Decorating with the Colour Coral

Coral is a vivacious, playful and inviting colour that can add comfort and warmth to a space. It's an instant mood booster!

Our artworks have been featuring this energising colour more and more in recent years, and it's no wonder a coral shade has found its way to be Pantone's 2019 Colour of the Year.

Living Coral: Pantone's 2019 Colour of the Year

Living Coral is a vibrant yet mellow shade of coral that has been carefully forecast by Pantone as the 2019 Colour of the Year; the colour most likely to trend. We're seeing it in home interiors, offices, fashion, weddings, industrial design, graphic design, food; anywhere we choose to play with colour. The forecast explains we have a desire to see this colour - as a collective society we have an underlying emotional need to see it more.

And there is colour intelligence behind this. 

According to Pantone's colour experts,

“In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. 

Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment."

Australian Salmon Gum

The specific coral shade our artists use is called Australian Salmon Gum by Matisse, inspired by the coral or salmony colours found in a certain species of trees in the Australian bush.

The Australian landscape is dominated by eucalyptus trees, such as the Salmon Gum, with grey-ish leaves and trunks that shed their bark revealing white and salmon colors that are distinctive and very different to anywhere else. 

According to Matisse's website Australian Salmon Gum is "a very light orange with a pastel softness" and designed for Australian landscape painters. 

"It has a boldness to it but on the other hand it has a softness to it that would have easily found a home in one of Picasso’s Rose Period paintings."

Colour Psychology (because we love colour meanings)

As a tertiary colour residing between a lively orange and a soothing pink, coral can adopt the psychological benefits of both depending on how vibrant or soft the shade is. 

Pink represents compassion, nurturing and romance. It's a colour associated with unconditional love and understanding. Orange on the other hand is a colour of optimism, encouragement and communication. It can help restore balance to our physical energies and stimulate creative thinking. It's a colour associated with enthusiasm. 

Together, coral brings the warmth of both and a balance between feminine and masculine energies. It may encourage us to express our emotions, to feel, and to increase emotional energy. It can encourage us to be outgoing, social and increase physical energy.  

7 Ideas For Decorating With Coral

Because coral’s eclectic playfulness lends itself to a range of design styles, and can at first seem like a tricky one to decorate with, we've got 7 ideas to get you going. It's all about balance though and how a space makes you feel, so be sure to take your own feelings into considering when creating your coral space.

7 Ideas for Decorating with the Colour Coral →

22 Artworks for Coral Interiors

Art is a wonderful way to tie together colour palettes in a space and create visual interest. Whether you want to add a splash of coral or find an artwork to compliment your coral space, we've got plenty of inspiration for you.

22 Artworks for Coral Interors →