The folks at Pantone have once again picked a controversial hue as their "colour of the year". They've sat, debated and discussed, and this year they have crowned "white" as the up-and-coming shade for 2026.

Only, of course, it's not just any white. "Cloud Dancer" or "PANTONE 11-4201" as it's otherwise known, is "a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity, Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation."

Whilst most of us aren't as passionately entwined with colour as the staff at Pantone, we do realise and appreciate how the careful use of different tones and shades can impact on creative design. Colour can change the whole look and feel of a piece of design so it's important to get it right.

What do the Creative Cupboard team think of "Cloud Dancer"?

  • Blimey, does this sum up 2025? In terms of colour - or lack of - I think it’s rather depressing. I think we all need more colour & I would have thought a richer, winey tone of the burgundy spectrum would have been more fitting.
  • I'm a big fan, I'd like it in my bathroom.
  • This colour is where hopes and dreams go to die. I can only imagine that the person who made it the ‘colour of the year’ is a dreadful pessimist. Either that or they’ve just had a tragically bleak year.
  • Quite like it actually, could be a potential for my house in future!
  • I love the name... sounds a lot more exciting than it is.
  • It is very serene and tasteful, but colour of the year for me needs more…..colour.
  • It’s a bit meh! It’s a bit of a non-colour to me.
  • Right well it’s silly isn’t it… that is white? What’s happened is someone has forgotten and panicked last minute. I’d do my walls with it but I’m not blown away.
  • I prefer Anemic Cauliflower. Or Steamed Cloud… oooh! Very partial to Ghost Of The Milky Bar Kid.

As you can see by our mixed reviews... colour can be a minefield. It instantly evokes strong emotions so it's essential to make sure this element works with the design brief. Our creative team are experts at choosing carefully curated colour palettes that help to amplify and reinforce creative messaging. Click here to find out more about our creative services.