Using Pantone’s Color of the Year: Marsala

Using Pantone’s Color of the Year: Marsala

Using Pantone’s Color of the Year:  Marsala

Marsala - color of the year

Pantone, the leading expert for establishing uniform color worldwide for multiple industries, has announced their 2015 color of the year:  Marsala (18-1438).  “Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. Leatrice Eiseman Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute®”

Many beautiful dresses are seen on the runway depicting this color.  Did you know the fashion industry leads the interior design industry for color? Perhaps you’ve been shopping for that great new outfit.  The next time you’re out shopping for clothing, check out the color selections, then hit your favorite Home Goods store.  You’ll notice the parallel between the two.

Now that you know the color of the year, you’re probably wondering how to use this seductive warm shade of deep red orange.  Personally, when I think of Marsala, I think of wine.  If you decide to pop the cork and go for it, I would use this color in small doses for accent pieces: textured rugs, small pieces of upholstered furniture, and in artwork. If you decide to use this paint color on your walls, you may want to use a less saturated hue with more white in it (tint) as your room will darken as it’s less light reflective.

Here’s an interesting HGTV room that uses small doses of artwork and accessories in Marsala. What do you think?  Do you like it now?

marsala accessories in a room

What about this fabulous wallpaper that has great texture that looks like bas relief. I would use this in a dining room.  I love the fleur de lis pattern; it’s such a timeless design detail.

marsala wallpaper, fleur di lis

For pairing other colors with Marsala, Pantone’s Spring 2015 color guide has some great suggestions (see photo below). To pair one additional color to Marsala, its complement is blue-green. To pair more than one color with Marsala, both blue and green work well.

marsala color pairings

What about these trendy fabrics?  The light blues soften the depth and intensity of the Marsala.

marsala fabric examples, burgandy and blue

For more ideas on using Pantone’s Marsala, head on over to our Pinterest page Trending Home 2015.  Shall we have another glass of wine, or put a cork into it and move onto another color? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.  Like this blog? Feel free to share it by using one of the buttons below.