How to Style Your Home Using Pantone Fall 2019 Colors

I remember the first time I saw the Pantone Fall 2019 color palette. It was late August, and I was sitting in my cluttered living room, staring at a beige wall that had been screaming for attention for three years. Honestly? I felt stuck. Then I opened the swatch book, and it hit me like a warm pumpkin latte to the face. These weren’t just colors; they were moods. Deep, brooding, and surprisingly playful. If you’ve ever wondered how to style your home using Pantone Fall 2019 colors, you’re in the right place. Let’s ditch the boring neutrals and dive into something with actual soul.

The 2019 palette was a masterclass in contrast. You had rich, almost edible shades like 'Pepper Stem' (a zesty green) sitting next to 'Biking Red' (a spicy, brick-like crimson). And then there was 'Crème de la Crème'—a soft, buttery white that saved everything from looking like a haunted mansion. The trick isn’t to paint every wall in these hues. It’s about strategic placement. Think of these colors as the spices in your kitchen cabinet: a little goes a long way, but the right mix can transform a bland dish into a five-star meal.

Now, I’ve been doing this for over a decade. I’ve seen trends come and go (RIP, millennial pink). But the Fall 2019 palette? It’s still relevant because it’s grounded in nature. These colors don’t scream for attention—they whisper with confidence. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s break down exactly how to inject this palette into your home without making it look like a design school project gone wrong.

Why the Pantone Fall 2019 Palette Works So Well in Interior Design

Look—most color trends are like fast fashion. They’re flashy, fun, and forgotten by next season. But the Pantone Fall 2019 colors were different. They were built on earthy, organic tones that feel timeless. 'Chili Pepper' isn’t just a red; it’s the color of dried chiles hanging in a Mexican market. 'Eden' isn’t just a green; it’s the deep, shadowy green of a pine forest at dusk. These colors have weight. They have history. And when you use them correctly, they ground a room in a way that sterile whites and grays simply cannot.

But here’s the real secret: the palette was designed with balance in mind. There are warm tones (like 'Tigerlily' and 'Fruit Dove') and cool tones (like 'Galaxy Blue' and 'Vanilla Custard'). This isn’t an accident. It means you can create a space that feels cozy without being claustrophobic, or vibrant without being chaotic. When I consult with clients who ask how to style your home using Pantone Fall 2019 colors, I always start with this principle: pick one hero color, then use the others as supporting actors.

For example, I once helped a client in a tiny New York apartment. She was terrified of dark colors. But I convinced her to paint a single accent wall in 'Biking Red'—a deep, rusty red. She paired it with 'Crème de la Crème' furniture and a single 'Pepper Stem' throw pillow. The result? The room felt intimate, not small. The red didn’t shrink the space; it gave it a focal point. That’s the magic of this palette. It works with your architecture, not against it.

And let’s not forget the psychological aspect. Colors affect your mood more than you think. 'Galaxy Blue' is calming—perfect for a bedroom. 'Tigerlily' is energizing—ideal for a home office or entryway. If you’re going to invest time and money into a room, you might as well choose colors that make you feel something good.

Start with a Neutral Base, Then Add Punch

Seriously, this is the golden rule. If you paint your entire living room in 'Chili Pepper,' you’ll feel like you’re living inside a salsa commercial. Not great. Instead, start with a neutral backdrop—think warm whites, soft grays, or even a light beige. Then, bring in the Pantone Fall 2019 colors through accessories, textiles, or a single statement piece.

I recommend using the '70-20-10 rule.' Seventy percent of the room is your neutral base (walls, large furniture). Twenty percent is your secondary color (like a sofa or rug in 'Eden' green). And ten percent is your accent (a 'Fruit Dove' pink vase, a 'Galaxy Blue' throw blanket). This ratio ensures the bold colors feel intentional, not overwhelming. It's a big deal, trust me.

One of my favorite tricks is to use 'Vanilla Custard' as a wall color. It's a warm, creamy white that doesn’t feel cold or sterile. Then I𔃛ll add a 'Pepper Stem' velvet sofa. The green pops against the cream, but it's grounded. Throw in some 'Biking Red' art prints, and you’ve got a room that looks curated, not chaotic.

Layer Textures to Avoid a Flat Look

Color alone isn’t enough. I’ve walked into rooms that had perfect color schemes but felt dead. Why? No texture. The Pantone Fall 2019 colors are rich, but they need physical depth to shine. Think about it: a 'Chili Pepper' velvet pillow feels completely different from a 'Chili Pepper' linen curtain. The velvet says 'luxury'; the linen says 'rustic.' Use both.

In my own home, I have a 'Galaxy Blue' wool rug. It's thick and soft underfoot. On top of it, I placed a 'Vanilla Custard' leather ottoman. The contrast between the nubby wool and the smooth leather is visually interesting. Then I added a 'Tigerlily' ceramic lamp. The glaze is glossy, so it catches the light. Suddenly, the room has layers. It's not just a flat collection of colors; it's a tactile experience.

Don’t be afraid to mix materials. A 'Pepper Stem' metal side table? Yes. A 'Fruit Dove' cotton throw? Absolutely. The key is to keep the color consistent but vary the finish. Matte, gloss, rough, smooth—play with them all. This is how you make a space feel lived-in and expensive at the same time.

Room-by-Room Guide: Where to Use Each Shade

Not every color belongs in every room. I know that sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people try to cram 'Biking Red' into a bathroom. It can work, but it’s risky. Let me walk you through the best applications for the Pantone Fall 2019 colors in specific spaces.

First up: the living room. This is your public space, so you want it to feel welcoming but not overwhelming. I suggest using 'Eden' (a deep forest green) on a single accent wall or on built-in shelving. Pair it with 'Crème de la Crème' sofas and 'Chili Pepper' pillows. The green grounds the room; the red adds a spark. If you're feeling adventurous, add a 'Galaxy Blue' coffee table book stack. It's a small touch, but it ties the palette together.

Now, the bedroom. This should be your sanctuary. Avoid high-energy colors like 'Tigerlily' or 'Pepper Stem' here. Instead, lean into 'Galaxy Blue' for bedding or curtains. It's calming, like a night sky. Add 'Vanilla Custard' sheets and a 'Fruit Dove' pink throw for warmth. I once did a bedroom entirely in these three shades, and the client said she slept better than she had in years. Coincidence? Maybe. But I'll take the credit.

The kitchen and dining area are where you can have fun. 'Pepper Stem' is fantastic for kitchen cabinets or a backsplash. It's unexpected but not jarring. Pair it with brass hardware and 'Crème de la Crème' countertops. For the dining room, consider a 'Biking Red' feature wall. It stimulates appetite and conversation. Just make sure your lighting is warm, or it can look a bit harsh.

Using Pantone Fall 2019 Colors in Small Spaces

Small spaces are where most people panic. They think, 'I need white to make it look bigger.' Wrong. You need depth. A small room painted in 'Eden' or 'Galaxy Blue' can feel like a cozy cocoon rather than a cramped box. The trick is to use the color on all four walls and the ceiling. Yes, the ceiling. It blurs the edges and makes the room feel infinite.

I did this in a narrow hallway once. I painted it in 'Chili Pepper' from floor to ceiling. Everyone thought I was crazy. But I added a large mirror at the end and a 'Vanilla Custard' runner. The hallway went from a forgotten passage to a dramatic gallery. The color didn't shrink it; it gave it purpose. So don't be afraid to go bold in small spaces. Just keep the furniture minimal and the lighting layered.

Another idea: use 'Fruit Dove' (a soft, dusty pink) in a powder room. It's warm and flattering to skin tones (important for those mirror selfies). Pair it with black fixtures and a 'Pepper Stem' plant. It's a tiny room, but it makes a huge impact. Guests always remember that bathroom.

Accessorizing Without Overcommitting

Maybe you're renting. Or maybe you just don't want to paint. That's fine. You can still master how to style your home using Pantone Fall 2019 colors through accessories. This is actually my preferred method for clients who are indecisive. Accessories are low-risk, high-reward.

Start with textiles. Throw pillows, blankets, and curtains are the easiest swaps. Look for patterns that incorporate multiple shades from the palette. A geometric rug with 'Galaxy Blue,' 'Vanilla Custard,' and 'Chili Pepper' can anchor an entire room. Next, add art. Abstract prints or photography that feature these colors can tie everything together without a single paint can.

Don't forget about plants. Live greenery is the ultimate neutral. A fiddle-leaf fig in a 'Pepper Stem' pot? Chef's kiss. And if you're feeling really bold, swap out your lamp shades. A 'Tigerlily' orange lampshade casts a warm, flattering glow. It's a small change, but it makes the room feel intentional. Honestly, accessories are where the magic happens.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with This Palette

I've seen it all. And I've made some of these mistakes myself. So let me save you the trouble. The number one mistake? Using too many saturated colors at once. The Pantone Fall 2019 colors are potent. If you put 'Biking Red,' 'Pepper Stem,' and 'Tigerlily' in the same room without a neutral buffer, you’ll get visual chaos. Your eye won’t know where to rest.

Another common error is ignoring undertones. 'Vanilla Custard' has a warm, yellow undertone. 'Crème de la Crème' is slightly cooler. If you mix them without thinking, the room can feel disjointed. Always test swatches in your actual lighting before committing. Natural light, warm bulbs, and cool LEDs all change how these colors appear.

Lastly, don’t forget about balance. If you use a dark color like 'Eden' on the walls, balance it with light furniture and plenty of lamps. Dark rooms need layered lighting to avoid feeling like a cave. Use floor lamps, table lamps, and even candles to create pockets of light. This is non-negotiable.

Common Questions About How to Style Your Home Using Pantone Fall 2019 Colors

Can I use these colors in a modern minimalist home?

Absolutely. Minimalism doesn’t mean no color. It means using color with restraint. Choose one or two shades from the palette—like 'Galaxy Blue' and 'Vanilla Custard'—and use them sparingly. A single blue accent chair in a white room is striking. The key is to keep the rest of the space clean and uncluttered. The color becomes the focal point, not the noise.

What if I don't like red or orange tones?

No problem. The palette has plenty of cool options. Focus on 'Eden,' 'Galaxy Blue,' and 'Vanilla Custard.' These three alone can create a serene, sophisticated space. You can skip 'Chili Pepper' and 'Tigerlily' entirely. The palette is a guide, not a rulebook. Pick the colors that speak to you and leave the rest.

How do I make these colors work in a rental apartment?

Stick to removable solutions. Peel-and-stick wallpaper in 'Pepper Stem' or 'Fruit Dove' is a game-changer. Use it on a single wall or inside a bookshelf. Also, invest in large area rugs and curtains. These add major color without damaging walls. And don't underestimate the power of slipcovers. A 'Galaxy Blue' slipcover on a neutral sofa can transform your entire living room.

Are these colors still trendy in 2024 and beyond?

Trends are cyclical, but earthy, nature-inspired colors never truly go out of style. The Fall 2019 palette is built on classic hues that have been used in interior design for centuries. 'Eden' green is basically a forest shade. 'Vanilla Custard' is a warm white. These are timeless. What changes is how you combine them. In 2024, I see people pairing 'Biking Red' with more black and brass accents. It feels modern but grounded.

What's the easiest way to start if I'm overwhelmed?

Start with one item. Buy a single throw pillow in 'Chili Pepper' or a vase in 'Galaxy Blue.' Place it in your living room. Live with it for a week. If you like it, add one more piece. This slow approach prevents buyer's remorse and lets you see how the color interacts with your existing decor. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a well-styled home.