DECORATING WITH JEANIE--2015 COLOR OF THE YEAR

Every year the people of the Pantone Color Institute decide on the Color of the Year. Unless you went to art school or work as a decorator or designer, you’ve probably never heard of Pantone or the Color Institute, but it’s the leading authority and provider of professional color standards for design industries and manufacturers around the world. At the Pantone Color Institute they study how color influences us, and they forecast trends, providing companies with information to help them determine which colors to use in their products. The Institute’s findings and choice of colors are responsible for everything from fashion to home décor, to industrial design and packaging, and more.

The 2014 Color of the Year was Radiant Orchid. We talked about Radiant Orchid last year on the blog. This year’s Color of the Year is Marsala, a creamy wine hue that’s about as far removed from Radiant Orchid as possible, as well as the last few years of color choices, which leaned toward bright tropical colors such as Emerald (2013), Tangerine Tango (2012), Honeysuckle (2011), Turquoise (2010), Mimosa (2009), and Blue Iris (2008).  

In contrast, Marsala is a deep, rich, earthy, dramatic and sophisticated color that will not only lend itself equally to fashion and home décor but will pair compatibly with a wide variety of other colors, including neutrals, taupes, grays, yellows, browns, greens, and blues.

Marsala is already being seen in everything from nail polish to makeup to clothing. You’ll soon see it popping up in furnishings and home décor. Will we see it in automobiles? Unlike Radiant Orchid, it's certainly a possibility. 

DECORATING WITH JEANIE--COLOR OF THE YEAR

2014 Color of the Year

Unless you went to art school or work as a decorator or designer, you probably have never heard of Pantone, but Pantone is the leading authority and provider of professional color standards for design industries and manufacturers around the world. Through their Color Institute they study how color influences us—our thoughts, our emotions, and our physical reactions—especially when it comes to our shopping habits.

Each year Pantone announces their Color of the Year. In coming up with their selection they scour the world looking for color influences. They take into account the entertainment industry, traveling art collections, up-and-coming artists, movies in production, technology, popular travel destinations, socio-economics, and even upcoming sporting events that will capture the world’s attention.

When Pantone talks, designers and manufacturers around the world listen. Their yearly choice influences product development decisions in fashion, home décor, industrial design, packaging, graphics, and more.

The color they’ve chosen as the Color of the Year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid. Does that mean we’ll be seeing orchid automobiles? Doubtful. But we will be seeing Radiant Orchid cropping up in many other areas. The color was prevalent during the spring 2013 fashion shows and is starting to pop up on the red carpet as awards show season begins.

We’ll also start seeing more and more Radiant Orchid in decorating schemes as an accent color played against neutrals, complementing olive and hunter greens, and paired with turquoise, teal and light yellows.

So what do you think? Will you be influenced by Radiant Orchid? Will it find a place in your wardrobe or home?