Pantone’s Pick Signals Fresh Start

Cloud Dancer brings calm and simplicity to 2026

Every December, Pantone Color Institute marks the close of the calendar by announcing their chosen colour of the year. The 2026 selection, a neutral white named Cloud Dancer, has been somewhat controversial, as some experts have come to expect bold and brave decisions from the colour specialists, but the Institute has validated this choice with sound reason.

“Similar to a blank canvas, Cloud Dancer signifies our desire for a fresh start. Peeling away layers of outmoded thinking, we open the door to new approaches,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Institute. “An airy white hue, Cloud Dancer opens up space for creativity, allowing our imagination to drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge and take shape.”  Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Institute, adds, “The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences.”

Experts in all things neutral, Simone & Ivy co-owner, Leanne Mohagen shared her excitement for this year’s choice. “While some people may call this boring, I think many will appreciate and love it. I’ve never walked into a house and not seen white, so to me, this is a really practical and calming choice,” she remarks. Mohagen also shares that January often feels like a time of reinvention and decluttering, and the clean hue of Cloud Dancer supports that concept.

White is a neutral colour that works for all seasons and styles and can easily be incorporated into any room. The key to embracing a neutral palette is layering textures and shades to create interest and to avoid the space looking flat or sterile. From soft boucle fabric ottomans, to organic shaped vases, Simone & Ivy has all the decor items you need to embrace this calming and inspiring tone all year long.