2010 Color of the Year: Turquoise

Pantone has officially named 15-5519 Turquoise as the 2010 Color of the Year.

For the last few years various shades of aqua, cerulean, teal, and ultramarine have been tremendously popular so this color choice doesn’t seem to be much of a stretch. The true turquoise shade that they have chosen does seem to have more depth and a higher concentration of green than the icy aquas we have been seeing.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says there was no runner-up to turquoise in her mind because people crave escapism and freshness after a tough year. The shade is on the cusp of blue and green, which makes it both inviting and serene — characteristics associated with blues — and invigorating and luminous, which comes from green, she says.

Pantone’s color for 2009 was mimosa yellow, intended to carry a hopeful, optimistic message. Eiseman says the public is shifting gears as the economy shows some improvement: They are ready to fantasize a bit about the beach resort.

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. Here are a few pictures for inspiration.