2019 Colors of the Year: Nature Meets Technology

The 2019 Color of the Year picks span the spectrum but there are two main themes: encapsulating nature and harnessing high tech.

Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral
Pantone is seeking to do both this year with it’s top color pick called Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral, a playful yet nurturing shade plucked from the coral reefs.

above: tile, Home Depot; shoes and clutch, Sole Divas; natural coral necklace, Betteridge; Wellingtons, The Hunt; Spring 2019 RTW Elisibetta Franchi, Vogue; nail polish, Ulta Beauty; bowls, Anthropologie; Fabric, Kravet; Living Coral, Pantone; gerber daisy, Fifty Flowers; penny round tiles, Wits End Mosaic; ribbon trim, Kravet; Lace Heels, Selfridges; cutting board, Bed Bath & Beyond

A smidgen too vivid to be pastel and a bit too soft to be classified with the brights, Living Coral finds a unique home for itself somewhere between the two just as it does nestled in the watery depths of soft blue waters and bright marine life. Referencing our emersion in social media and our need to find relief from the stress of the same, The Pantone Color Institute says Living Coral is “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge. …Representing the fusion of modern life, Pantone Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.”

This is a perfect shade for pops of color in neutral interiors, mixing particularly well with grays. It’s a bold choice as wall color but brave souls can enjoy a cheerful room with neutral furnishings inside coral walls. We especially love the Kravet fabrics designed around Pantone’s COTY for gorgeous chairs, throw pillows and curtains. Check out our pinterest board for more ways to incorporate Living Coral into your everyday life.

Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690
Benjamin Moore, one of America’s leaders in paint and stains, picked a sophisticated, versatile silvery-gray called Metropolitan AF-690 as their 2019 Color of the Year.

above: chair, West Elm; throws, Target; paint, Benjamin Moore; tile, Tile Bar; Michael Kors purse, Rachel Ray cookware, and round pillow, Macy’s; mosaic tile, All Modern; Michael Kors bootie, Macy’s; Fitbit and Uggs, Nordstrom

This shade is comfortable and soothing with just enough pop to look glamorous in contemporary and modern designs. According to an interview with Architectural Digest, the color guru’s at Benjamin Moore take the yearly pulse of the globe to decide on their COTY. This year the theme they discovered time and again was “pause,” reflecting a longing for stepping back from the hurry-scurry to immerse in needed moments of quiet. The slight hint of silver seems to evoke a heartbeat of high-tech just behind calm in this nuanced gray.

Gray has been popular in both interior design and fashion for several years now and is highly adaptable to many color schemes and styles. Check out our pinterest board for ways to use Metropolitan AF-690 in your new year.

The Go-To Blues
If blues are your go-to color choice, several of the top brands are singing your tune.

above: towels, Nordstrom; tile, Tile Bar; pillow sham, JCPenney; dishes, Crate and Barrel; knit throw, Macy’s; high back arm chair, Article; peacock pillow, Pier1; wallpaper, Graham & Brown; round chair, Jonathan Adler;

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, selected a pretty, light blue called Reflecting Pool they describe as a versatile color that is fun and elegant.

Behr, another industry leader, chose a muted, medium blue they named Blueprint S470-5. An “honest, approachable color” inspired by architectural blueprints, Behr says Blueprint “creates a space where you can build your own reimagined life” and is a calls to action. It evokes honest labor and industrial and metropolitan themes. A versatile interior design color choice, muted blues are popular cabinet colors, especially in kitchens. See ways to use Blueprint on our pinterest board.

Diamond Vogel chose a nearly navy shade called DaySpa. Inspired by nature, mind and body, Diamond Vogel calls this a “deep, introspective” blue. This is a fabulous color for exterior doors and shutters. Navy is gaining popularity in home design in recent years. Most cabinet manufacturers have painted cabinets in gorgeous navy shades.

If you prefer a more dramatic blue, Kelly-Moore Paints named the vibrant Peacock Blue as their top pick. Graham & Brown chose a knockout teal called Tiru taken from the backdrop of the Tori wallpaper and inspired by the Kabuki trend, a classical Japanese drama-dance with a bold color palette.

Going Green
The color of nature and balance, green will always resonate as a soothing, restorative color. A few of the paint brands are going green in 2019.

above: dark green tile, Tile Bar; chair, Anthropologie; dishes, Pottery Barn; green penny round tile, Tile Bar; blanket, Hayneedle; geometric pillow, Society6

PPG Paints chose a dark, nearly black green called Nightwatch PPG1145-7 that they describe as lush and luxurious inspired by the healing power of nature. Just a couple shades lighter, Annie Sloan Paint selected a deep green called Amsterdam Green inspired by the painted shutters and doors of Amsterdam. Both of these deep greens work well as accent colors. Check out more ways to use PPG Nightwatch on our pinterest board.

Dutch Boy Paints selected a botanical green called Garden Patch 326-5DB to offer “rejuvenation and peace” in our homes. We’ve found lots of ways for you to use Garden Patch on our pinterest board.

Saddle Up with the Naturals
Several of the paint brands selected top picks that evoke the desert, terracotta and clay, natural caverns, rich spices and sunsets. Saddle up for a trail ride to the more rugged side of nature.

above: throw, West Elm; tile, Pratt and Larson; multi pillow, Pottery Barn; copper pillow, West Elm; terracotta bowl, One Kings Lane; pink waffle throw, West Elm; round pillow and faux fur throw, Macy’s; natural fiber pillow and pink pillow, Pottery Barn; hexagon tile, Fire Clay Tile

Dunn-Edwards top pick, Spice of Life DET439, was inspired by the adventurous, exciting, flavorful aspects of an authentic life. Things like spice-markets, the American West, and even exploring the red planet, Mars. It’s exotic, yet folksy. It’s a desire to be rooted deep in the earth instead of lost in technology. Check out ways to use Spice of Life on our pinterest board.

Sherwin-Williams chose a warm terracotta called Cavern Clay SW 7701 they describe as midcentury modern meets the American Southwest. This earthy color, inspired by beaches, canyons and deserts, can be refined or casual. See ways to incorporated this color into your life on our pinterest board.

Pratt & Lambert chose a soft pinky terracotta called Earthen Trail 4-26 from their Preserve palette inspired by the softer side of plains, deserts, and sunsets.

The color experts at Dulux wanted a color to “reflect the new positive mood of the moment” that was versatile enough to be either soothing or vibrant. They chose Spiced Honey based on the color of natural honey for a cozy yet sophisticated neutral. It also blends beautifully with our desert naturals.

Ace Hardware did something fun with it’s Clark + Kensington paint line – they held a contest for customers to mix their own shades and submit them for 2019 Color of the Year. The winning color, Pineapple Cream Granita, was created by a New Jersey native Francine C. at her local Ace Hardware store. It’s a creamy neutral that pairs well with our naturals. Good job Francine!

2017 Fashion Trends to Fashionable Home Décor

From New York to London to Milan to Paris, the Spring 2017 fashion week shows recently marched the latest trends down runways lined with buyers and photographers intent on getting those fabulous new fashions to stores near you. If you follow our facebook page, you’ve seen us post links to our pinterest boards on the hottest styles, patterns, colors, embellishments, and accessories of 2017 over the past couple of weeks. (If you haven’t seen them already, just click to follow the links above.) Now that the shows are all wrapped up, we want to show you how a few of those fashion trends can become fashionable décor for your home.

Color Trends
2017 color trends include red, pinks of every hue, all shades of yellow, metallics, grays, whites and off-whites, and high contrast mixes. The most popular color was blue of every shade, with navy being especially on trend. White, gray, and high contrast has been highly popular in kitchens and other home decor for years and perhaps you already have those color schemes incorporated in your home. Here are some ideas to incorporate a few of the colors we haven’t discussed much in the past.

Navy: This lovely lace covered sheath dress by Krizia is just one of hundreds of navy options on the runways and combined with nearly every color: reds, pinks, orange, black, white, yellows, metallics, and more. With so many color combos available, you can likely work it into your décor. Here are some ideas:

Vase from Amara.com

Navy Silk Geometric Pillow Cover from Amara

Silk Pillow Cover from Amara.com

Navy Accent Chair from Demorais International

Yellow: This smart office-ready mustard ensemble by Hermes will set your day off in a sunny light. Why not bring some sunshine into your home décor as well? It can be as simple as a pretty yellow floral arrangement and some throw pillows or perhaps a nice new accent chair or sofa.

from Pier 1

from Demorais International

Pink: This hot pink confection by Emporio Armani is certain to turn heads. Pink décor doesn’t have to be relegated to little girls’ rooms. It can bring a comforting feel to a room in a welcoming wallpaper, a barely-there infusion of soft color, or make an unexpected, electric pop with a fuchsia accent chair in a white, gray, or blue room.

Osborne and Little Wallpaper

Bed Bath and Beyond

Demorais International

Metallics: Silver and gold metallics abounded this year, like this sparkling number from Balmain, as well as shiny vinyls reminiscent of the 80s. If you have a modern design style, metals are practically a given but other styles can incorporate metals too. Fixtures and cabinetry hardware are a perfect opportunity to add some shine if that is your goal, as well as endless décor options. Even linen pillows can sport metallic décor with decorative beads and threads.

All Modern

Pier 1

All Modern

Patterns: Florals Galore!
The patterns on the 2017 runways were bold and varied, including stripes and checks, paisley and animal prints. But far and away the most prominent trend was the abundance of florals. From head-to-toe matching floral outfits (including boots!), to intricate embroidery and 3D appliqué, and bold to subtle, florals are everywhere. There are lots of ways to work them into your home décor as well.

Floral Boots by Erdem

Floral Armchair from Pottery Barn

Floral Appliqué by Valentino

Floral Tieback from The Curtain Rod Shop

Statement Jewelry
Another fun embellishment trend this year is statement jewelry. Big, bold, it is being touted as maximalist. Check out these options you can duplicate in your home decor:

Teal Agate by Givenchy

Teal Agate Tieback from ATG Stores

Diadem Metallic Neckless by Balmain

Diadem Metallic Tieback from Anthropologie

What’s your favorite trend? Be sure to check out our pinterest board with more fashion trends for the home.

Color Your New Year Gorgeous

At December 28, 2016
By catherineschager
In Kitchen and Bath Design, Tips and Advice
0

The 2017 Colors of the Year have all been announced and they offer the promise of bold, vibrant shades and depth of layers. Here is the lineup:

An interesting mix capturing an array of moods: light and calming, dramatic and intense, bright and hopeful, and timeless and earthy. Yet they can all work together in a cohesive palette should you choose to incorporate them all into your color scheme. Let’s check out the breakdown from the color experts.

Pantone “Greenery”
The Pantone Color Institute describes their yellow-green, spring shade as refreshing and revitalizing shade, symbolic of new beginnings. Meant to evoke those early spring days when nature is waking and awash in bright green, it signals a reset, hope, and life.

: Samuel and Sons Passementerie

: Ann Sacks Glass Mosaic Tile

: Crate and Barrel Ribbed Green Bath Towels

: KitchenAid Green Stand Mixer from Bed, Bath and Beyond

: Decorative Pillow from All Modern

: Claude Monet Print “The Waterlily Pond with Japanese Bridge, 1899” from Art.com

Benjamin Moore “Shadow”
The experts at Benjamin Moore named their dramatic purple selection “Shadow” because of their fascination with how it changes hue as the light changes throughout the day. It’s a rich, royal amethyst they describe as allusive and enigmatic.

: Benjamin Moore Shadow Wall Color

: Anna New York Amethyst Bowl

: Rachel Ray Dinnerware from Bed, Bath and Beyond

: Cambria USA countertop “Williston”

: Calvin Klein Bedding from Bonton

: Amethyst Bath Tub by Baldi of Florence, Italy

Sherwin Williams “Poised Taupe”
Sherwin William’s “Poised Taupe” is a marriage between conservative gray and earthen beige to create a “weathered, woodsy and complex neutral that celebrates the imperfections and authenticity of a well-lived life.” Both warm and cool, classic and modern, it is meant to be an organic, balanced neutral.

: Sherwin Williams “Poised Taupe” Wall

: Vannaire Tile in Premiere Taupe from Mohawk Flooring

: Kahla Pronto Dinnerware from porzellantreff.de

: Allen Braithwaite Wallpaper

Glidden Paints “Byzantine Blue”
Glidden Paints named a mystic purple-blue shade meant to be comforting and soothing, playful yet peaceful. The describe “Byzantine Blue” as a gender-neutral “purple in disguise” with all the best qualities of blue and gray. It morphs from hue to hue depending on what you partner shades you select.

: Byzantine Blue Walls by Glidden

: Pratt and Larson Tile

: Soft Floral Wallpaper by Seabrook WallCoverings from Burke Decor

Olympic Paints “Cloudberry”
Olympic Paints chose a soothing, lavender-purple the dubbed “Cloudberry” intended to be soothing, encourage meditation, and transform you space into a sanctuary. Cloudberry will float you away on a cloud to carefree, airy spaces.

: Samuel and Sons Tiebacks

: Imperial Gardens Chinoiserie Panels by Mural Sources

: Teleflora Lavender Chiffon Bouquet

: Anna New York Kivita Platters and Coasters

: Lotus Flower Wallpaper by Farrow and Ball

: Plum Goose Amethyst Bowl

PPG Pittsburgh Paints “Violet Verbena”
PPG Pittsburgh Paints selected a moody, gray-purple they describe as playful, elegant and calming. “Violet Verbena” is expected to appeal to those seeking the popular bohemian look as well as those looking to create luxurious, pampering spaces. It finds a middle ground between masculine and feminine, young and old, work and play.

: Purple Quilt from Joss and Main

: Oxford Wallpaper by Graham Brown from Burke Decor

: Faberware Purple Cookware from Joss and Main

What do you think of the biggest colors predicted for 2017? Check out our pinterest board for even more Color of the Year images.

Dress Up Your Home in the Latest Fall Fashion

The big names in color are ushering in fall with earthy, authentic neutrals paired with vibrant, optimistic hues.

Sherwin Williams recently announced that their 2017 Color of the Year is Poised Taupe, describing it as earthen brown combined with conservative gray to form a weathered, woodsy that celebrates the imperfections and authenticity of a well-lived life. Pantone has a similar neutral in their Fall color lineup called Warm Taupe they describe as organic and grounded.

Here’s the full color lineup from Pantone’s Fall 2016 Color Report:

There’s sure to be something to please everyone with this color array! Why not treat your home to a fall fashion update? Here are some easy ways to work these new colors into your home decor:

Add an ottoman, accent chair, or pouf, like these fabric or leather ottomans from Crate & Barrel available in a wide range of styles and colors:

: Ottoman from Crate and Barrel

Or cozy up the family room with some soft throw blankets, pillows and decorative candles:

: Faux Mohair Throws from Pottery Barn

: Pillows from Eight Mood

: Candles from Anthropologie

Don’t forget the family pets! You can find a pet accessories in the same color lineup, like this cute bed from The Company Store:

The sky is the limit – or the ceiling. Consider a new table runner, area rug, lamp, bedding, or wall decor. To see more ideas on simple ways to integrate these colors, check out our pinterest board.

Trendy, Traditional, Timeless “Look #3”

Here’s the last look from the Trendy, Traditional, Timeless Event with Marsha Schwartz:

In our third and final Trendy scene we start with a rug that has a traditional pattern and colors but can be “jazzed up” to be trendy. We start with a sofa in a gold textured chenille and add pillows in a fun animal print. Our chairs are in a tone on tone cut velvet diamond pattern and the ottoman is in a chunky textured dark brown leather. On the walls, I’ve added a great animal print that’s in neutral colors and the window treatments in a sheer lightweight cotton with a horizontal stripe. That could be done as either a loose curtain or a great Roman shade.

For our Timeless and traditional scenario we keep the same rug and change the sofa to a lighter neutral chenille that also goes well with the rug. Our pillows become a raw silk which adds in the dark brown elements that appear in the rug. The ottoman remains the chunky textured leather, and our chairs are a variation of a flame-stitch pattern in a beautiful gros-point. The window treatments become a classic linen toile in shades of cream and brown and our wall color is a sophisticated deep cream. I hope you’ve enjoyed the various scenes we’ve created and will vote on which one you can see in your home!

Which is your favorite? Vote on our facebook page.

Trendy, Traditional, Timeless – Look #2

Here’s the second look from the Trendy, Traditional, Timeless Event with Marsha Schwartz.

For our Trendy scenario, I selected a deep eggplant flat-weave wool rug. The kind that’s easy to roll up if you want to switch looks from time to time. The sofa is in a fabulous lime-green chenille with pillows that add a little sparkle and bling. For the chairs, this gorgeous bold floral that marries the green sofa and eggplant rug and adds some reds as well makes an eye-catching combination. Adding in a deep purple ottoman brings a little more of the purple into the mix. To add some additional texture to the walls, this great neutral patterned wallpaper does the trick. Voila! A trendy, colorful room that is fun and fresh!

For our Timeless version of this room, I’ve kept some of the players but relegated them to different roles. Our rug remains the same. Purple is actually a timeless color that’s associated with royalty. Our sofa now becomes more neutral in a beige frisee and the fabric that was our eye-catching chairs now becomes pillows on the sofa. Same pattern used in a smaller way. I’ve added a chair fabric in a traditional print that marries the green and beige in the sofa. The fabric that we used previously for the sofa- the lime green chenille is now an accent pillow on our chairs. Our purple ottoman remains and our walls get a coat of a beautiful neutral with a hint of green. Not quite khaki but definitely pulls the greens in. This room exudes a comfortable, relaxed style that’s classic.

Which is your favorite? Vote on our facebook page.

Gorgeous Spring Fashion from the Runway to Your Home

From the runway right into your home – gorgeous 2015 Spring fashions can grace more than your wardrobe! Check out these fabulous ways to dress your interior spaces in the height of fashion.

Flower Power

Carolina Herrera’s Spring/Summer collection was inspired by the “color code of a flower” and featured bold digitized blooms and geometric patterns that were still distinctly feminine, soft, and flowing. This dining room by Katie Rosenfeld Design as featured in Traditional Home captures the same rose, white, and green palette with bold floral and geometric themes. The walls were papered in “Balata” by Manuel Canovas. The exquisite Hickory Chair seats were upholstered in Stark’s “Bimini Road” in a stunning textured, jewel-toned pattern.

Lovely in Lace

Another decidedly feminine Spring theme embraces the ethereal look of lace. These lace looks by Chloe and Valentino can be mirrored in any room of your home, like the lace stripes on this chair by Ethan Allen or the soft lace shade on this pendant lamp from Heritage Lace.

Blue and White Rose

Soft and classic, this blue and white rose dress by Lela Rose is a look easily duplicated with prints, toile or chinoiserie as in this bathroom by John Jacob Interiors.

Comfortable, Retro and Casual

Ginghams, checks and stripes continue both the feminine and geometric Spring themes with a homey, classic twist. This striking yet soft style from Oscar de la Renta’s RTW collection can translate to any interior space. Designer JoAnn Barwick created a similar cozy, casual bedroom featured in Traditional Home using checks, stripes and chinoiserie.

Bold, Playful Colors and Patterns

The bold, playful colors and patterns from Spring fashion, like this dress by Lela Rose, can brighten your interior spaces as well. Designer Katherine Shenaman played up the vivid, hand-painted yellow wallpaper in this vintage-meets-modern dining room featured in Traditional Home.

Pantone Spring 2015 Color Lineup

The simplest way to integrate the latest Spring fashion into your home design this year is to implement colors from Pantone’s Spring color lineup. Soft pastels and warm neutrals are all drawn directly from nature. Pantone’s color choices reflect an “en plein air” and minimalistic theme for a “soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.” Perfect for Spring, don’t you think?

For more Spring Fashion in the home, see our pinterest board.

2014 Colors of the Year

Color me excited! The top names in color have made their annual Color of the Year announcements to ring in the new year. Soon you will see these colors on bridesmaids gowns, smartphone cases, and that must-have new handbag. Shoe brands from Converse to Jimmy Choo will tempt you with these colors.

Radiant Orchid

Undoubtedly the biggest of the color trend-setters is Pantone. In a dramatic color-wheel contrast to their 2013 pick of Emerald Green, Pantone has chosen a bright pinky purple color called Radiant Orchid. This tropical, flirty shade is, well, radiant. Those chose it in part because it flatters almost any skin tone with rosy, healthy glow when worn. It also pairs well with a wide variety of colors so it can be easily be added to existing color schemes with simple accent pieces.

So, how do you best use Radiant Orchid in your home design? It is a bit loud for all-over color in most settings, but works well as a contrast wall and in accent pieces and trim. You can use it with bold colors like greens, blues, and reds, or it livens up neutrals like grays, whites, and browns. Here it makes for a bright kid’s room.

Before you dismiss Radiant Orchid as too juvenile, check out these gorgeous fabric designs by Robert Allen that incorporate Radiant Orchid.

: I love Ikat patterns and I love the interplay of the orchid, citrus green and grey

: Here is a very interesting color combination in a Damask pattern.

: I love the intensity of the color and I’m a sucker for a Greek key pattern…Ah, the Greek isles!

Exclusive Plum

If Radiant Orchid is just too bright for you, the Sherwin-Williams color pick might be more your style. Exclusive Plum is a purple that leans more toward the blue hues, giving it a more earthy, chalky tone. This sophisticated color tends to change with the light from dark gray to bluish to purple. Here it has a masculine feel when paired with leather and rich woods or elegant and romantic paired with gold and white.

Breath of Fresh Air

If Exclusive Plum is too heavy and somber for you, try this ethereal blue hue from Benjamin Moore. Breath of Fresh Air is soft and tranquil yet cheerful. Perhaps the most versatile of the color picks for 2014, it looks welcoming in a living room, clean and spa-like in a bathroom, dreamy in a bedroom, soothing in a nursery, or crisp and bright in a kitchen. It is part of the “new neutral palette” Benjamin Moore touts as livable and functional yet more interesting than the standard beige or white.

How do you feel about the 2014 color picks – in love or underwhelmed?

Deep Purple

Purple was once so expensive it was available only to the very wealthy. Do you love rich purple hues but don’t know how to use them in your home? What goes with purple anyway? Nature has some brilliant ideas!

OK, you’re thinking, but I have to actually live with this color – you know, INSIDE the house.

Here are some surprisingly livable uses of the boldest purples.

Elegant Sitting Room

Dark violet chairs in crushed velvet make a statement in this elegant sitting room. White accessories in soft textures with silver accents make this a room where you could comfortably relax with your best friends and still feel like royality.

Cozy Living Room

Can you really mix purple with orange anywhere besides sport’s uniforms? This room pulls it off with a cozy charm. Warm, muted shades of orange and gold are offset by dark plum and pulled together by white trim.

Exquisite Dining Room

Here intense red, chocolate, eggplant and berry blend together smoothly against a patterned wallpaper of dark and light purples to create a chic dining experience.

Splendid Steam Shower

The violet-tiled arched ceiling is the crowning touch to this luxurious steam shower that blends purples, blues and white.

Is it time to move purple to the top of your color palette?

Colors from History

You may think that color was invented only recently, but the truth is that humans have a very colorful past. Here’s a look back at 3 different times in history and the colors that were prevalent.

Ancient Egypt: The use of red and yellow ochre Earth pigments is very prevalent, along with blue, green, purple, black, white and gray.

Tomb painting from Ancient Egypt

Ancient Greece: In the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete there is a strong use of reds, black and blues.

A fresco from the Palace of Knossos in Crete (been there- it's fascinating!)

Medieval Times: Rich tapestries and textiles utilized the vivid colors of religious art and the stained glass windows. Reds, yellow, light and dark blues and greens, brown and off-whites were all used.

A very famous tapestry. Note the depth of colors

Do you notice a theme here? A lot of Earth tones, but also a very high percentage of reds and blues. Are you surprised?