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The Conspiracy Behind the PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2025: Did Corporate Interests Shape Your Home?

Crystal Bright

One of the most significant examples of potential corporate influence in interior design comes from Pantone's Color of the Year. Each year, Pantone announces a color they claim reflects global design and cultural trends, but the reality may not be so straightforward.

Some believe these colors are chosen with corporate partnerships in mind. Take 2018's Ultra Violet—the announcement was followed closely by companies like Dell and Delta Airlines rolling out products in that exact shade. Was Delta privy to Pantone's decision, or did Pantone select a color that major corporations were already planning to market? Similar accusations surrounded other Colors of the Year, such as 2023's Viva Magenta, which coincided with product launches by brands like Motorola.

But perhaps the most telling example is Pantone's controversial partnership with Swedish brand Intimina in 2020, where they launched Period Red to represent menstruation. Critics argued that this color commodified a deeply personal experience, leading to debates over whether Pantone had prioritized profit over cultural sensitivity.

[Read more about this in our article: Exploring the Predicted Pantone Colors for 2025: An Insightful Guide.]

These examples raise an important question: Is the design world's most influential color truly based on trends, or is it based on corporate convenience?

Which Came First: The Color or the Brand Need?

It's not just about the colors. The broader concern suggests that corporations influence far more than hues. The question becomes: Which came first—the Color of the Year or the brand's need for it?

With Pantone's Colors of the Year often aligning with major product launches, we have to consider whether corporations are shaping these design choices behind closed doors. Brands like Motorola, Dell, and even tech companies seem to benefit directly from Pantone's announcements, leading some to believe that color trends are chosen for business needs rather than reflecting the natural evolution of style and design.

As consumers, this is where we need to pause and reflect: Are we following trends that truly speak to us, or are we falling in line with what corporations have already set up?

Breaking Free: Designing for Your Soul

So, how do you break free from corporate-driven trends and design a space that reflects your true self? In my book, "Design for Your Soul", I talk extensively about how to create a space that nurtures you and represents your journey and needs. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:

1. Find Your Emotional Anchor

Before you even look at a Pinterest board or a design magazine, sit down and think about what makes you feel good in a space. Is it a sense of warmth? Open space and minimal clutter? Identify what makes you feel comforted and grounded, and build your design around that.

2. Choose Colors That Speak to You

Forget what's trendy—what colors do you naturally gravitate toward? Your space should reflect the colors that uplift your spirit or calm your mind, not the ones corporations tell you are popular.

3. Highlight Personal Objects

Fill your home with objects that tell your story. Whether it's a piece of art from a trip or a book that changed your life, your home should be a reflection of your experiences and personal journey.

4. Avoid the Pressure of Perfection

Don't fall into the trap of thinking your home needs to look like a magazine spread. Perfection is often the enemy of comfort. Allow your home to be a living, breathing space that grows and changes with you.

Natural Trends: The Real Story Behind Design Movements

While corporate influences are strong, not all trends are born in a boardroom. Some styles emerge naturally from global events, cultural shifts, and fashion. Take, for example, the biophilic design movement. This trend emphasizes natural elements like plants and sunlight in interior spaces and is a direct response to modern life's disconnect from nature and the global push toward sustainability. It's a perfect example of a trend that reflects our collective desire to reconnect with the environment rather than a corporate-driven agenda.

[Learn more in our article: Biophilic Design: Reimagining Urban Living Through Nature's Lens.]

Other natural trends stem from the world of fashion. European fashion, particularly from hubs like Milan and Paris, has always influenced interior design. In late 2024, we're seeing the influence of bold, architectural shapes and rich fabrics in both runway fashion and home decor. The cyclical nature of these trends is rooted in the craftsmanship of the past, reimagined for the modern era.

Where Are We Now: Trends to Watch in Late 2024

Drawing from global fashion weeks and broader cultural movements, here are a few natural design trends emerging in late 2024:

1. Bold Geometrics

Straight from Paris Fashion Week, geometric patterns and statement pieces are making their way into living rooms and kitchens.

2. Biophilic Spaces

As the world becomes more aware of environmental issues, natural elements—wood, plants, and earthy tones—continue to dominate interior design.

3. Minimalist Luxe

From Milan, we're seeing a blend of minimalism and luxury. Simple shapes paired with rich fabrics and finishes are trending across Europe, entering the design world as consumers search for both elegance and functionality.

Conclusion: Design for Your Soul, Not for Trends

Trends will always come and go. Corporations will continue to influence the colors and designs pushed on us, but at the end of the day, your home should reflect your personal journey, not a corporate agenda. When you choose colors, textures, and objects that speak to your soul, you're creating a space that nourishes you day in and day out.

So the next time you see a "trend" splashed across a magazine or hear about the Color of the Year, ask yourself: Is this what I truly want? Or is it what someone wants me to buy?

Ready to design a space that truly reflects you?

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