Color Therapy as an Antidote to Uncertainty, inspired by Pantone Eclectic Folk

In these trying times, we seek comfort in the familiar. As an antidote to the overall uncertainty, there is a growing need for small moments of mindfulness and joy at home. People are turning to color to help them create a more uplifting environment and keep anxieties and pressure at bay. Color is used as a therapy to encourage optimism and healing, but also as a tool for self-expression and storytelling.

Investing time and money in the pursuit of calm, happiness and stability at home is only expected to grow. Eccentric aesthetic, authentic design and emotionally charged interiors favoring sustainable materials, vintage furniture, small manufacturers and local crafters will become a norm.

The retro interior design trend

Nostalgia driven interior trends have been around for a while. What started as the mid-mod design obsession is now shifting towards the aesthetic of the peace and love movement of the 1960s and the early 70s.

The focus is on the lounge where we gather and spend most of the quality time now that our travels and gatherings outside are limited. We feel drawn to the optimistic energy and the spirit of the retro color palettes as we associate them with hope, ideals and safety.

Pantone Eclectic Folk

Following this path, the Pantone Color Institute presents a new design trend for 2020/2021 - Eclectic Folk, described as a crafted and eclectic expression of the politically savvy generation of eco-activists, which is still very relevant today as it was in 2021.

With more people buying into the ideals of small-batch, local production and handmade products, there is a backlash against mass production in favor of independents. People are also turning away from new and synthetic materials, in favor of more natural or recycled alternatives.

- Pantone

Color is political

As big brand distrust continues to rise, millennials and Gen Z find solutions in socially responsible, eco friendly, small-batch alternatives.

Driven as much by political motivations as aesthetic preferences, young people are using their purchasing power in protest of environmentally disastrous fast fashion habits.

- Pantone

Could this alternative, eco-activist philosophy become the mainstream?

One thing is for sure - color becomes one of the most powerful tools for voicing opinions and defining purpose and identity.

Pantone 2020/2021 Eclectic folk creates a completing case for inclusiveness, trust and resilience. It recognizes the cry for slower design, socially responsible brands and sustainable materials.

It plays along with the current retro interior trends and favors vintage furniture.

Get inspired by the colorful interiors and images featuring this trendy retro color scheme.

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