Pantone's 2012 Color Choices

For spring 2012, designers are inspired by diverse influences, showcasing a range of lifestyles, from free and playful and light and breezy, to contemporary classics. Colors likewise reflect these differing moods, encapsulating vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.

Here is a break-down of the colors being used this year with a complete description of each.

The color palette starts with Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring.

And, providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Next we have, Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity.

Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red.

Continuing with Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette.

Add in Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, which is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.

Mix in a little Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow.

And finish with Sweet Lilac, reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning and evoking the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac also adds a touch of romance.

Mix in these neutrals to add practicality to this season’s brights – Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season’s top 10.

For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo for a subtle alternative, or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more practical variation. Solar Power is best juxtaposed with Sodalite Blue. For a safer bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.

There you have it for this year’s color choices - just in time to make a splash for Spring.

Leslie
Interior designer, published author, speaker… and huge lover of great colors!

To read even more about this year’s colors, visit Pantone’s website at http://www.pantone.com.

Tags: 2012 colors, color, colors, decor, design, interior decorating, Interior Design, newest colors
Filed under: Decorating Colors

2012 Color of the Year

It’s supposed to pick up where last year’s positive and uplifting Honeysuckle Pink left off, but this year, we are on fire!  This reddish orange tone exudes energy in a damatic and seductive way.  It combines the power and excitement of red with the radiant warmth of yellow to give us a truly provocative and eye-catching color.

Tags: 2012 color of the year, Color Combinations, Color Ideas, Color of the Year, color palette, colorful rooms, decorate, decorating, Decorating for Spring, Decorator Colors, design, Design Ideas, Designer Colors, Designer Rooms, Interior Decorator, Interior Design, interior designer, Pantone, rooms with color, Tangerine Tango
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If you are looking to update your home but are worried the décor you have chosen might clash with your extensive collection of vintage salt and pepper shakers (or whatever collectible you have), here are some great key steps to help you in showcasing your treasures.

Key Step 1: Think Proportion
If you have a small collection, use smaller shelves and displays to showcase your items. The same goes for bigger collections. Always use larger and longer surfaces dedicated to showing off your bigger pieces.

Key Step 2: Use the Right Accent Colors
Be proud of your posters, paintings, and photographs you have collected over the years. Showcase your collections by using neutral accent colors in the background so not to overwhelm or compete with your display. Much better to let the vibrant colors in your pieces reflect the color scheme in your room.

Key Step 3: Focal Points and Themes
Think of your collections as a reflection of who you are, where you have been and where you are going. When decorating a room, display your treasures as the focal point and develop your theme with this in mind. And remember, the more creative you are with your displays and placements, the more your collection will be enjoyed.

The last suggestion I’d like to share with you is to take your time in arranging your collectibles in a pleasing manner where it doesn’t become too cluttered. When choosing your display case or area, be sure to purchase the right one to house everything properly.

A little planning and preparation will have everyone appreciating your treasured collections just as much as you do.

Leslie
Interior designer, published author, speaker…   and lover of collectibles!

Tags: collectibles, collections, decorate, decorating, design, displays
Filed under: Decorating Tips, Notes

The most important thing about color is that it cannot be isolated…Every color is only ever seen in juxtaposition with other ones.

–John Saladino

Pantone Color Palette for Spring 2011

How true this statement is, from architect and interior designer John Saladino, who highlights nuanced and elusive color in his work.  I bring this up because when the 2011 Spring Palette from Pantone was initially revealed, most people (locally, anyway) were a little bit intimidated by its boldness.  And I can understand…  The color of the year is, after all, Honeysuckle Pink.  Really?  No matter how you personally feel about the colors, I guess the question really is, how does this translate into a truly livable space?

John Saladino

Well, let’s take a look at a few interpretations.  Here is pink in Saladino Style.  As the focal point in a sea of neutral color, it looks amazing.  The masculine lines in the furniture balance the femininity of the color.  Also, note the beautiful contrast of the accent pillow in Regatta.  Unexpected, but I love the way that it turned out.

Suzanne Kasler

Atlanta-based Suzanne Kasler decorated this room.  Stunning, isn’t it?  Against the dramatic backdrop of Silver Cloud, the pink appears toned down, muted.  In this room, the pink becomes the accent color, rather than the focus.  In playing with this new spring palette, remember that the color combinations create the total look, and that the colors do not make a statement by themselves.

Finally, here is a way to combine the Honeysuckle with some of the other colors in the palette:  Coral Rose, Russet, Beeswax, and possibly a hint of Lavender on the walls.  Pretty, and as you can see, very current and on trend but not totally out there.  So maybe next time we’ll talk about the other colors… Until then, see if you can come up with an amazing color combination and make this color palette your own!

Leslie Sarmiento

interior designer, published author, speaker …and fearless lover of color!

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Tags: Color Combinations, Color Ideas, Color of the Year, Decorating for Spring, Decorator Colors, Design Ideas, Designer Colors, Designer Rooms, Honeysuckle Pink, Interior Decorator, Interior Design, Pantone Spring Colors, Room Interiors
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I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

– Charles Dickens

Happy Holidays, everyone!  Since I promised to keep you posted, here is a photo of our Christmas tree, inspired by the tree from my previous post.  I am proud to say I think I achieved the exact look I was going for, and it was so worth staying up and decorating it until three in the morning!

Now that the holidays are almost over, though, I’m feeling a little sad about having to take all the decorations down.  I love the bright, festive colors and all the holiday sparkle that surrounds us this time of year.  Of course, we can’t keep the tree and the Santas and the snowmen up all the time, but in smaller doses, there might be a couple of holiday touches that we can always enjoy.

How about the sparkle and shine in this room?  It doesn’t scream “holiday,” but it has a look that quietly invites us into a somewhat cozy, intimate celebration.  In this room, which is undoubtedly set up for entertaining, I can see pretty little champagne bubbles through crystal clear flutes as toasts are being made in honor of our accomplishments, big or small, throughout the year.

Now this family room is all about the color.  The bright red is perfect for a traditional Christmas motif, but works great for happy, everyday living as well.  It is vibrant and cheerful, and makes us want to take the time to do something fun with those we love.  Family game night, anyone?

I guess it won’t be so bad taking the tree down after all, if I can look forward to making your rooms merry and bright for the rest of the year!  It’s not really about the decorations…  For me, it’s about sharing good times and creating wonderful memories.

SO…may the comfort and joy of the season remain in your home throughout the year…

Leslie

Interior designer, published author, speaker…   and hopeless Christmas Romantic!

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