Pantone sets the palette trend for design in 2024 with the announcement of their 25th colour of the year – Peach Fuzz. So what’s all the ‘fuzz’ about?
Why colours matter
There’s a lot more goes into picking the colour of the year at Pantone, than simply picking a favourite colour from the wheel.
If you’re in design, including digital design, you’ll likely know something about colour theory and how colours capture and evoke moods, helping to convey the right messaging and tone for brands.
Colour trends often also reflect what’s going on in the world and the moods and issues prevalent in society.
So why was Peach Fuzz 13-1023 chosen by Pantone to be 2024’s colour? The answer is more involved and thought-provoking than you might think.
Why Peach Fuzz?
Pantone is known for discussing global culture as a means of reaching their decision in choosing colour of the year. They considered the events of recent years, particularly the disruptive world events of 2023, to settle on a colour that’s reflective of where we are now and our year ahead.
Peach Fuzz is a mix of pink and orange, creating a warm reassuring glow. Calming notes radiate sunlight and promote a sense of belonging, hope and awakening. Gentleness, as an antidote to the war, cost of living crises and global upheaval, is conveyed in this dreamy, ambient haze evoked by Peach Fuzz.
In Pantone’s words…
“PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director at Pantone Color Institute™ says, “In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a colour radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.”
Will Peach Fuzz make it into design?
Tactile, inviting and evocative of summer sunsets and holiday haze, Peach Fuzz sounds like something we could all do with a little (or a lot) of in 2024. But will it make it through into digital design?
Pantone have suggested the colour can be effective for design in industries such as apparel and accessories, interior design and décor, hair and beauty, to emphasise tactility, create cosy, welcoming atmospheres and glows of health and wellbeing.
Similarly, when it comes to multimedia and digital design, Peach Fuzz can be used to great effect in creating a friendly, accepting and welcoming space for users.
Peachy inspiration or design challenge?
Certainly, the gentleness of the hue of Peach Fuzz provides a welcome relief from the effects of global chaos of the last year. For this reason, it might be just the inspiration we need.
Larger brands will, more than likely, look to incorporate the inspiration, if not the actual colour itself, into their own design palettes. After all, which brand doesn’t want to welcome users with a warm, welcoming atmosphere?
But it maybe unpractical for many smaller brands to alter their entire palette at whim for, what is considered to be, an ‘unusual tone’. And a gradual process might be the way forward to incorporate elements of Peach Fuzz, perhaps as accents or secondary colours.
Love it or hate it
Peach Fuzz won’t be for everyone, but the thought behind the choice is worth considering when it comes to the ethos of choosing colour in design.
None of us are separate from the world, and if we can make our experience of it a little easier, more promoting of calm and wellbeing, then colour is a good place to start. It says a lot about a brand that take this approach onboard.
Whether you use Peach Fuzz or not, the thought and consideration of what’s appropriate for general users and brand audience, is never wasted and will always result in greater brand resonance and connection.
If you need help with any aspect of digital design, get in touch with our friendly web team today.
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