6 great ways to use Living Coral

Every year the Pantone Colour Institute announces a "colour of the year", chosen by experts and based on trends across art, fashion, technology, entertainment and more. This colour is usually then picked up by brands and designers and widely used in their products. That year you kept thinking you could see pink everywhere? Yep, that was Pantone's Rose Quartz. And green? Right on. Pantone's Greenery.

This year's colour has been announced as Pantone 16-1546 - Living Coral. And we like it. Described by the institute as a "vibrant, yet mellow, pink-orange tone", we think the soft, almost pastel-y tones of this shade will work really well for quick and easy spring/summer home makeovers.

According to Pantone, this "animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone" will "energise and enliven". It also "embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy". And white we're not expecting our new favourite colour to have superhero qualities, we welcome the opportunity to bring fresh energy, liveliness, warmth and comfort into our home - the perfect way to welcome the new season.

The good news is that coral works with both warm and cool colours, so you won't have to do a complete overhaul. Just try these great ideas and really let the colour sing out this spring.

If all-over coral sounds like a step too far, why not use the shade to create a feature wall and liven up a neutral space. Still sound too daring? Add splashes of coral in soft furnishings, like cushions or a rub. Use with light coloured flooring for a stand out look; choose carpet for a cosy finish or keep it contemporary with luxury vinyl or wood effect.

Look for wallpapers that use hints of coral - maybe in a floral print - to cosy up a living room or bedroom. Create a statement with paper all over or use on a feature wall for a more subtle effect. Continue the theme with patterned floor covering in carpet, vinyl or laminate.