Last month, Pantone announced that Peach Fuzz is the color authority’s 2024 Color of the Year, so we asked six designers—Linda Allen, Lindsay Biondo, Kevin Isbell, Ami Mckay, Lucy Penfield and Michelle Yorke—how they do or don’t incorporate the annual pick in their projects.
Natural Connections
“When I see the new Color of the Year, I always look at the meaning and the reason why it was selected. That usually does have an influence I want to carry into my design work, to [create] the positive feelings and emotions that color can bring into my clients’ homes and lifestyles. This year’s Peach Fuzz inspires me to bring in the warmth of nature and incorporate sunrise and sunset tones. I would also pair this accent color with warm wood tones such as natural walnut and white oak, as well as with pewter hardware or metal details for depth and contrast.” —Michelle Yorke, Michelle Yorke Interior Design, Bellevue, Washington
Vintage Vibes
“Peach Fuzz is going to be a great influence on our upcoming retro and vintage projects! It has a somewhat retro feel, reminiscent of midcentury modern or 1970s styles. It can be effective in designs that aim to evoke these eras, and we are all about embracing that look in the upcoming year.” —Lindsay Biondo, Houz of Rebel, New York
Piqued Curiosity
“We are not too concerned with the yearly color trends. We will work with any beautiful color or tone, regardless of whether they are the color of the moment. Having said that, we are curious about the Color of the Year, as it gives a sense of where design trends are headed. This year, it is Peach Fuzz 13-1023, but we lean more toward Pantone 14-1305 Mushroom and 16-1317 Brush, as they align more with our aesthetic and clients’ needs.” —Ami Mckay, Pure Design, North Vancouver
Starting-Off Point
“I’m known for my use of color, so it’s vital to be up to date with all the trend forecasts. Of course, my own travel and personal color trending report weigh into the mix. Asking our clients questions and having a conversation about these trends helps us fine-tune our project color barometer. For example, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year is Blue Nova, a quiet blend of violet and blue. If that is not your cup of tea, but blue is high on your love list, we’ll uncover the perfect hue. This unveiling provides a springboard for discovering what the client is drawn to in regard to color.” —Lucy Penfield, Lucy Interior Design, Wayzata, Minnesota
Test of Time
“As a designer who values timelessness over fleeting trends, the Color of the Year isn’t a primary driver in my design choices. My approach is more all-inclusive, focusing on creating spaces that resonate with enduring beauty and personal relevance to my clients. That said, the [color of honor] does have a subtle, indirect influence on my work. For instance, when this color permeates the market, it becomes more visible in the range of available furnishings, fabrics and accessories. This increased availability means that the color might occasionally find its way into my projects, especially if it naturally aligns with the design scheme I have in mind. However, my guiding principle in color selection is a blend of personal preference and the project’s specific requirements. Today’s highly fashionable color might hold a different appeal in a year or two. My goal is always to create spaces that remain elegant and relevant, transcending the cyclical nature of trends.” —Kevin Isbell, Kevin Isbell Interiors, Los Angeles
Driven by Emotions
“When I woke up today and took my morning stroll, I saw peach clouds as the sun was rising, and I felt warm and renewed. That’s how I design—with the understanding of how colors make us feel. Peach reminds me of dusk and dawn. It’s a reflective color, which is very emotional and soothing. I love using peach mirrors to reflect warmth and complement complexions. I also use it as a neutral. It is a great transition color. I used a beautiful peach for a client’s walls that softened the environment and romanced the environment. It’s a human color that is connected to mental health. We all need peach in 2024!” —Linda Allen, Linda Allen Designs, Las Vegas
