Every year, for more than two decades, the Pantone Color Institute, a color trend-forecasting and consulting company based in Carlstadt, New Jersey, picks its color of the year, a shade that is meant to shape the look and feel of everything from interior design to consumer products.

This coming year’s pick, Cloud Dancer, had many design pros pondering, “Why?” Because it is basically white.

Described as “a billowy, balanced white imbued with a feeling of serenity,” the hue is meant to make us pause, consider quiet reflection and allow space to create. We tapped five design pros for their take on the tone.

Layer the whites

“Cloud Dancer reflects where we are culturally. People are overstimulated from constant screens, noise and movement, and they crave a breather the moment they step inside their home. A high percentage of our clients request white-dominant spaces because they want clarity, calm and visual quiet. Cloud Dancer reinforces this trend toward restorative, intentionally minimal environments.

“By bringing in textured white pieces from bouclé sofas to linen sectionals, textured rugs and sculptural ceramics, the palette becomes warm and dimensional. We pair Cloud Dancer with natural oak, creamy travertine, matte pottery and soft metals so the space feels lived-in and tactile, not clinical.

For the penthouse at Mr. C Residences in Miami's Coconut Grove, All About the Wow paired a creamy canvas with equally creamy furniture and soft texture.

Alex Tarajano Photography

“With Cloud Dancer, the quietude comes from giving the eye a place to rest. Using this shade as the foundation allows the architecture, views and natural light to shine. It creates a peaceful reset from the overstimulation of the outside world. The palette slows the energy of the space in a way that feels restorative.”

—Jennifer McCloskey, co-president of All About the Wow, a design and staging firm in Miami, and owner of the showroom Casawow 

Warm It Up

“Crisp white sheets, clean white dishes, painted white trim or sheer white curtains are all classic ways to incorporate white. For example, we used tall sheer white curtains in the model residence at Southend Lofts to play up the generous ceiling height in a soft, elegant way. The envelope of this living space (walls, rugs, curtains) is shades of soft white, which create a soothing effect. 

“When decorating with white, keep in mind how the space is illuminated. Color choices will be impacted by these factors. We added Noguchi Akari lamps to provide a warm light source in a glowing white paper shade. 

For the model residence at Southend Lofts in Hoboken, New Jersey, Anne Brewer of Lewis Birks added earthy shades to punctuate the space.

Katherine Marks

“Using a tonal palette will create a sense of serenity, while pairing it with darker or brighter colors offers energy and contrast. I tend to take a more tonal approach in my design by using softer tones activated by textures and patterns, such as a tonal high/low pile rug and shearling pillows.”

—Anne Brewer, founder of Lewis Birks, based in New York City

Avoid Sterile or Glossy 

“It feels like natural light: soft, expansive. It creates room for architecture and objects to breathe. Art and wood come forward. Shadows matter more. The space feels edited, not empty.

“I use Cloud Dancer in plaster, lime wash, bouclé, linen and stone. I layer variations of white, so the room has dimension. Oak floors and unlacquered metals keep it human. Nothing sterile or glossy. The warmth comes from material, not color.

“I repeat the tone across walls, ceiling and millwork so the eye rests. Storage is concealed. Lines are clean. The palette is limited. Cloud Dancer creates calm when it is the envelope, not the accent.

“It pairs beautifully with soft neutrals that feel natural: mushroom, eucalyptus, blue gray, sand. Nothing high contrast. I would carry the palette through the entire room, so it reads as one composition. A mushroom linen sofa, a sage wool chair, oak floors, honed stone. The result is serene, not minimal for effect.”

—New York City-based designer Scott Francis

Pair It With Natural Materials

“Cloud Dancer feels like a signal that it’s OK to unplug. We frequently use shades of white on the walls in our projects, then layer in colors, tones and textures. This soft white provides a blank canvas to allow creativity to develop. 

“For a peaceful minimalist palette, pairing Cloud Dancer with natural materials, wood, stone, leather and thick nubby woven fabrics will keep a space warm and prevent it from feeling sterile.

In a space designed by Valerie Helgeson of Design Directions, natural materials and tones create dimension.

Sarah Baker

“Cloud Dancer would be beautiful in a nursery with soft pastels or in a conservatory paired with fresh shades of lemon, lime and Wedgewood blue. It’s one of those whites that can stay soft and simple or take on more personality depending on what you pair it with.” 

—Valerie Helgeson, founder and principal designer at Design Directions, based in Oklahoma 

Invite Tactility 

“Cloud Dancer signals a shift toward soft minimalism. It encourages edited, intentional spaces that feel calm, refined and quietly luxurious. It creates a light, airy, diffused effect similar to natural morning light. The hue softens a space that highlights texture and form.

“Use materials with warmth and movement: plaster walls, textured upholstery, warm woods, honed stone and handmade ceramics. Tactile layers keep Cloud Dancer rich and inviting.

A round swivel chair from furniture brand Joybird keeps the vibe soft by pairing the color with a nubby, textured fabric and a rounded form.

Joybird

“Rounded forms, softened edges and warm ambient lighting help the color read serene not stark.

“Moss greens, warm clays, sandy neutrals, muted blues and soft grays all complement Cloud Dancer. Carry these through upholstery, art, stone and textiles for a tranquil, cohesive palette.

“Texture is essential. Linen, thick bouclé, woven rugs, plaster and honed stone give Cloud Dancer depth and keep it dimensional and luxurious.”

—Christine Vroom, principal and founder of Christine Vroom Interiors in Redondo Beach, California