Who doesn't love a bit of colour in their life? Whether it's a vibrant sunset, a blooming flower bed, or a snazzy pair of wellies, colour has the power to lift our spirits and transform our surroundings. And when it comes to our homes, the colours we choose can have a profound impact on our mood, productivity, and overall well-being.
That's where Pantone comes in. This colour guru has been shaping the way we see and experience colour for decades, from fashion and design to marketing and branding. And yes, even the world of houseplants!
But it's not just about aesthetics, colour psychology plays a fascinating role in how we perceive and interact with our environment. A calming blue can soothe the soul, a vibrant yellow can spark creativity, and a lush green can bring a sense of tranquility.
And what better way to bring those colours into our homes than with a touch of nature? Indoor plants not only add a splash of greenery but also introduce a whole spectrum of hues, from the deep reds of a Croton to the vibrant pinks of a Calathea.
Let's explore the fascinating relationship between Pantone, plants, and the psychology of colour. We'll delve into the design process behind our own logo, discover the RHS Pantone Colour of the Year, and even learn how to style our homes with plants and Pantone-inspired hues.
Houseplant UK: Why We're Green (and a Touch of Teal!)
When it came to creating the Houseplant UK brand, we knew colour would play a starring role. After all, we're not just about plants; we're about bringing the joy of nature into your home, and colour is a big part of that.
But choosing the right colour wasn't as simple as picking our favourite shade of green (though we do love a good emerald, mind you). We wanted a colour that reflected our values, our personality, and our passion for plants.
We spent hours poring over Pantone swatches, debating the merits of various hues and shades. Should we go for a vibrant green that screams "look at me, I'm full of life!"? Or a more calming blue that whispers "serenity now"? Or perhaps a playful yellow that shouts "sunshine and happiness!"?
In the end we settled on Pantone 555 C (or as close as we could get digitally!). This beautiful teal-green captures the essence of nature, with a touch of sophistication and tranquility. It's a colour that evokes feelings of growth, harmony, and well-being, perfectly reflecting our mission to bring the joy of plants into your home.
But why this specific shade you ask? Well, it's all about the psychology of colour. Green is associated with nature, growth, and harmony, while blue evokes feelings of calm and tranquility. Teal, a blend of these two hues, combines the best of both worlds, creating a colour that's both invigorating and soothing.
Plus it looks rather dashing on our website and packaging, if we do say so ourselves!
Of course we considered other options along the way. A vibrant orange almost made the cut, but it felt a bit too bold and energetic for our brand. A deep purple was also a contender, but it seemed a bit too mysterious and aloof.
In the end Pantone 555 C was the clear winner. It's a colour that perfectly captures our brand personality: friendly, approachable, and passionate about plants.
Mocha Mousse: The RHS Brews Up a Storm with Pantone's Colour of the Year
Every year the colour connoisseurs at the Pantone Color Institute whip up a shade that captures the zeitgeist, the mood of the moment, the colour that's going to be splashed across everything from catwalks to, well, coffee cups (quite literally this time!). And for 2025, they've gone for a rather delectable hue called "Mocha Mousse" - officially known as PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, for those who like their colour codes with a side of precision.
The RHS have embraced this colour with open arms (and possibly a few steaming mugs of cocoa). They've even showcased a delightful array of plants that echo this rich, earthy tone, from the decadent Iris 'Death by Chocolate' to the subtly shaded Carex tenuiculmis 'Cappuccino'. (We're already picturing a whole photoshoot with these beauties, complete with steaming mugs and a plate of biscuits... purely for artistic inspiration, of course!).
And it seems Pantone themselves are quite keen on this comforting brown hue. They describe it as "a warming, brown hue imbued with richness," evoking the "delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee." Sounds like our cup of tea (or should that be coffee?).
They also highlight its versatility, noting that it can "stand alone or serve as a versatile foundation, enhancing a wide range of palettes and applications." So, whether you're going for a minimalist look or a more richly detailed design, Mocha Mousse has got you covered.
But beyond the technicalities, Mocha Mousse speaks to a deeper desire for connection, comfort, and harmony. It's a colour that invites us to slow down, indulge in simple pleasures, and create a sense of warmth and cosiness in our homes. And what better way to complement this earthy hue than with the lush greenery of houseplants?
After all, plants not only purify the air and boost our mood, but they also bring a touch of the outdoors in, creating a harmonious balance between the natural and the man-made. So, whether you're adding a mocha-hued pot to your plant collection or simply embracing the warm and cosy vibes of this year's colour trend, we encourage you to embrace the power of plants and colour to create a home that truly nourishes your soul.
Nature's Palette: Houseplants in Every Shade of Pantone
We've talked about the psychology of colour, the RHS's peachy keen pick, and even our own brand's teal-green identity. Now it's time to dive into the wonderful world of houseplants and discover the Pantone shades hiding in plain sight!
1. Pantone 349 C - The Classic Green: Green, the colour of life, nature, and all things botanical. And when it comes to houseplants, there's no shortage of green hues to choose from. Take the Monstera Deliciosa, for example, with its lush, deep green leaves that evoke feelings of tranquility and growth. It's a classic for a reason, and its Pantone equivalent would be something like Pantone 349 C, a rich, verdant green that's both calming and invigorating.
2.Pantone 137 C - A Touch of Sunshine: Who doesn't love a bit of yellow in their life? It's the colour of happiness, optimism, and sunshine (even when it's chucking it down outside). And when it comes to houseplants, the Golden Pothos is a ray of sunshine in a pot. Its vibrant yellow-green leaves bring a touch of cheer to any space, and its Pantone match would be something like Pantone 137 C, a bright, sunny yellow that's guaranteed to lift your spirits.
3.Pantone 217 C - Blushing Beauty: For a touch of romance and elegance, look no further than the Calathea Roseopicta. This stunner boasts leaves with intricate patterns in shades of pink, cream, and green, often resembling a painter's palette. It's Pantone equivalent could be a blend of Pantone 217 C (a soft, blush pink) and Pantone 12-0742 TCX (Almost Mauve), a muted rose with a touch of warmth. These colours add a touch of femininity and grace to any space.
4.Pantone 433 C - Deep and Dramatic: If you're after a bit of drama and sophistication, the Alocasia Black Velvet is your plant. Its deep, velvety leaves are almost black, with a hint of purple and green. Its Pantone match would be something like Pantone 433 C, a rich, dark purple that exudes elegance and mystery.
5.Pantone 179 C - Fiery Red: For a bold statement, the Croton is your go-to plant. Its leaves come in a variety of fiery hues, from reds and oranges to yellows and greens. Its Pantone equivalent would be something like Pantone 179 C, a vibrant, fiery red that's sure to turn heads.
And that's just a taste of the Pantone-coloured plants out there! From the silvery grey leaves of the Pilea Peperomioides to the deep burgundy hues of the Tradescantia Zebrina, there's a houseplant to match every shade in the Pantone spectrum.
So next time you're browsing our website or visiting your local garden centre, keep an eye out for those Pantone-inspired hues. You might just discover your new favourite plant (and colour!) in the process.
Room by Room: Styling Your Home with Plants and Pantone Hues
Let's explore how to actually use these colours to create a stylish and harmonious home. Grab your paintbrushes and your trowels, because we're about to embark on a room-by-room decorating adventure!
Living Room: This is where you want to create a welcoming and relaxing space, perfect for entertaining guests or curling up with a good book. Think warm, earthy tones like Pantone 16-1358 TCX (Caramel Café) paired with lush green plants like a Fiddle Leaf Fig or a Monstera Deliciosa. Add pops of colour with vibrant cushions or throws in shades like Pantone 18-1550 TCX (Summer Song), a cheerful yellow that complements the natural greenery.
Bedroom: This is your sanctuary, a place to unwind and recharge. Opt for calming colours like Pantone 14-4102 TCX (Niagara), a serene blue that promotes relaxation, and pair it with air-purifying plants like a Peace Lily or a Snake Plant. Add a touch of luxury with soft furnishings in Pantone 13-1404 TCX (Pale Dogwood), a delicate pink that adds a touch of serenity.
Kitchen: This is the heart of the home, a space for creativity and nourishment. Go for bright and cheerful colours like Pantone 13-0755 TCX (Primrose Yellow) and complement them with herbs like basil and mint that not only look good but also taste delicious! Add a touch of nature with wooden accents and natural textures.
Bathroom: This is your spa-like retreat, a place to pamper yourself and unwind. Embrace cool, refreshing colours like Pantone 15-5217 TCX (Island Paradise), a tranquil blue-green that evokes a sense of calm. Add humidity-loving plants like ferns and orchids to create a tropical oasis.
Home Office: This is your productivity zone, a space for focus and creativity. Choose invigorating colours like Pantone 17-1462 TCX (Flame), a vibrant orange that stimulates the mind, and pair it with plants like a ZZ Plant or a Spider Plant that are known to boost concentration.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and the beauty of interior design is that there are no hard and fast rules. Experiment with different colours and plants to create a space that truly reflects your personality and style. And most importantly, have fun with it!
Colour Your World with Houseplant UK
We've journeyed through the vibrant spectrum of Pantone, exploring its influence on our moods, our homes, and even our beloved houseplants. From the calming blues of a Peace Lily to the fiery reds of a Croton, we've discovered that nature provides a stunning palette of colours to inspire and invigorate.
At Houseplant UK we're passionate about bringing the joy of plants into your home. That's why we've carefully chosen our own Pantone shade, a tranquil teal-green that reflects our commitment to quality, care, and customer satisfaction.
With over 250,000 happy plants delivered and a reputation for speedy delivery and five-star reviews, you can trust us to bring you the best of the botanical world, in every shade imaginable. So why not add a splash of colour to your life?