Mood Board Inspiration: Ocean Blues

Pantone has not quite yet announced its 2020 Color of the Year, but plenty of forecasters are starting to make their wagers on what it’ll be. One clue is that the global focus on nature and environment is too dominant to ignore, and according to the Color Institute’s VP, Lauren Pressman, trends for 2020 are going to be focused on the more subtle and calming spread of blues, greens and browns that we see from ocean scenes. Layering and mixing-and-matching ocean-inspired colors to create texture and interest will be key to nailing trend for the coming year, Pressman noted, emphasizing that “it’s anything but flat.” Ocean, you say? We can definitely do ocean!

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Pantone’s effort to mark annual colors is always a reflection of the sentiment of the times, looking to industry, culture, technology and the like. According to Pressman, the “ inclusivity and fluidity” presented by the ocean’s mix of colors offers a soothing palette in the current times of rapid change that we all find ourselves in. Another paint company has announced it’s color of the year for 2020, and it’s right on key. PPG’s Senior Color Manager Dee Schlotter comments on their choice of “Chinese Porcelain” as 2020’s color, saying that “The need for simplicity and escapism from technology is, in part, the reason that consumers are craving blues like Chinese Porcelain that bring us closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky—creating serenity in any space.”

A quick look across trend predictions online demonstrates that there are plenty of ways to work the colors and energy that the ocean and sky, with their myriad facades, provide. For us, the rich opportunity to celebrate blues has us inspired for the coming year, and we’d love to showcase a few past projects that demonstrate how you can play this classic color up in subtle ways that soothe as much as they refresh and delight!

Because blue is such a strong color, even a little hint of it will go a long way. Consider how it’s been used in these various projects as a pop of color, a consistent accent, or balanced with neutral white and wood tones as a featured color. There are so many aspects to an event that give you opportunity to bring in your color story, from the flower you choose to text on your paper goods to to apparel colors and details.

The calming quality of blue can be used to create a soft, elegant tone at an event. Or, you can tap into the exhilarating power of blue by stepping out of the box and using it in more exotic and unexpected ways. Remember, natural blues aren’t just found in the sky or the sea!

The wonderful thing about blue is that it can become a part of your color story without effort when you simply take advantage of the richness of your environment. Consider bringing blue’s bold hue in as a contrasting background or backdrop color. Being in Hawaii, we have blue ocean and blue sky for days, which can be intentionally added to photos to create atmosphere. Even in more urban areas, you’ll be surprised at what you find when you keep your eyes peeled for photo opps.

Whether bold or subtle, we hope this inspires you to invite more blues into your world. And if nothing else, to gain more appreciation for the beauty and power of this member of the rainbow.

If you want more ideas about how to incorporate this hot color into your upcoming scheme or design, give us a ring! We can’t wait to create with you!

xoxo,

The Roam Rentals Crew