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For many people who has spent years living in rental properties, staring at the same landlord-approved magnolia walls and yearning for adding some actual personality to their home, Pantone's latest Colour of the Year might seem like a disappointing choice.

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

To be precise, the shade is called Cloud Dancer – a white characterized as "lofty" and "airy" which "serves as a emblem of calming influence in a society re-evaluating the importance of quiet reflection".

It marks the first time a pure white has been picked as the Colour of the Year, and it has sparked considerable debate.

As stated by Pantone, Cloud Dancer "is not just a colour, it's a state of being" and embodies a collective desire to decelerate, reset and achieve serenity after years of sensory saturation.

But some critics have labelled the decision as "insensitive", contending that promoting minimalist and immaculate white spaces can feel far removed from the more compact, messier homes everyday individuals occupy.

Some observers propose that framing white as an ideal introduces subtext related to race, landing uncomfortably within ongoing societal discussions about inclusion and diversity.

Soothing or Stark?

Designer One design critic says the counter-reaction transcends aesthetics, stating that white holds deeper meanings and is seldom a innocuous choice.

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

He clarifies that white is "not intended to inspire but taking care not to cause upset", with Cloud Dancer personifying "austerity, moral minimalism and the concept that neutrality denotes virtue".

Beaumont references the global health crisis as a pivotal moment in how people interact with their homes.

"Overnight they transformed into our offices, refuges and emotional anchors," he says, stating that against this backdrop, pushing the Colour of the Year towards "more aesthetic barrenness seems rather disconnected".

Instead of offering calm, he argues white now threatens to amplifying "a sense of bleakness", especially when combined with harsh, sterile lighting.

'A Clinical Atmosphere

Lara Clark, a UK-based design expert, agrees and says Cloud Dancer "doesn't really read as a colour" and is "completely rejected for me".

While it may suit highly minimal or architectural spaces, she says pure white shades seldom create calm in everyday living spaces.

"An image of tranquility in a professional photo can readily feel sterile at home," she clarifies.

"The color white may seem stark and demanding and you wouldn't wish your home to emit hospital vibes."

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

Beaumont hopes that homeowners will reject the Pantone Colour of the Year in preference for "full-scale dopamine décor", using colour to showcase personality.

A representative of the Pantone Colour Institute commented that people "bring different feelings" to the meaning of the colour, but it was chosen as it "integrates perfectly with everything around it, offering a refined neutrality that feels intentional and adaptable".

Beginning in 2000, Pantone's Colour of the Year has evolved into a powerful trend indicator.

Past choices have featured the hopefulness of a vibrant pink-orange, the serene assurance of Classic Blue, the vibrancy of a bold pink-red, and more recently more gentle, feeling-based tones like Peach Fuzz.

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

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

Contrary to those who say the colour is dull, Robinson sees it as "flexible" and says it's best used in "sleeping quarters and communal spaces where you want a peaceful, calming atmosphere".

"Should you don't want to redecorate, you can incorporate the colour into a room with cushions, blankets and curtains."

Design expert James Mellan-Matulewicz says although he was surprised that Pantone's selection this year was "essentially the lack of pigment", it is a bit like a basic flavor, in that "it is universally accepted 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 curved entries which is a "rising style 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 familiar with vibrant colors.

Fashion consultant A styling expert says championing white seems "less about novelty and more about intention", indicating a movement towards refinement after years of fad saturation.

"The color white compels designers and wearers alike to concentrate on form, scale and quality, there's really nowhere to hide," she explains.

But she adds that it also holds assumptions around body confidence, way of life and privilege, saying: "When white is viewed as something only a narrow group of people can wear well, it becomes divisive."

She says the fashion world is already cognizant of the uncomfortable undertones tied to celebrating white as an ideal, particularly amid ongoing discussions about representation and approachability, and the real test will be whether "brands address that nuance honestly, or simply aestheticise the colour".

A Societal Shift, Not a Fad

Style consultant Another expert admits the choice at first shocked her, given Pantone's track record of vibrant hues, but says it reflects a authentic change and aligns with a broader sentiment of "quiet luxury