What Is the Pantone Color of the Year 2022
The Pantone Color of the Year 2022 is Very Peri, a blue-based red with a whisper of violet that balances warmth and calm. Introduced as a softer evolution of classic blue tones, Very Peri was selected to reflect a blend of technology and nature in a rapidly shifting world. This guide explains the color’s composition, cultural context, and practical applications so you can evaluate whether it fits long-term creative and brand strategies rather than chasing a fleeting trend.
Why Very Peri Was Chosen for 2022
Each year, Pantone’s Color Institute committee reviews cultural movements, design needs, and sociological signals to identify a hue that can serve as a cross-sector conversation starter. Very Peri was developed specifically for 2022 by mixing a base of Peri, a bright lavender blue, with a touch of red, creating a tone that conveys openness yet creativity. The choice aimed to address growing demands for authenticity, digital connection, and mindful innovation. Understanding this intent helps you decide how—and whether—to incorporate the color into identity systems, interfaces, and physical spaces.
The Blend Behind the Name
Very Peri combines a periwinkle-like base with a red violet undertone, yielding a subtle shimmer reminiscent of a flower blooming in the glow of a screen. The addition of red distinguishes it from traditional blues, adding energy without overwhelming calm. This deliberate fusion was designed to mirror the interplay between technology and humanity that defined 2022’s global landscape. From a specification standpoint, the color can be reproduced consistently across print, web, and product finishes when you follow exact Pantone references and conversion guidelines.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pantone Code | 17-3938 Very Peri | Pantone official release |
| HSB Approximation | H: 272°, S: 33%, B: 91% | Derived from Pantone specification |
| Design Intent | Balance technology with warmth | Pantone Color Institute rationale |
| Common Use Cases | Brand accents, digital UI, accents in interiors | Post-2022 implementation examples |
Practical Applications of Very Peri
Very Peri works as an accent rather than a full-room paint choice in most settings, which preserves its nuanced character and prevents visual fatigue. In digital design, it can highlight interactive elements, emphasize calls to action, or add a premium feel to interfaces without relying on harsh saturation. In physical spaces, consider using Very Peri in textiles, hardware, or curated art to introduce a modern yet thoughtful touch. Its blue-red lean makes it adaptable to both cool and warm lighting, but testing at scale is essential to confirm consistency and legibility.
Digital Design Considerations
On screen, Very Peri maintains enough contrast against white for readable text when used in large blocks, but pairing it with near-white backgrounds can soften the experience. For UI components, the color can signal creativity and innovation, especially in dashboards, educational platforms, and creative tools. Because of its red undertone, limit extended reading text in Very Peri to avoid potential strain; instead, use it for headers, badges, and interactive motifs that benefit from focal emphasis.
Interior and Product Uses
In interiors, Very Peri suits spaces that balance work and reflection, such as home offices, studios, or quiet reading nooks. Use it on a feature wall, cabinetry, or statement furniture to create depth without committing an entire room to a strong hue. The color also translates well into ceramics, lighting fixtures, and hardware, where subtle shifts in lighting can reveal hidden violet notes. When paired with neutral bases and natural materials, Very Peri feels contemporary yet timeless.
How Very Peri Compares to Earlier Years
Unlike the bold, playful tones of prior years, Very Peri positions itself as a reflective, technology-aware choice that still allows for human warmth. It shares some characteristics with blue hues from recent years but distinguishes itself through a red shift that adds complexity. This nuanced difference makes it suitable for brands seeking sophistication over excitement, and for environments that want a forward-looking but grounded aesthetic. Comparing its attributes to past selections can clarify when and why to reach for Very Peri today.
| Year | Color | Key Theme | Design Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Classic Blue | Calm and stability | Trustworthy, steady |
| 2021 | Ultimate Gray | Resilience and composure | Balanced and reliable |
| 2022 | Very Peri | Creative expression through technology | Innovative yet warm |
| 2023 | Viva Magenta | Joyful connection | Bold and sociable |
Integrating Very Peri into Long-Term Branding
If your brand values innovation, mindful technology use, and a touch of sophisticated color play, Very Peri can remain relevant beyond its year by functioning as an accent rather than a primary identity layer. Treat it as one tool in a broader palette, ensuring it works alongside neutrals and complementary hues to avoid rapid style drift. Evaluate how the color performs across materials, screen sizes, and cultural contexts before committing, and document conversion standards so future teams can apply it consistently. When used thoughtfully, Very Peri can support a timeless brand narrative about progress with empathy.
Evaluating Legacy and Future Use
Very Peri remains useful not because it must appear everywhere, but because it demonstrates how a carefully tuned color can reflect technical progress while preserving human warmth. For designers and decision-makers, the lesson is to align bold choices with clear strategic goals, test thoroughly in context, and document specifications for consistency. As newer palettes emerge, Very Peri can remain in your toolkit for moments when a measured but distinctive tone is needed. By grounding its use in evidence and intention, you ensure the color remains a considered asset rather than a dated trend.
Summary and Takeaways
- Very Peri (Pantone 17-3938) is the official Color of the Year 2022, designed to reflect the fusion of technology and nature.
- The color is a blue-based red with violet notes, balancing energy with calm.
- Use Very Peri as an accent in digital and physical contexts; prioritize testing for contrast and legibility.
- Apply consistent conversions and documentation to preserve the color across media and over time.
- Consider strategic, audience-specific fit rather than adopting the shade solely because it is a trend.
FAQ
Reader questions
What is the exact Pantone reference for Very Peri?
The official code is 17-3938 Very Peri, as published in Pantone’s annual color report and standardized across print and digital libraries.
Can Very Peri work for corporate brands?
Yes, when used as an accent to support innovation-driven narratives. It performs best in controlled applications such as digital interfaces, campaign highlights, and curated product finishes rather than as a dominant identity color.
How do I ensure color consistency across channels? Use the official Pantone formula, convert to CMYK and RGB with documented standards, and verify output through physical proofs and screen calibration. Maintain a single source of truth for specifications and update teams when corrections are needed. Will Very Peri remain relevant beyond 2022? Its longevity depends on contextual fit. Because it blends warmth and technology, it can remain useful for brands and spaces that align with those qualities. Treat it as one option in a disciplined palette rather than a mandatory trend. How is Very Peri different from classic blue tones?
Very Peri carries a red-violet shift that adds energy and a subtle glow, making it feel more dynamic than tranquil blues. This nuance supports creative and tech-forward storytelling while avoiding the austerity that pure blues can convey.