Pantone’s Color of the Year: Why We’re Embracing the Quiet Beauty of Cloud Dancer
Each year, the announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year sparks conversation, excitement, and sometimes a bit of controversy. Designers and homeowners alike wait to see whether the chosen hue will feel bold and energizing or calm and grounding. This year’s selection, Cloud Dancer, has certainly stirred discussion (and we’re here for it).
At first glance, Cloud Dancer may feel understated, even surprising. In a world saturated with bold color, statement hues, and dramatic design moments, a soft, warm white can seem almost too quiet. But at ONYX + ALABASTER, we believe that restraint can be just as powerful as boldness. And in this case, Cloud Dancer feels both timely and deeply resonant.
As Tanya shared, “I actually really love it. It’s so peaceful. Obviously, we love black and white, but this white in particular really offers a warm and inviting, serene space. So many of our clients love a peaceful environment, so we’re excited to use it this year.”
That sentiment captures exactly why Cloud Dancer works.
A White That Feels Warm, Not Stark
Not all whites are created equal. Some feel cold or clinical, while others can lean too creamy or dated. Cloud Dancer sits in that rare middle ground—soft, warm, and quietly sophisticated. It reflects light beautifully without feeling harsh, making it an ideal foundation for primary living spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
In many ways, Cloud Dancer aligns perfectly with how our clients want their homes to feel right now: calm, restorative, and grounded. Homes are no longer just places to entertain or impress. They are sanctuaries. Retreats. A pause from the noise of the outside world.
Yes, We Still Love Drama
Let’s be clear—we are not abandoning bold design. We will always love a dramatic powder bath, a moody, color-drenched study, or a richly layered space that leans into contrast and depth. Those moments are part of what makes a home feel curated + personal.
But what we see time and time again is that even clients who love those dramatic moments often want their main living spaces to feel peaceful and timeless. Cloud Dancer allows us to create that sense of ease while still leaving room for personality through texture, materials, and thoughtfully chosen accents.
Why Some Find It Controversial (And Why We Don’t)
The controversy around Cloud Dancer largely comes from the expectation that the Color of the Year should feel daring or unmistakably trend-forward. A warm white doesn’t shout “new.” And honestly, that tension showed up even within our own design team. Our resident Gen Z designer found the choice a little boring, while our associate designer Jen was genuinely shocked to see white making a comeback at all.
But that’s exactly where Tanya saw its strength.
For Tanya, Cloud Dancer isn’t about playing it safe, it’s about creating spaces that last. “It’s so peaceful,” she shared. “Obviously we love black and white, but this white in particular really offers a warm and inviting, serene space.” That perspective mirrors what we hear from our clients again and again. While they may love a dramatic powder bath or a richly layered, moody room, when it comes to their primary living spaces, they’re drawn to calm.
At ONYX + ALABASTER, we believe longevity matters. Design should age gracefully, not just photograph well for a moment. Cloud Dancer isn’t about chasing a trend; it’s about creating a backdrop that supports real life—one that allows architecture, natural light, craftsmanship, and meaningful objects to take center stage.
In many ways, choosing Cloud Dancer feels like a collective exhale.
How We’re Using Cloud Dancer
We see Cloud Dancer as a foundational color. Perfect for walls, cabinetry, and layered spaces where calm is the goal. Paired with natural woods, stone, warm metals, and soft textiles, it creates rooms that feel intentional yet effortless.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether your style leans modern, transitional, or classic, Cloud Dancer adapts beautifully, making it a smart choice for clients who want their homes to feel both current and enduring.
A Quiet Confidence
Cloud Dancer may not be the loudest Color of the Year, but it is confident in its simplicity. It invites rest. It enhances light. And it supports the way our clients want to live.
Sometimes, the most powerful design choice is the one that lets everything else breathe.
And that’s why we’re embracing it.
From buying sessions to full-service interior design, our award-winning design team is here to help you create a home that feels thoughtful, timeless, and truly yours.