PPG Paints Singin' the Blues for 2020 Color of the Year
Meant to offer relief from the anxieties of today’s fast-paced lifestyle, Chinese Porcelain is a mix of cobalt and ink blue. Here’s why you can expect to see more of it in the coming year.
photos courtesy ppg paints
The future is looking very blue.
At least, that’s the prediction from PPG Paints, which chose Chinese Porcelain, a blend of cobalt and moody ink blue, as its 2020 Color of the Year.
Hand-selected by PPG’s global color experts, Chinese Porcelain represents escapism from today's technologically driven society. According to the experts, the shade imparts calmness and restful sleep while also offering a precious commodity in a restless world — hope.
“The faster technology moves and the more convenience it offers, the more we seek activities, experiences and lifestyles that impart slowness and realness into our lives,” says Dee Schlotter, PPG’s senior color manager. “The need for simplicity and escapism from technology is, in part, the reason that consumers are craving blues like Chinese Porcelain that bring us closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky — creating serenity in any space.”
The color was chosen during the company’s Global Color Workshop, an annual event in January that brings together more than 20 PPG global color stylists from the automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and home paint and stain industries.
Over the course of several days, the stylists analyze the runway, lifestyles, demographics, geographies and societal inspirations to determine what colors will resonate with users, including the PPG Color of the Year. The color forecast also provides direction and inspiration to architects, designers and homeowners across the hotel, retail and residential markets.
As has been the trend in recent years, the experts say their color choice reflects an increasing need for connection in an unmoored world. Night Watch, a luxurious dark green evoking the restorative power of nature, was the 2019 Color of the Year. For 2018, stylists went with Black Flame, a deep blend of black and indigo meant to convey silence, as well as possibilities, in an information-heavy society.
In 2020, Schlotter says consumers — tired of stark greys — will be looking to infuse color into their lives.
“Blue is the easiest possible entry point from the world of neutrals to the world of color, and PPG’s Chinese Porcelain delivers the energy and brightness of cobalt blue — a trending hue taking the automotive, consumer electronics and fashion industry by storm,” she says. “It also incorporates a deep, muted navy tone that is popular in residential and hospitality design.”
She recommends pairing Chinese Blue with décor such as lush drapes or velvet pillows in warm saffron and turmeric tones. The hue, which looks good outdoors on the front door or shutters, also works well with on-trend metallic finishes, and it pops against white.
"It's super versatile," Schlotter says. "A lot of people are picking it for their bedrooms. It's great for accent walls, but you could use it on all four walls if you have the right light and space."
