Pantone announced its Color of the Year for 2022: A new blue shade, Pantone 17-3938, Very Peri—a periwinkle blue hue with a violet-red undertone.Photo: Courtesy of Pantone
“As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a statement. “Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.”
To introduce the color, Pantone teamed up with Microsoft to bring it to life across the tech company's products, including custom Teams backgrounds, Windows wallpapers, a new Edge theme and a PowerPoint template infused with Very Peri. And once again, ARTECHOUSE in New York produced an immersive experience for the color’s unveiling, as well as a public exhibition to open in 2022.
And in perhaps the biggest sign of the times, Pantone is collaborating with Paris-based multidisciplinary artist Polygon1993 and energy-efficient blockchain network Tezos to create a digital representation of the color as well as the message that the color embodies.
As for event design, the whimsical red-violet-infused blue hue can provide a pop of color through accent furniture or act as an eye-catching detail in a pattern. From tabletops to florals, here are some inspiring ways to incorporate Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year (and its sister shades) into future events.
![Brooklyn-based entertaining company Social Studies’ True Blue ensemble ($42 per place setting) features a timeless combo of blue and white prints with navy napkins, textured blue glasses, classic silver flatware and white votives.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2021/12/_True_Blue__hero_.61bcb15d88004.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![This lustrous low-pile indoor rug from CORT Events includes abstract tones of gray and amethyst—a close cousin to periwinkle. Pricing is available upon request.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2021/12/VSARUG_VisionsRug_Amethyst.61bcd30bd047e.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Provence tablescape from Social Studies ($42 per place setting) boasts a subtle mix of marbleized melamine and white ceramic plates with gray and white linen napkins that allow the bundles of dried lavender to pop with periwinkle buds. The lavender is available for an additional charge.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2021/12/Provence__hero_.61bcb15c0dadd.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![CORT Events’ channel-stitch modular ottoman system in lavender fabric works with the company’s Beverly Bench ottomans to create small, stand-alone seating configurations. Pricing is available upon request.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2021/12/BMVPAC_BeverlyOasis_MediumGrouping_Lavender.61bcd64fb647a.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Dutch Floral look from Social Studies ($32 per place setting) includes colorful floral and marbled dinner plates mixed with deep blue napkins, black salad plates, flatware and candlesticks. Fresh wildflowers can be added for an additional fee.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2021/12/Dutch_Floral__hero_.61bcb1794100d.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Ronen Rental’s Flattered Coffee Table ($95) is constructed of birch plywood and features a laminated top that’s available in a range of colors including a pretty periwinkle shade. It's available for rent only in New York City and Miami.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2021/12/IMG_9726.61bce74e79fa7.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![A client favorite, these versatile modular units from Taylor Creative ($1,500 as shown for up to a five-day rental) can be rented individually or in preset configurations and come in a rich plum velvet fabric that works well with periwinkle for a tonal design.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2021/12/0458_DtcflC1.61bce88c6b72c.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Pantone announced its Color of the Year for 2022: A new blue shade, Pantone 17-3938, Very Peri—a periwinkle blue hue with a violet-red undertone.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2021/12/COY22_flatlay_home.61bcd24c9f625.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)