Color Clash 2026: Cloud Dancer vs. Phthalo Green
Pantone crowned Cloud Dancer 2026’s Color of the Year, but designers are rallying behind Phthalo Green. Which hue defines the future of workspace design?
Each year, Pantone’s Color of the Year sparks lively debate across the design world — and 2026 is no exception. Cloud Dancer (11-4201 TCX), a soft white with subtle warmth, earned the official crown. But online, designers have rallied around an unexpected challenger: Phthalo Green (5605 C) — a deep, saturated tone that’s bold, confident, and grounded in nature.
At M3 Office, we couldn’t resist weighing in. We paired a few of our favorite MillerKnoll pieces in both palettes and asked our community to choose: Are you Team Cloud Dancer ☁️ or Team Phthalo Green 💚?
Why Cloud Dancer Works
Cloud Dancer embodies balance and calm — the palette of minimalism and modern clarity. It brings a sense of openness and renewal to any workspace. When paired with natural materials like ash, birch, or brushed aluminum, white tones let design details and form take the lead.
The Case for Phthalo Green
Phthalo Green is anything but quiet. Deep and saturated, it channels biophilic energy — that instinctive connection to nature that makes a workspace feel alive. Green interiors signal balance, growth, and confidence — ideal for spaces that aim to energize and inspire.
Design Beyond the Trend
Whether your palette leans toward clean whites or saturated greens, color in design is never just aesthetic — it’s emotional. The right palette can influence behavior, mood, and connection.
At M3 Office, we help our clients translate color psychology into functional, inspiring spaces that empower people to do their best work.