A few months back, we invited our Zollie community to vote on our 2026 Color of the Year. The winner by a landslide was Ocean 2, a tranquil shade of teal.

Teal finds itself perfectly situated on the traditional color wheel between green and blue. Psychologically, blue can invoke feelings of serenity, while green can enhance creative thinking. In the Palette Scout deck, Ocean is nestled between Neptune and Pine, acting as a bridge between hues of the vast blue cosmos and the earthy green forest. In 2026, many of us find ourselves seeking a greater connection to nature, a slowing down, and the calm clarity brought about by a plunge into the crisp sea—so it’s no surprise Ocean 2 spoke to so many. It seems we’re all hungry (or perhaps thirsty) for the deep, luminous serenity of this aquatic hue. 

Today, we’re taking a look at five unique sources to see how Ocean 2 already colors our world. You can use these palettes as a jumping off point for your next creative project, or go out scouting with Ocean 2 for your own inspiration!

1. Color Analysis from Damascus Tiles

Palette: Ocean 1 tone and 2 tone, Buttercup 4, Reed 2 tone

The history of this color family runs deep—teal is quite literally etched into the walls of ancient Damascus. This 18th-century color analysis of decorative tilework is a fascinating study in proportionality. The pale warm yellow of Buttercup 4 anchors just about half of the composition, with Ocean layered across the middle ground, and a hint of Reed at the edges. The warm and cool tones pull against each other, finding balance rather than tension. A reminder that some of the most satisfying palettes were figured out long before we came along!

2. Dimore Studio Interior

Palette: Ocean 2 and Flame 3

This interior design moment from Dimore Studio is both unexpected yet classic. Here, Ocean washes the walls while splashes of Flame make their appearance throughout. Complementary pairings are bold, striking, and enlivening, but they don’t have to overwhelm. By using Flame mindfully throughout the space alongside crisp white bedding and warm wood accents, the eye has a place to land. The end result feels exciting yet grounded, all at once.

3. Peacock Feathers

Palette: Midnight 2, 3, and 5 tone, Ocean 2, Flame 4, Quetzal 4

Oftentimes we need to look no further than the natural world for incredible color inspiration. Take the peacock feather, for example. Starting from the center, the palette travels through a cascade of Midnight hues, glows with Ocean, then warms into coppery Flame before fanning out with Quetzal at the edges. The palette is prism-like, in part due to the iridescent shimmer that comes from light refracting off the feather's microscopic architecture. When we analyze the full swath of colors, we find that an analogous palette is present here, with a splash of complementary flair from the Flame. Nature doing color theory before it had a name!

4. Alberta Ferretti 2021 Fall Ready-to-Wear

Palette: Ocean 1, 2, 3 tone, and 5 tone, and Quetzal 2

There's a quiet confidence that comes from restraint, and the nearly monochrome looks shown in Alberta Ferretti’s Fall 2021 collection capture it beautifully. Different tints, tones, and shades of Ocean are present throughout, with a hint of Quetzel making a subtle appearance. Sometimes simple is best, and this palette is a lesson in knowing when to stay the course and let one color family shine fully. 

5. Cézanne, Still Life with Apples and a Pot of Primroses, ca.1890

Palette: Ocean 2, Ibis 5 tone, Pine 2 tone, Ember 4 and 3.

Cézanne had a distinct eye for color, and relied on it to achieve a sense of fullness in his still-life work. A part of his methodology involved using shifting color in place of tonal gradations to create three-dimensionality through shadow. In Still Life with Apples and a Pot of Primroses, we find Ocean not just on the wall, but throughout the folds and creases of the tablecloth. In turn, the split-complement hues of Ember and Garnet bring the strewn apples to the foreground.

From ancient tile-work to a peacock's feather, color inspiration is truly everywhere, just waiting to be noticed. All we have to do is look for it!

This year, pull Ocean 2 from your Palette Scout deck and see where it takes you. We'd love to see what you build, see, or create. Share your palettes with us on Instagram by tagging @zolliemakes. We can’t wait to follow along!