How much stock do you place in Pantone's color of the year selection?

We always find it fascinating to hear what the Pantone Color Institute — having gathered representatives from various nations' color-standard groups to deliberate, twice annually, in a secret European capital (seriously!) — ends up selecting. But rather than make it a priority to incorporate the chosen color into our homes and wardrobes, we view it as more of a marketing tool or organizing principle for the fashion, beauty, home and product design industries. In other words, it will come to us, even if we don't gravitate toward it.

You might've heard that Pantone's color of the year for 2017 is Greenery — “a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature's greens revive, restore and renew.” It's fun to read about it, yes. Even more, this color selection feels purposefully therapeutic and legitimately inspiring.

“A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings,” the Pantone announcement reads. “Greenery is nature's neutral. The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world.”

In a time of political division, when stress levels are high and holiday dinner table conversation is more fraught than ever, Greenery's attributes seem like something to aspire to: a call back to nature, an appeal to unity, a reminder to take a deep breath.

Don't get us wrong, a zesty yellow-green would also look great in the realm of dishware, throw pillows and upholstery. But in 2017, it may also be wise to try embodying Pantone's color choice. Doesn't get more serious than that.

For more on Greenery, visit www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2017.

Laura Pearson is a

freelancer writer.