Pantone colour and its influence on design
What is Pantone and Why does it matter?
The Pantone Color System is the world’s most widely used colour matching system. In 1963, it was created to address the issue of varied colour matching in the printing industry. Lawrence Herbert, an American chemist, developed a technique to standardize colour by specifying each shade’s exact formula. This ensured consistency regardless of changes in light, medium, or perception. The name “Pantone” combines “pan” (meaning “all”) and “tone” (meaning “colour”). Using a fan-style colour collection, Pantone became the simplest way to classify, discuss, and match colours.
Each colour was assigned a unique number to categorize its tone and tint. Pantone was the first to publish a book on colour matching and has been the go-to method for the design industry for over 40 years.
The Pantone Colour Institute enables designers, marketers, producers, and businesses to collaborate and create a strong, impactful colour presence. As the leading colour matching system, their expertise is unrivalled. They specialize in the impact of colour on design and customer behaviour. Pantone offers two colour systems based on industry needs: the Pantone Matching System (PMS) and the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors (FHI) system.
Pantone ensures that the colour you choose matches what you saw in the sample or showroom. Interior designers increasingly use Pantone not just for standardized colours but also for inspired palettes that influence all aspects of design. Globally, it has become essential for understanding the innumerable shades and meanings of colour in human life.
Pantone’s annual Colour of the Year does more than define the next 12 months with a timely hue or shade; it inspires designers to incorporate the colour in various fascinating ways.
Pantone Colour of the Year 2025
The Pantone shade for the year 2025, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, was announced in early December.
About the Colour
PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is a warming, rich brown hue that nurtures with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of cacao, chocolate, and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort.
Mocha Mousse strikes a perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary versatility, oozing luxury making it an ideal choice for creating spaces that feel both inviting and refined. Its earthy undertones harmonize beautifully with a variety of palettes, adding depth and character to any setting.
At Alcove Designs, we embrace this versatile hue to create commercial and residential spaces that exude elegance and tranquillity.
Visualizing the Pantone Timeline 2000 – 2025
