The colour story of the season: Apricot is having a huge decor moment right now

It's 2018, so by now we've all witnessed the rise (and fall??) of millennial pink in everything from fashion to decor to our faces. Some have argued that lavender is the new millennial pink, but we've spotted a new contender. As of late, we've seen a new hue popping up, and we're rather excited. Hailing from the same extended family — the cool cousin of millennial pink, if you will — it's apricot!

Are you now envisioning an actual apricot? Maybe harkening back to your teenage years when St. Ives' Apricot Scrub was your go-to? Are you wondering what exactly this colour is and is not? Uh huh, us too. If it's not millennial pink, then is it more orange? How much pink comes into play? A mix of dusty rose meets coral? Peachy? Plus, there's mango, papaya, and other delicious fruits to consider. Does terracotta count? So. Many. Questions.

So we went in search of an official definition. The Oxford English Dictionary defines apricot as "an orange-yellow colour like the skin of a ripe apricot" and Merriam Webster claims it is "a variable color averaging a moderate orange". OK fine, but not the most helpful because it doesn't account for the peachy pink hues that are popping up in most of the apricot home decor right now.

We turned to colour authority, Pantone, to see how they define this on-trend tone. It just so happens that they're predicting apricot to be big for 2019. We may only be half way into the year of Ultra Violet, but Pantoneview home + interiors 2019 is forecasting apricot will have a major moment next year. As part of their Classico palette, apricot — more specifically, Apricot Brandy — will feature in homewares and interior design. And compared to the orangey yellow dictionary definitions, it's got much more of a terracotta-y, rusty tone to it.

Based on all of our research and what we've laid eyes on lately, here's how we're breaking down this colour story. Think of apricot as that part on a pretty spectrum from pinky-orange blush tones to a rusty hue. Think saturated dessert sunsets and the terracotta tiles they hit, all the way to pale, borderline-pastels that evoke visions of sorbets.

If you're still in love with all-things-pink don't worry. This happy hue pairs beautifully with other oranges, pinks — including millennial — and coordinates so well with the ever-popular mid-century modern trend. We're particularly drawn to it when it's met with natural, organic textures for a casual, boho vibe.

As always, decor and fashion trends go hand in hand; apricot has also been spotted on this season's runways and is poised to make an appearance in your go-to clothing destinations very soon.

This pretty pic makes those peach taffeta bridesmaids dresses of the late '80s not seem so ridiculous anymore, right? We're expecting to see plenty of apricot when it comes to tablescaping and weddings.

We weren't just going to leave you all-about-apricot with no way to get some right now. Here are some of our fave picks in the shade we're so enamoured with.

It's textured, matte, the prettiest shade of apricot "inspired by a Southwestern sunset" and we're entirely on board. Just picture this vase on a kitchen counter, or in the middle of a kitchen table filled with seasonal blooms or a collection of your fave fronds. A bundle of hydrangeas, a handful of peonies, or even a single stunner  — so perfect.

Colorado Vase, $16-32, anthropologie.com

This colour definitely deserves to be worked into your entertaining repertoire. A playful plate like this pairs perfectly with fun and colourful dishes you already have, especially anything with pink in it. Plus, it just so happens to coordinate well with a bottle of rosé or a cider for summer sipping. Add a stack of them to your shopping cart and they'll serve as extra-special dinnerware for when you're serving light snacks and spreads this season.

Elias Canape Plate, $10, anthropologie.com

This pillow has me swooning with its colourful tassels, soft, borderline-pastel hue and an organic feel to the textured fabric. It feels super fresh and sunny and will instantly add a little cheer to any sofa, chair, or bed. Pair it with neutrals, blues, a sage green, or even darker, rust coloured shades — it's got so much potential.

Varied Tassel Pillow, $58-78, anthropologie.com

Made out of vintage Turkish kilim, this pillow combines various colours with apricot to create a unique, one-of-a-kind accent. With a name like "desert sun" it definitely evokes Arizona vibes and we think it would pair incredibly well with ample amounts of natural materials, woven fabrics and other boho, vintage-inspired decor schemes you may have in your home.

Desert Sun Kilim Pillowcase 40 x 40, $40, thewanderly.com

This print by French illustrator Marion Barraud is perfect for any cat lady — or cat person — in your life. It's cute and it incorporates all kinds of apricot, orangey and even pinkish hues. So if you're still not sure how to define apricot, you can assume one of these cats is the shade you're after and voila, you're on board with the trend.

Cat Lady Illustration, $16, babasouk.ca

Take this colour to the patio with this outdoor pillow. With a pretty pink base and a rather glam deco print in a rusty, very-Pantone apricot, it's a sophisticated accent for any outside space you may be curating this season — not to mention that palm motif exudes instant South Beach vibes.

20" Pink Deco Palm Outdoor Pillow, $64.95, cb2.com

This large planter is a subtle way to welcome some apricot into your space. The hand blown glass combines white with a shade that's more on the terracotta/rust-end of the apricot spectrum. Plus, it's watertight so you won't need to worry about your floors. Pop in a fiddle leaf fig for an ideal accent, or use it as a storage basket in the bathroom or kitchen.

Nile Large Glass Planter, $219, cb2.com

If you're so on board with this palette and you just want to cover yourself in it and have a nap, you absolutely can. It's such a versatile hue for the bedroom; it's warm and beachy at the same time, it can add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral room and it's basically a match made in heaven when paired with all things mid-century modern and walnut.

Nomad Coverlet + Shams, $129-149, westelm.com

If you're not quite ready to commit to entirely apricot bedding, this throw would be absolutely wonderful at the end of a bed. It's soft — both in hue and texture — and as a bonus, that vibrant apricot is reminiscent of a summery sunset.

Fringed Rope Throw Blanket, $78, anthropologie.com

If you are willing to go full-apricot, this rug is stunning, and perfect. The silver trellis add a bit of a glam art deco feel and with all that apricot, it will definitely pack a colourful punch, instantly. If silver isn't your preferred metallic accent, it also comes in gold.

9' x 12' Marilyn Monroe Glam Trellis Rug, $819, rugs.ca

OK OK, I know it's an apricot roundup, but peach/apricot, po-TAY-to/po-TAH-to — let me have this one. It's super cute, emojis are fun and depending on your use of emojis, it can connote various things. Plus, it would add a dash of apricot to an entryway, kitchen... or anywhere, really.

Printed Rug, $49, urbanoutfitters.com

This accent pillow is as cute as can be, simple as that. It's got a low-key entirely unstuffy feel to it and it's the easiest way to instantly add in this on-trend tone, with little to no commitment. The ties, and a linen-esque look to the fabric make it feel super fresh and summery.

Knotted Ties Throw Pillow, $49, urbanoutfitters.com

Inspired by Persian rugs, this piece combines pinks, peaches and some apricot hues all into one covetable decor choice for your home. It comes in various sizes — plus a runner — so it's super simple to work into the bedroom, kitchen, living room, or even the hallway.

Katalin Printed Rug, $72 –154, urbanoutfitters.com

If you want to add some apricot to your walls, a print like this is ideal. Featuring various sunset colours, it's the perfect way to mix in some apricot if you've already got some pink, orange or yellow in your decor. Just create an account, download the file for a set price and then send it to a printer in your selected size, allowing you to decide just how much of a statement you want this valley scene to take up on your walls. Work it into a gallery wall or go big for a bigger impact.

Valley Print, $19.42, jennysprintshop.com

This is such a fun colour for kids' rooms! A mural like this gives off some vintage vibes and also lends itself to a palette of bright whites, plenty of oranges, pinks and turquoise — plus it's one less wall you need to paint.

Skytrain Cool Vintage Plane Wall Mural, from $4.22/sq ft, muralswallpaper.com

These bowls belong at your next dinner party. And on display when they're not in use. A simple way to add in a touch of apricot to your kitchen, they're handmade, pearlescent and footed.

Glass Spike Bowls, from $35 each, eastforkpottery.com

If you're still on the fence about working in some of this hot hue to your home, may we suggest a simple accent throw. It's herringbone, super soft and because it's paired with cream, it's incredibly versatile in any space. We're envisioning it casually draped over the arm of a sofa, or at the end of a bed.

Herringbone Stripe Throw, $176, eltemkt.com

And if you're looking for a low-key way to make apricot work with your decor, blooms are always an easy (and beautiful) answer.