Next year’s Pantone Color of the Year comes with an unprecedented twist. For the first time, the arbiter of all things color invented a totally new hue: Veri Peri, a vibrant periwinkle with violet undertones — and you’d be surprised the effect it’ll have on your home.
“Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Even more heady, the tone represents “the global innovation and transformation taking place” in addition to “the expansive possibilities that lie before us,” says Pantone Vice President Laurie Pressman. In other words, exactly the mood boost we need right now.
So, what goes into choosing a winner? For the better part of a year, Pantone does a deep dive into identifying what colors people are talking about. Research crosses multiple channels—fashion, sports, home décor, even gaming platforms.
“We really want the Color of the Year to be reflective of what is happening in the world around us,” says Eiseman.
Veri Peri checks all the boxes. On one hand, video gamers love it for its vibrancy. But the shade is equally relevant in the wellness world, offering calmness in a time of uncertainty.
Here, how to get ahead of the trend.
Interiors
Veri Peri adds energy to any room. Look no further than this lavender-infused exhibition—“A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes”—recently featured in Elle Décor. Created by St. Louis arts consultant Susan Barrett, the fantasy-like setting somehow fuses chic with flamboyant.
“You are the one who lives in your space,” says Barrett. “So, it should make you happy. It’s not about impressing people. It’s about making you feel the most comfortable.”
A quick search found that all the major paint companies feature some iteration of periwinkle. And we also uncovered this fun fact:
According to a Paint Color Analysis study conducted by Zillow, blue paint has the potential to add serious value to your home’s selling price.
The actual numbers are pretty impressive. According to the report, homes with light pale blue to soft periwinkle blue bathrooms sold for $5,440 more than expected. Similarly, blue kitchens, bedrooms, and dining rooms each increased a property’s value by close to $2,000.
Not ready to go all in? A room-brightening accent piece or decorative item is a great place to start.
Fashion
Veri Peri strutted a number of A-list designer runways. Lanvin, Gucci, Valentino, even Louis Vuitton men’s embraced the shade for spring ‘22.
The color offers a fresh perspective, says fashion bible Vogue. “After two years of sameness and struggle, we are all feeling for something new.”
Beauty
“Suggestive of personal inventiveness and daring imagination, Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri makes a novel statement for eyes, nails, and especially in hair in a variety of finishes and applications from glittery and glam to dusty matte,” reads the Pantone press release.
Allure magazine agrees. Very Peri is obviously going to be a “breakout star” at nail salons. And a candle that promises to “bring to your house the delicious aroma of a Parisian bakery in the morning when croissants come out of the oven?” Yes, please.
Sports
Want to stay a step ahead of the trend? Sustainably-minded shoe company Cariuma already has collaborated with Pantone on a Veri Peri-colored sneaker. Pre-order now for delivery in mid-January.
