Why white for the Pantone Color of the year for 2026?

For the last several years I’ve kept a thumb on the Pantone Color of the year mostly for self entertainment. I like to see “how” each years choice is seen and plays a role in/on my Alaska Grown flower farm.

It’s amazing to me how color influences our lives.

It started in 2022 with purple/blue Very Peri, then a very on “brand” color for me, Viva Magenta, both in my favorite purple-ish color family. After that the color of a prom dress I had in the 80’s, Peach Fuzz. 2025 was Mocha Mousse not to be confused with the first drive-thru espresso hut in the Valley.

The closest expression of this chocolate tone here on the farm is the coveted Cafe Au Lait, a dahlia that can sometimes be mostly creamy white shown here.

For 2026 the color they announced had me go “really”? I have faith that the color company had’nt lost their minds.

I mean I know Pantone though goes above and beyond with each year.  And this year although controversial and a bit shocking some how works.

The brands, collaborators, artist that partner to literally bring the color they thoughtfully picked to life.

When we finished our living room I remember standing in the paint aisle mildly amused with all the shades of white. Should I go with White Sand or Stepping Stone? Santa’s Beard or a Hint of Cream? Or go off rails with a white that had a slight hue of lavender, peach, pink, green or soft blue?

Over the summer my daughter and I had some fun reading all the names when she was choosing her white wall color. Egg Shell, Snow Bound, so many choices. She went with Pearly Gates. In case you are wondering, I believe my walls are Cookie Crumb.

We go with white because it “goes with everything.”  White space is desired. White capped mountains, white sugar, white paper towels, white noise, we even want white teeth. 

Or how about white fluffy clouds on a summer blue bird day?

We associate white with being clean, calming and smooth. For me there’s nothing like a blank page ready for planning or to do list to complete.

During the holidays, hopefully white snow for the perfect snowman.  I love snowmen just about as much as flowers. Here’s one in my collection.

Another thing I love about white is its excellent “contrast color” for our summer bouquets and arrangements. 

We grow a couple white colored dahlias, white sunflowers with both a light and dark centers, white statice, orlaya and the gorgeous Royal Wedding Sweet Pea featured above. 

Pantone’s particular shade “Cloud Dancer” named color of the year for 2026. Although at first made me scratch my head a little. Now, a few days later I’m liking it. 

I like that white is a team player. Can be romantic, soft or all out bold.

Pantone’s website calls it 

“a lofty white neutral whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world. PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer symbolizes a calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with”… if you want to read the rest and how the color of the year is chosen you can head over to their website here. 

Upon further consideration, 

Just like each of us are different, White has a shade for everyone. 

Pantone might be onto something.