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Leslie McGwire: How the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year Influences Retail and Jewelry Store Trends | January 13, 2026 (0 comments)
West Bloomfield, MI--The Pantone Color of the Year for 2026 is the “Cloud Dancer,” a soft shade of white. This marks the first time Pantone has selected a shade of white for its annual color. This choice is intended to symbolize a fresh start and a calming influence from this busy world (PANTONE 11-4201). Cloud Dancer is a "lofty white neutral" that acts as a blank white canvas for creativity, calmness and quiet reflection.
The color selection was influenced by a desire for simplicity and a break from the overstimulation of modern life. Jewelry store designs such as M. Robinson Fine Jewelry in Texas I designed shows a white sophisticated design look which ties in the white color of the year (see below).
The Pantone Colors of the Year is a color trend forecast for the consumers, which means that it is intended to be used for jewelry elements and designs. The store itself becomes part of the experience: helping customers feel comfortable, focused, and emotionally connected, rather rushed or overwhelmed.
[M. Robinson Fine Jewelers Custom Cases designed by Leslie McGwire]
Some creative brands renew their look every year according to the new color in reference to the gem color wheel. Therefore, this color of the year is meant to be used for marketing and product creation, not necessarily a rebranding. Retail research continues to reveal that the color of physical environments such as material, acoustics and lighting enhances the decision-making process. In the jewelry store, where purchases are often emotional and personal, Cloud Dancer becomes especially important.
This shift aligns with a broader softer movement toward values like mindfulness, and a deeper connection to a simpler view of the retail world. Interior designers and brands are already embracing this tone like this in fashion, retail décor and jewelry store design. This lofty white neutral shade of white is shaping the way we use color to tell stories, engage experiences, and help build trust for jewelry spaces to create an environment of comfort.
The white neutral color is designed to be versatile while pairing well with various hues across different palettes. Some examples include using pastels and neutrals that allows subtle shifts in light and tone to shine and offering an understated look. Another example would be using natural hues when combined with organic colors like wood and stone. Cloud Dancer is enriched through contrast which can be thoughtfully planned for the jewelry fixture and wall designs with textural materials and wall covering.
Important interior design uses will be used in the wall color and background which serves as an ideal, quiet backdrop that makes the jewelry space feel larger, brighter, and more open, and reflecting light softly. Also, creating a calming store atmosphere and the serene environments intended for the customers to relax and focus on jewelry. Jewelry showrooms can use this color to support clarity and concentration for their customers. For example, I designed Chrysella Diamonds & Jewelry in Virginia using white hues in the very textured walls along with the classic jewelry cases seen in the picture below.
[Chrysella Diamonds & Jewelry designed by Leslie McGwire]
In using metals, the accents in brushed nickel, champagne gold, or matte black provide sophisticated contrast. The earthy tones paired with moss greens, warm clays, sandy neutrals, and browns, it forms a comforting, organic modern perspective. Since Cloud Dance neutrality allows it to balance deeper, richer hues like black or blues for a more dramatic, and glamorous effect to the showroom space.
Cloud Dancer enhances interior design jewelry spaces that are both luxurious and inviting to the customers. Whether used for the main walls, upholstery or showroom marble flooring; its sensorial warmth makes it ideal for cultivating. evoke trust and confidence. Its understated elegance makes it spaces that feel composed, intentional and unhurried which is ideal for a jewelry store design.
About the Author: Leslie McGwire™ has over 35 years in tech-business development, interior design, furniture sales and marketing services in retail and jewelry-based businesses. Leslie has won over 25 national design awards, including the prestigious Salon Today and INSTORE Jewelry Store awards. Leslie has a true passion about businesses to create environments that inspire both customers and staff. Visit lesliemcgwire.com for more information.