What Was the Pantone Color of the Year 2022
In 2022, Pantone named Very Peri (Pantone 17-3938) as its Color of the Year. A tranquil yet vibrant blue with a reddish violet undertone, Very Peri was described as a balanced hue that blends the calm of blue with the energy of red. The choice reflected shifting cultural attitudes toward mindfulness, creativity, and digital connection. Very Peri signaled a move toward colors that feel both soothing and imaginative, supporting a sense of openness and artistic expression in design, fashion, and digital interfaces.
How Pantone Selects Its Color of the Year
Pantone’s Color of the Year is chosen by the Pantone Color Institute team, led by Executive Director and Chief Color Economist Leatrice Eiseman. The decision is not based on trends alone, but on a blend of cultural observation, design analysis, and social context. Each year, the team evaluates emerging color usage across multiple industries, including fashion, architecture, technology, and art. The chosen color is meant to reflect the collective mood and underline shifts in how people live, work, and communicate globally.
Selection Criteria
- Cultural resonance and emotional impact
- Applicability across physical and digital mediums
- Connection to global events and artistic movements
- Potential to influence product and brand decisions
Color Psychology of Very Peri
Very Peri is positioned between blue and violet, combining the steady trust of blue with the imaginative spark of red-violet. This balance is intended to evoke creativity, reflection, and a forward-looking optimism. In color psychology, blue-violet tones are linked to introspection and calm, while the red base introduces a subtle push toward action and innovation. The result is a hue that supports both focus and creative risk-taking, making it adaptable for both corporate and personal environments.
Practical Applications by Industry
After its announcement, Very Peri appeared across product lines, marketing campaigns, and design projects. Brands used it to convey innovation, clarity, and a modern sense of calm. In interiors, it worked as a sophisticated accent or as a balanced wall tone. Digital teams adopted it for UI elements and branding touches that needed to stand out without feeling aggressive. Fashion and beauty lines incorporated the shade to suggest artistry and a forward-thinking mindset. Its versatility stemmed from a carefully tuned balance of warmth and cool tones.
Industry Use Cases
| Industry | Application | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Branding & Marketing | Accent colors, campaigns, digital assets | Signal innovation and clarity |
| Interior Design | Accent walls, furnishings, palettes | Add focus without overwhelming space |
| Fashion & Beauty | Collections, packaging, point-of-sale | Express creativity and modern elegance |
| Digital Design | UI elements, icons, highlights | Improve engagement with calm visibility |
How Very Peri Fits Broader Color Trends
Very Peri emerged in a period when designers were seeking hues that could bridge calm and creativity. Its appearance helped normalize the use of cooler tones with subtle warmth, influencing palettes that favored balance over contrast. The shade aligned with a broader movement toward quieter interiors, mindful digital experiences, and more intentional branding. By combining traditional associations of blue with the imaginative edge of red, Very Peri offered a visual shorthand for stability and evolution at the same time.
Using Very Peri in Design and Branding Today
For contemporary projects, Very Peri remains a useful option when a brand or space wants to feel open, thoughtful, and slightly futuristic. It pairs well with neutral tones, soft pastels, and deeper jewel accents. In digital contexts, it works best at mid-tone values, ensuring readability and accessibility. When used thoughtfully, Very Peri can add a distinctive character without feeling dated, supporting long-term brand narratives focused on innovation, clarity, and considered creativity.
Tips for Application
- Use as an accent wall or feature surface to create focus
- Pair with light neutrals to preserve a calm palette
- In digital design, test contrast ratios for accessibility
- Combine with metallic or matte finishes to adjust perceived warmth
- Limit saturation in large blocks to maintain a refined look