The Pantone licensing machine is chugging along nicely, even if Emerald and Tangerine Tango make for rather tough sells when it comes to cosmetics (Sephora remains undaunted). The latest focus for the company’s rainbow tour is the home. JCPenney is rolling out a Pantone Universe line of bed and bath items, from Peach Parfait sheet sets and Purple Magic pillows to Blue Aster shower curtains and Macaw Green toothbrush holders, that arrives in stores next month. That gives you a few weeks to colormatch your walls with Pantone paint. The new collection, a partnership with Valspar, offers color lovers a selection of 100 “on-trend hues” that runs the gamut from classic neutrals to eye-searing brights. The colors are available exclusively at Lowe’s for approximately $30 per gallon.

Get ready for a verdant 2013. Today Pantone declared Emerald (17-5641 on your fandeck) the “lively, radiant” Color of the Year. It’s a jewel-toned follow-up to the tropical shades favored by the color authority in recent years, such as last year’s Tangerine Tango, which was preceded by Honeysuckle, Turquoise, and Mimosa.

“As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate,” said Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman in a statement announcing the pick. “Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.” Those eager to embrace the “powerful and universally appealing tone” should keep an eye out for the Color of the Year beauty collection, part of a partnership between Pantone and cosmetics retailer Sephora. Launching in March at Sephora stores in the United States, the limited-edition collection will include eye shadows and nail polish, but it’s probably best to avoid the green lipstick, no matter how lush.