This year’s color is Blue Iris, a beautifully balanced blue-purple

I eagerly await Pantone’s annual Color of the Year. In 2007, the color was Red Hot Chili Pepper. This year, the color is Blue Iris.

According to Pantone, the color (which is coded 18-3943) is a multifaceted hue that reflects our complex world: “Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.”

To quote from the news release,

“From a color forecasting perspective, we have chosen PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris as the color of the year, as it best represents color direction in 2008 for fashion, cosmetics and home products,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays.”

According to Pantone, painting a wall in Blue Iris will add an elegant level of composure with a touch of dynamism to any room. You know, it’s a very nice color.