Colorstrology:

I'm still working with my brother on signage for the new restaurant. My task today is to convert the designer's collection of interior paint colors into PMS colors. (The Pantone Matching System allows designers to "color match" specific colors when a design enters production stage -- regardless of the equipment used to produce the color. This system has been widely adopted by graphic designers, reproduction and printing houses for a number of years now.)

Did you know that Pantone combined with Colorstrology expert Michele Bernhardt to determine a Color of the Year? "Mimosa" (PMS 14-0848) is THE color for 2009. I wasn't even aware that there was such a thing! Where have I been? "Pantone, which provides color standards to design industries, specifically cites mimosa, a vibrant shade illustrated by the flowers of the mimosa tree as well as the brunch-favorite cocktail, as its top shade of the new year, but the company, in general, believes the public will embrace many tones of optimistic yellow. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow. The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation.”

So, it's Mimosa, as in orange-hued yellow. Not black to symbolize the dismal housing market, ongoing war in Iraq, and perils of global warming. Not beige to represent the hesitation with which fashion designers are creating their collections, fearful that shoppers won't buy anything that's too out there. But yellow. Searingly sanguine yellow. Mimosa "represents hope and optimism," reports British Vogue.

As much as I want to rally against choosing a color the world doesn't feel on the inside right now, I have to hand it to Pantone -- they've embraced a year of change. Wonder what 2010 will bring... Still, I think I'm going to stick to drinking my champagne and orange juice rather than wearing it!