Pantone's Color of the Year Through the Years

Every year since 2000, Pantone Color Institute graces us with the annual Pantone Color of the Year. And every year since 2000 we get excited — not because we can’t wait to redecorate in Pantone’s COTY, but because the chosen tone puts a magnifying glass up to what’s happening in society. It makes us think. It gives us a close-up of what the next year will look like in terms of interiors, fashion, beauty and design. So, while we wait patiently for Pantone to kick off the coming year’s color conversation, we’re taking a look at all of the past picks.

When Pantone released the first-ever Color of the Year in 2000, the world was on the precipice of a new era. There was uncertainty, and sky blue Cerulean (15-4020) suggested inner peace and spiritual fulfillment in the new millennium, according to Pantone. Plus, physiologically, looking at the color blue reduces blood pressure. Seems like Cerulean is a color we can all get behind — even today!

Straying far from Cerulean in 2001, Pantone experts went with bright Fuchsia Rose (17-2031) for the second-ever Pantone Color of the Year. And what’s not to love? This powerful shade summons femininity and sensuality.

For Pantone’s third Color of the Year back in 2002, the Institute chose True Red (19-1664), a vivid hue we all associate with passion, power and love. We recommend showing off True Red in airy, open spaces in your home — a sitting room, perhaps?