pantone color of the year 2011: honeysuckle pink
Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 8:59AM 
When Pantone announced Honeysuckle as its pick for Color of the Year 2011 I will admit I was shocked. I was expecting either a pretty distressed metallic or a soft, romantic pink. Not 1980s rose. I am the first to say I am NOT a pink person, so I’m hoping 2011 goes by quickly if this is the dominant hue to come.
From the Pantone press release: “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.
I say, bring back blue!
Eiseman goes on to say that Honeysuckle “may bring a wave of nostalgia” for spring and summer.
Personally, I think it brings a wave of mustiness — reminiscent of the dusty rose couch and tapestry pillows from the 80s in Mom & Dad’s basement, where you may be forced to live because you can’t find a job. Rather than being a nice escape from stress, like 2010’s pretty Turquoise (daydreams of beach vacays and escape from everyday woes), Honeysuckle brings you right back down to earth — or the basement apartment.
I don’t want to poo-poo the color entirely. It can look nice if paired with crisp palm or apple green — kind of a retro preppy vibe made modern by lots of white accents. I also see it paired with warm, romantic apricot, or a lovely soft metallic like champagne. For a cheerier look, pair it with beach glass turquoise. It would look pretty with navy blue, like one of my favorite flowers, the Anemone. But please, for me, PLEASE don’t pair it with forest green, mauve, cream, lace, rose patterns, or anything that reminds you of 1985. I don’t think I can take it.
Reader Comments (3)
I love your take on the color. It was definitely surprising to me as being the color of the year. I loved all the Turquoise from last year, but I may incorporate some honeysuckle in my life. Maybe a scarf?
Oh yes, a scarf would be lovely... perhaps with a crisp white shirt and dark jeans.
I like your take on Pantone's color for 2011. I don't necessarily detest pink, but I've already been bombarded with pink blankets, onesies, and the like for my baby girl who is due to arrive in early 2011. Now I find pink to be repulsive, and Pantone's choice just added insult to injury.