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For anyone who has spent a long time renting, staring at the same landlord-approved magnolia walls and longing for adding some actual personality to their home, Pantone's 2026 Colour of the Year might be perceived as a disappointing choice.

This year, the renowned color company has designated a shade of white as its annual hue.

In detail, the shade is called Cloud Dancer – a white described as "elevated" and "airy" which "acts as a symbol of tranquility in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection".

It represents the first time a pure white has been picked as the Colour of the Year, and it has raised more than a few eyebrows.

Per Pantone, Cloud Dancer "represents more than a hue, it's a mindset" and signifies a widespread urge to decelerate, recalibrate and achieve serenity after years of sensory saturation.

But some detractors have branded the decision as "Pantonedeaf", suggesting that championing minimalist and pristine white spaces can feel far removed from the smaller, messier homes most people occupy.

Some observers propose that presenting white as aspirational introduces subtext related to race, causing discomfort within continuing political and cultural discussions about inclusion and diversity.

Soothing or Stark?

Designer Chris Beaumont says the counter-reaction goes beyond surface appeal, stating that white holds cultural undertones and is rarely a neutral choice.

"The color white sends a message," he says, shaped by a ten-year period of sparse star homes – most famously Kim Kardashian's austere home – that came to symbolize "affluence, control and removal from chaos".

He elaborates that white is "not about inspiration but taking care not to offend", with Cloud Dancer embodying "austerity, virtuous simplicity and the notion that impartiality signifies virtue".

The designer points to the pandemic as a pivotal moment in how people perceive their homes.

"Almost instantly they became our offices, sanctuaries and sources of stability," he says, stating that in this context, directing the Colour of the Year towards "further visual emptiness seems rather out of step".

Instead of offering calm, he argues white now threatens to heightening "a feeling of bleakness", especially when paired with harsh, sterile lighting.

'A Clinical Atmosphere

An interior designer, a UK-based interior designer, agrees and says Cloud Dancer "is not perceived as a colour" and is "completely rejected for me".

Although it may suit highly minimal or structural spaces, she says bright whites rarely foster calm in real homes.

"An image of tranquility in a styled shoot can easily feel sterile at home," she explains.

"The color white may seem stark and unforgiving and you don't want your home to emit clinical feelings."

She continues that "homes should elicit happiness and be inviting and welcoming, and this shade feels quite removed from that."

The critic hopes that homeowners will disregard the Pantone Colour of the Year in favour of "unabashed dopamine décor", using vibrant hues to express personality.

The vice president of the Pantone Colour Institute stated that people "bring different feelings" to the meaning of the colour, but it was selected as it "integrates perfectly with everything around it, offering a sophisticated impartiality that feels intentional and versatile".

Beginning in 2000, Pantone's Colour of the Year has become a significant trend indicator.

Past choices have included the optimism of Living Coral, the serene assurance of a deep blue, the vibrancy of Viva Magenta, and most recently more gentle, emotionally driven tones like a soft peach.

These colours extend beyond style predictions - they appear in fashion collections, cosmetic products, interiors, packaging and even consumer electronics, influencing how products are marketed and how consumers imagine the coming year.

A style and trend expert, says Cloud Dancer is a "elegant choice" and while it may seem basic, "this particular shade seems soft and elegant rather than severe".

Contrary to those who say the colour is dull, the expert sees it as "flexible" and says it's best used in "bedrooms and living areas where you want a serene, calming atmosphere".

"Even if you prefer not to redecorate, you can introduce the colour into a room with pillows, throws and curtains."

Interior designer Another professional says although he was surprised that Pantone's pick this year was "fundamentally the absence of colour", it is a bit like a basic flavor, in that "everyone likes it but it's not a top choice".

He can see its merits, explaining that white can work particularly well as a background for design features like wall molding and curved entries which is a "rising style in contemporary houses".

In fashion, white has long been a basic rather than a bold declaration and as a Colour of the Year it presents a unique test to designers more familiar with bold shades.

Luxury stylist A styling expert says elevating white seems "not focused on newness and more concerned with purpose", reflecting a shift towards sophistication after years of fad saturation.

"The color white compels designers and those who wear it alike to concentrate on shape, scale and quality, there's really nowhere to hide," she explains.

But she adds that it also holds presumptions around self-image, way of life and advantage, stating: "When white is viewed as something only a narrow group of people can wear well, it becomes divisive."

She says the industry is already aware of the uncomfortable undertones tied to celebrating white as an ideal, particularly during ongoing discussions about inclusion and accessibility, and the real test will be whether "companies engage with that nuance honestly, or simply glamorize the colour".

A Reflection of the Times

Style consultant Another expert concedes the choice initially surprised her, given Pantone's track record of bold colours, but says it mirrors a authentic change and fits within a wider mood of "quiet luxury