The team is back for an emergency design session! Caroline, Taryn, and Liz hop on the mics to discuss the breaking news of the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer.

While the hosts usually love dissecting color trends (and loved last year's Mocha Mousse), this year's selection of a "soft, airy white" has left them confused, bored, and a little suspicious. In this short bonus episode, the ladies debate whether this choice is a symbol of clarity or just a "builder-grade" cop-out. They compare it to the rich, earthy predictions from other paint brands, discuss the concept of "rage bait" marketing, and ask the ultimate question: Does a white color of the year actually influence interior design, or is it just the default setting?

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

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  00:00  Welcome & Introductions

  
  


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  01:30  The Reveal: Pantone 2026 is "Cloud Dancer" (11-4201)

  
  


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  03:00  Taryn’s reaction: "It’s like not decorating"

  
  


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  04:30  Liz’s reaction: Why it fails to capture the moment

  
  


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  07:00  Caroline’s theory: Is this just marketing rage bait?

  
  


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  10:00  Why white feels "artificial" vs. "organic"

  
  


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  14:00  Comparing Cloud Dancer to Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams' earthy picks

  
  


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  17:00  Does the Pantone Color of the Year actually change how we design?

  
  

Also Mentioned:

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  Pantone Color of the Year 2026: Cloud Dancer

  
  


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  Shop Ballard Designs

  
  

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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