Interior Design

Pantone reveals 'Core Classics' – 5 room colors that are timeless and seasonless

Want a room scheme that won't date? Pantone's Core Classics should be your first stop

Grey curtains and rug, cream sofa with yellow blanket
(Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

Pantone has revealed a list of five shades that are set to remain ‘seasonless’ – meaning these colors will stay fashionable for years to come. 

The global authority on color categorized the significant tones as ‘Core Classics’ whose ‘versatility express longevity’ following a recent trend report for S/S 21. If you’re looking for paint ideas with an enduring appeal, this list is for you. 

In response to color trends from the recent New York Fashion Week, Pantone shared their predictions for the tones set to be big news next year. It was alongside these fashionable crazes, that they explored the ‘core’ collection that, Pantone believes, will continue to make waves in the interiors industry. 

The Spring/Summer 2022 Core Classics showcases an ageless selection of safe but nonetheless beautiful shades that will remain the basis of all paint trends – but which shades make the cut?

1. Snow White

living room with black and white houndstooth check mid century armchairs in Victorian mews house in London with contemporary interior designed by Kitesgrove

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

Decorating with white remains enduringly popular, so we are pleased to report that white makes the list – Pantone launches the selection with the minimalist tones of Snow White, labeled by the authority as a clean and pure shade that provokes our craving for simplicity and continuous serenity. 

2. Perfectly Pale beige

A grey bedroom idea with linen blinds, ornate headboard and wool blankets

(Image credit: Emily J Followill/Beth Webb Interiors)

Next on the list is Perfectly Pale, a sandy beige shade reminiscent of a calm and sunny beach – though we think it has more than a touch of gray to it. It's easy to see why beige living rooms and bedrooms have remained popular – this easy-to-work-around neutral adds a touch of warmth to rooms that are north- and east-facing, which is particularly welcome if your rooms are light-starved.

3. Basil green

green kitchen with green walls and artwork

(Image credit: Francesca's Paints/Retrouvius)

Decorating with green has become particularly popular post-pandemic – and this wouldn’t be an iconic list if green failed to make an appearance. But thankfully, this natural color holds a place in the top five – so you don’t need to rewrite your easy paint ideas anytime soon. Pantone chose Basil, a dusty green that promotes organic health and wellbeing

4. Northern Droplet gray

Gray living space with wallpaper on chimney breast and chaise longue in foreground

(Image credit: Left Wall, Lead Colour 117 and Cornicing, Loft White 222 both Absolute Matt Emulsion £48.50 for 2.5L, Marlborough wallpaper in Dusk, £90 per roll by Little Greene)

Gray proper makes the list in the form of Northern Droplet, a subtle gray that oozes tranquility. It doesn't surprise us – our grey living room ideas gallery is amongst the most viewed on our website, and this color is incredibly easy to build around.

5. Poppy Seed gray

Living room in gray with stone fireplace

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

Finally, to solidify gray’s enduring power, Pantone concludes the list with Poppy Seed – the second gray shade with a deeper aesthetic that radiated an ageless familiarity.

‘Colors for Spring/Summer 2022 bring together our competing desires for comforting familiarity and joyful adventure through a range of soothing and timeless colors, along with joyous hues that celebrate playfulness,’ explains Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman. 

Leatrice adds that these color trends allow us to explore new ‘personalized style and spontaneous color statements.’ 

We predict these colors will remain a part of interior trends for countless seasons to come. They are core classics, after all. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.