paintings on social media every day. Not just the end result, but the actual act of painting. It wasn't the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it ranks up there as pretty challenging.

I planned the subjects for the first 30 days a week before the challenge started, then planned the remaining 70 days a week at a time. I did face a couple of obstacles, the biggest of which was time. My need to make sure I could paint the subject well, while filming and posting on social media, meant I needed to practice creating the painting at least once before filming it. During this process, I learned that creating content for social media is a very different skill. It was all new to me. I had to learn how to create and edit the video, add music, and figure out the formula that “the Algorithm” would grab hold of and distribute. I’m still not an expert, but I’ve learned a lot. My last few videos are certainly better than the first few.

Here is a photo collage of my Top 11 Paintings from the project, ranked by total Facebook and Instagram likes.

Here is a collage of My Favorites from the challenge:

After a bit of contemplation, I've identified a few takeaways from the whole process:

• I really like gouache and should use it more often. In case you’re not familiar with it, gouache is much like watercolor in that it can be reactivated with water after it dries. However, while watercolor is mainly transparent, gouache is very opaque. It’s smooth and creamy, like peanut butter. You can use it on top of watercolor without lifting the paint underneath and you can use it all by itself. It's pretty dreamy stuff.

• Fruit is very easy and quick to paint.

• Animals are harder to paint, but more fun and satisfying.

• Landscapes have never been my forte and still aren’t, so I’m determined to master them.

• I love painting patterns. "The Algorithm" doesn't like them as much as me, so I didn't paint very many in this project.

• I can’t paint with any one medium for too long before I get bored. I have to switch it up. In this challenge I used watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint. I also used India Ink brush pens, Posca markers, and and a few other types of media to create the paintings. And I created one double-spread page painting in collage. This is the flowers in the blue vase right above the Christmas Gnome. The collage turned out to be my absolute favorite of all.

Was it worth it? Yes. Will I do it again? Likely. Did I have fun? Absolutely!