PANTONE’S 2015 COLOUR OF THE YEAR: Marsala

     

Pantone has declared Marsala (18-1438) Colour of the Year for 2015.

It’s an unusual choice, and responses have been mixed in the world of design.  It has been more favourably embraced in the fashion industry. But I like its uniqueness. It’s a rosy spot in an era of greige and neutrals.

It’s certainly better than last year’s, “Radiant Orchid,” which was virtually unworkable from a décor perspective, unless your client was, a) a six-year-old girl, or b) Baskin Robbins.

Marsala is a rich, warm tone that reminds me of red wine, cherries, and chocolate. (You don’t need me to tell you these are all good things!) Its darkest shades suggest classic leather volumes and late night cocktail parties with friends. But it’s a bit nostalgic as well… so use wisely, because a few shades lighter and you’re flirting with that scourge of the ‘80s: Dusty Rose. Because of this, not all designers are a fan. As Annie Elliott said (of the Washington firm, Bossy Color): “… pair it with hunter green and you can be right back in 1987.”

Stay away from 1987! Here are some current ways to incorporate this heady colour into your décor:

Combined with neutrals, Marsala adds warmth and even maturity. Too dark to be truly flirty, this wine-inspired hue nevertheless brings sumptuousness into any room.

Photo: Design Connection, Pinterest

Photo: Lamps Plus

Photo: Apartment Therapy

I think my favourite Marsala pairing is with turquoise and shades of pale blue.

Photo: lonny.com

Photo: bauhype.com

Photo: lonny.com

In terms of paint colour, Benjamin Moore’s “Warm Earth” is a great match for Marsala. When it comes to accent colours or complementary tones, I suggest these combinations:

1) Any grey or off-white with green undertones. Green is opposite to red on the colour wheel, which creates a balanced visual dynamic: one cool tone, one warm. Think: wine cellar. Green bottles and red vintage.

2) Teal, pale turquoise or blue-grey. Marsala is earthy, but with undertones of berry red. Blue shares these tones, which links the two colours, yet the warm/cool balance remains. Think:  cherry blossoms against a blue sky.

Pantone features their own colour pairings for Marsala on their website: http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21167

 

Inspired much?

1)       Heathrow Cigar Top-Grain Leather Lounge Chair

http://www.eurostylelighting.com/eu2y382.htm

2)        Warm Earth 1274 by Benjamin Moore

3)        Photo: Southern Weddings

4)        Mari Loveseat

https://www.jossandmain.com/The-Year’s-Haute-Hue-Mari-Loveseat~SKY9941~E16947.html

5)        Tessera Subway Tile in “Bordeaux” by Home Depot

6)        Pillow by Jillian Rene Décor Etsy Shop

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JillianReneDecor?ref=l2-shopheader-name

7)        Latte Bowls by Anthropologie

8)        West Elm Faceted Glass Vase in Magenta

http://www.westelm.com/products/faceted-glass-vases-d2558/?cm_src=AutoRel

9)        Large Ronde Pendent Lamp by Oliver Schick for Matter

http://mattermatters.com/product.asp?id=2289

10)      Photo: Metric Design