For the first time ever, Pantone has chosen not one but two colors of the year: Rose Quartz and Serenity.

On first glance, Pantone’s colors of the year Rose Quartz and Serenity seem to be a throwback to the Victorian Era of velvet, lace, and delicate silk flowers. But in choosing two colors—a first for the world’s authority on color—Pantone is attempting to make a very modern statement about the traditional perceptions of color association.

“In many parts of the world, we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has, in turn, impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression,” Pantone says.

While that’s all fine, we know, that what our customers really want to know is how to use these two fantastic colors in their home without turning their kitchen into something out Alice in Wonderland.

“I love these colors, but the key to making them modern is not to overdo it,” says Alexandra Berkovich. “Don’t redo your entire kitchen or bathroom with pink or blue cabinets, instead add one or both of these colors as details—a lamp, a piece of furniture, or even an accent wall if you’re so bold.”

With Alexandra’s guidance, we’ve rounded up a dozen or so modern items in Rose Quartz and Serenity to give your home a fresh look.

Iittala's Sarjaton dinnerware collection.
Iittala’s Sarjaton dinnerware collection.

Smeg Electric Kettle. Pantone Color of the Year
Smeg Electric Kettle.

Florita (left) and Aura (right) by Casali.
Florita (left) and Aura (right) by Casali. Sold at European Cabinets & Design Studios.

Rose Quartz and Serenity throw pillows from Red Bubble.
Rose Quartz and Serenity throw pillows from Red Bubble.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer in Pink and Cornflour Blue.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer in Pink and Cornflour Blue.

Left, the High Pile Shag Bath Mat from Urban Outfitters. Right, the Paragon 4-Piece Bath Accessory set from WayFair.
Left, the High Pile Shag Bath Mat from Urban Outfitters. Right, the Paragon 4-Piece Bath Accessory set from WayFair.

Metal Frame Upholstered Chair from West Elm.
Metal Frame Upholstered Chair from West Elm.

Left, Copper Glass Ball Pendant Lamp by Tom Dixon. Right, Jug Lamp in Sky from Cisco Home.
Left, Copper Glass Ball Pendant Lamp by Tom Dixon. Right, Jug Lamp in Sky from Cisco Home.

Danish Modern Jeppesen Brazilian Rosewood Sofa from Ole Wanscher.
Danish Modern Jeppesen Brazilian Rosewood Sofa from Ole Wanscher.

Right, Socked In, 2015, by Lily Stockman. Oil on Indian linen, 60 x 48 inches. Left, Cover Up, 2014, by Sara Dykstra. Oil on Linen, 20 x 16 inches.
Right, Socked In, 2015, by Lily Stockman. Oil on Indian linen, 60 x 48 inches. Left, Cover Up, 2014, by Sara Dykstra. Oil on Linen, 20 x 16 inches.