Pantone today announced Emerald as the Color of the Year for 2013. Opposite the color wheel from 2012's Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango, which provided an energy boost to recharge and move forward, Emerald enhances the sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony, according to Pantone.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

For Interiors, Pantone has just announced a line of bedding, pillows, bath towels and accessories in Emerald at jcpenney and on jcp.com on sale Feb. 1, 2013.

“As we re-energize our home department next spring, we are excited to partner with the leading authority on color to introduce the first-ever line of Pantone bedding and bath products,” said Paul Rutenis, JCPenney general merchandise manager for home. “The cheerful array of on-trend pieces will make it easy for customers to infuse the perfect color into any home décor.”

In fashion, the prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, including Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Tfank, NAHM and Marimekko, are incorporating Emerald into their spring collections.

For more than a decade, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past colors include:

PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)

PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)

PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)

PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)

PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)

PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)

PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)

PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)

PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)

PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)

PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)

PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)

PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)