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For many people who has spent a long time renting, confronted by the same landlord-approved magnolia walls and longing for injecting personal style to their home, Pantone's 2026 Colour of the Year might be perceived as a disappointing choice.

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

More specifically, the shade is called Cloud Dancer – a white characterized as "elevated" and "billowy" which "acts as a emblem of tranquility in a society re-learning the worth of quiet reflection".

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

As stated by Pantone, Cloud Dancer "transcends mere pigment, it's a state of being" and signifies a widespread urge to slow down, reset and achieve serenity after years of sensory saturation.

But some commentators have dubbed the decision as "out of touch", suggesting that promoting sparse and pristine white spaces can seem disconnected from the more compact, messier homes the majority occupy.

Additional critics argue that framing white as an ideal carries subtext related to race, landing uncomfortably within ongoing societal dialogues about race and representation.

Clinical or Calm?

Interior expert Chris Beaumont says the counter-reaction goes beyond surface appeal, stating that white carries deeper meanings and is rarely a neutral choice.

"The color white sends a message," he says, influenced by a ten-year period of minimalist celebrity interiors – most famously Kim Kardashian's stripped-back home – that came to epitomize "wealth, order and distance from disorder".

He clarifies that white is "not about inspiration but being careful not to offend", with Cloud Dancer personifying "austerity, virtuous simplicity and the notion that impartiality equals virtue".

The designer points to the pandemic as a turning point in how people perceive their homes.

"Suddenly they became our offices, sanctuaries and sources of stability," he says, stating that in this context, directing the Colour of the Year towards "more visual emptiness seems rather tone-deaf".

Rather than providing calm, he argues white now risks heightening "a sense of desolation", especially when paired with cool, clinical lighting.

'A Clinical Atmosphere

Lara Clark, a Surrey based interior designer, agrees and says Cloud Dancer "doesn't really read as a colour" and is "firmly in the bin for me".

Although it may work in extremely sparse or architectural spaces, she says pure white shades rarely foster calm in real homes.

"What looks serene in a styled shoot can readily feel clinical at home," she explains.

"The color white may seem harsh and demanding and you don't want your home to give clinical feelings."

She adds that "living spaces should elicit happiness and feel inviting and lived-in, and this shade seems quite removed from that."

Beaumont hopes that homeowners will reject the Pantone Colour of the Year in favour of "full-scale dopamine décor", using vibrant hues to express personality.

The vice president of the Pantone Colour Institute stated that people "bring different feelings" to the significance of the colour, but it was chosen as it "integrates perfectly with everything around it, providing a refined neutrality that seems intentional and versatile".

Beginning in 2000, Pantone's Colour of the Year has become a powerful industry signal.

Previous selections have included the optimism of Living Coral, the serene assurance of a deep blue, the energy of Viva Magenta, and more recently more gentle, emotionally driven tones like Peach Fuzz.

These hues extend beyond trend forecasts - they show up in clothing lines, beauty launches, interiors, product wrapping and even technology, shaping how products are marketed and how consumers envision the coming year.

A style and trend expert, says Cloud Dancer is a "beautiful choice" and while it may appear simple, "this particular shade seems soft and refined rather than severe".

In contrast to those who say the colour is boring, the expert sees it as "flexible" and says it's best used in "sleeping quarters and communal spaces where you want a serene, restful atmosphere".

"Even if you don't want to repaint, you can incorporate the colour into a room with pillows, throws and drapes."

Design expert Another professional says although he was surprised that Pantone's selection this year was "essentially the lack of pigment", it is a bit like vanilla ice cream, in that "everyone likes it but it's not a top choice".

He can see its merits, noting that white can work particularly well as a background for design features like panelling and arched doorways which is a "growing trend in contemporary houses".

In apparel, white has long been a basic rather than a bold declaration and as a Colour of the Year it poses a unique test to designers more accustomed to vibrant colors.

Fashion consultant A styling expert says championing white feels "less about novelty and more concerned with purpose", reflecting a movement towards sophistication after years of trend overloads.

"The color white compels designers and wearers alike to concentrate on form, scale and craftsmanship, there's really no room for error," she explains.

But she continues 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 pull off, it becomes divisive."

She says the industry is already aware of the uncomfortable undertones tied to celebrating white as an aspirational standard, particularly amid continuing conversations about representation and accessibility, and the real test will be whether "brands address that complexity authentically, or simply glamorize the colour".

A Cultural Mood, Not a Trend

Style consultant Another expert admits the choice initially shocked her, considering Pantone's track record of vibrant hues, but says it mirrors a genuine shift and fits within a broader sentiment of "quiet luxury