Color of the Year 2015

~By Susan Rayner, Design Editor~

It’s a new year so it’s time for Pantone to announce their new color and for 2015 it’s . . . . MARSALA. And my reaction is . . . I’m not lovin’ it, to tell you the truth. Which may be a surprise to my friends who are familiar with my fondness for wine.

Per Pantone Color Institute, “Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”  But I’m seeing mauve.

Yes, mauve. That awful color popular in the 80’s frequently paired with forest green or even worse, turquoise, and on display at seemingly every chain restaurant,

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motel lobby,

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and nursing home across the country.

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Or maybe you were unlucky enough to be forced to wear it and then have the photographs haunt you for eternity.

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Representing the opposing point of view is my friend Cathy who feels that Marsala evokes earth colors, hollyhocks, roses, grapes and pomegranates.  (Did I mention she’s a gardener?)

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My advice is if you like deep reds and purples then just dust off that mauve and go for more saturated shades.

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Saturated purple velvet on this sofa looks beautiful in front of a deep (one might 
even call it forest) green wall.
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thestylesaloniste.com / Designer: Darin Geise

Beautiful deep reds on the wall, pillows and rug 
make this traditional room look very luxe.

 

Or just enjoy it in a glass, always a classic.

On another note – What exactly is going on in this photo from Pantone’s website?

The brunette uncomfortably into her Marsala fabric and the blonde staring at us provocatively while lifting a strawberry to her lips, all while under the watchful eye of a headless vest-wearing guy has bypassed edgy and ended up just-plain-creepy.

 

And I don’t even know what to say about this –

 

Other than – time for a toast!

 

 

About the Author

Susan RaynerOwner of Susan Rayner Interiors, Susan’s aesthetic is clean and classic, whether the style is modern, traditional or somewhere in between. She is passionate about creating positive change for her clients while allowing them to control their costs. Susan has a friendly, collaborative approach that allows her clients to enjoy the design process. This ensures they will love the end result – a house they enjoy coming home to!

Visit Susan at SusanRayner.com.

About the author, Kelly

Kelly Galea is a creative, multi-passionate entrepreneur and luminary blessed with a unique combination of wit, grit, intellect and intuition. She helps you navigate the work-life maze of ever-shifting priorities and transform your life through holistic self-discovery techniques and immersive, fun and magical mini-quests. Working with Kelly will inspire you to unveil, express and celebrate your vital personality and lifestyle preferences to create a more harmonious life.

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