PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2015: MARSALA...

This is the time of year when color enthusiasts aka designers are very excited about something other than holiday decorating. Once again, the Pantone Institute has announced its Color for the Year. For 2015, its MARSALA...

Not to be confused with cranberry or burgundy, this rich hue is a deep red with brown undertones. 

Here's what the Pantone Institute had to said about Marsala:

"The impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors.

Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

Add elegance to any room by incorporating this rich and welcoming hue in accent pieces, accessories and paint. Marsala’s plush characteristics are enhanced when the color is applied to textured surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rugs and upholstered living room furniture."

Of course we'll see Marsala in fashion and beauty...

Donna Karan

Ettika Plum

Gianvito Rossi

Gucci

Tom Ford Velvet Cherry

Nars Blush in Amour

Since interior design follows fashion trends, Marsala will have a presence in home accessories and interiors as well...

Bowl by Import Collections

Ottoman by Zazzle.com

The warmth of this hue happily mixes well with neutrals like Glacier Gray and Toasted Almond and spices up colors like Custard and Aquamarine, other colors on the Spring Color Forecast for 2015 (see my post dated November 10th). I look forward to seeing what's to come in both fashion and interiors. 

So in honor of the Color of the Year the next time you want to try something new, maybe mix it up with a little Marsala - either for cooking or drinking. Enjoy!

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

xo

FALL COLORS FOR 2014...

The calendar is only halfway through July but I feel it is my duty to prepare you for the upcoming season's colors to look forward to for fashion and design.   

For more than 20 years The Pantone Institute, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to forecast the season's most important color trends. This report previews the most prominent hues for fall 2014. 

First up is the leader of the pack and the Color of the Year for 2014: Radiant Orchid #18-3224 - a captivating and adaptable shade that enchants the complete spectrum...

Royal Blue #19-3955 - an evocative and dignified hue that provides more complexity and excitement than the average navy while still remaining versatile...

Aluminum #16-1107 - a futuristic stainless steel shade that serves as a complex neutral...

Aurora Red #18-1550 - a sophisticated shade with verve and spark...

Misted Yellow #14-0837 - a ray of sunlight and warmth that alludes to the promise of spring to come...

Sangria #19-2047 - an exotic red that evokes a sense of glamorous adventure and faraway destinations...

Mauve Mist #15-3207 - a romantic and elegant purple shade...

Cognac #18-1421 - a classy and cultured brown that takes a typical autumnal color to a sumptuous realm...

Bright Cobalt #19-4037 - a twist on the traditional cobalt blue with a slightly green undertone...

Cypress #18-0322 - a powerful and majestic green...

Look for these colors and combinations to create color palettes that will dominate the scene in fashion and interior design. Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Images courtesy of Pantone.com and Pinterest.com

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK...

Does life imitate art or is it vice versa?  Since the Pantone Institute dubbed Tangerine Tango the Color of the Year for 2012 and now the widely popular Netflix series, Orange Is The New Black has been nominated for multiple Emmy awards, it is a legitimate question (relatively speaking). 

Let's honor the ladies of Litchfield Correctional Facility by exploring the use of the "celebrated hue" in interior design. Since 2012, orange has made a meteoric rise in fashion as evident by top designers' lines from that year...  

Even two years later, one of the colors included in Pantone's top picks for 2014 is Celosia Orange. As always, interior design follows suit with trends in fashion. However, couture created with such a vibrant color can be fascinating but a whole orange room can be a bit overpowering. Just a touch of "citrus" may be enough to create a stimulating environment...

Mix orange with grays, taupes and whites for a sophisticated color palette. Don't be afraid to be bold and mix with it other strongly hued colors like reds, pinks and blues - just use in moderation. Consider adding touches of orange with key furniture pieces, pillows, lighting, accessories and artwork...

Jonathan Adler

DwellStudio

Houzz.com

Horchow

Ro Sham Beaux

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PANTONE COLORS FOR SPRING 2014: CAYENNE...

Next up from the Pantone Color Report for Spring 2014 is CAYENNE. This intriguing hue is a wonderful blend of red and coral.

Of course fashion designers will enjoy adding a little extra flavor to neutrals with this lively hue:

Stella & Dot

As home decor follows fashion trends, interior designers will infuse their spaces with Cayenne especially when mixed with neutrals or the other pastels in this Spring's crop of color such as Sand, Paloma or even Hemlock:

Lee Industries

So here's to adding a little spice to your space. Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLEDECOR.COM, HOUSEBEAUTIFUL.COM, PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE.