In Living Color: Announcing the 2015 colors of the year

Shoshanah Siegel
Columnist
Color reflects how we feel and express ourselves. Ultimately, it is best that you select colors to personalize your space and make your environments feel healthy, safe, stylish and just plain fun.
Every year, a new set of colors is designated as the “in” group. Where do they come from? Color trends are a reflection of events and ideas from around the world. Trends are determined by world travel, consumer research, hot movies and TV shows, and fashion runways. The world’s changing interests and moods have influenced this year’s contemporary color palette. Fortunately, there’s something for every style and taste.
Who determines these trends? There are many companies and color-trend experts who drive the color direction for fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interior and exteriors for the upcoming year. There is usually not a clear consensus on just one color. In this article, I will hone in on just three major selections.
A nod to fine wine
The Pantone Color Institute, one of the trend forecasters and a world-renowned authority on color, recently announced its color of the year selection—Marsala (Pantone 18-1438). Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at the Pantone Color Institute, states that “the color Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability.” Eiseman explains that “the color Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us into its embracing warmth.” Here are some of the reasons why this color was selected.
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 bring forth a sophisticated, natural earthiness. Marsala brings color warmth into home interiors. A matte finish highlights Marsala’s organic nature while adding a sheen conveys a completely different message of glamour and luxury. It pairs well with other colors such as blues and earthtones. This color is grounding and is a perfect backdrop for adding pops of color, like purples, corals and turquoises.
Upbeat and optimistic
Coral Reef (SW 6606) is Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year 2015. Their marketing materials state that their selection, an uplifting, vivacious hue with floral notes, is the perfect mélange of pink, orange and red that can be used to liven up any space. “Coral Reef embodies a cheerful approach to design that we’re seeing for the coming year,” said Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams director of color marketing. “Its unexpected versatility brings life to a range of design aesthetics, whether traditional, vintage, cottage or contemporary.”
Coral Reef can be used for both residential and commercial properties. It is a perfect color for an accent wall. I have also seen it on the ceiling of a girl’s bedroom and playroom. If you find the color too bright, paint a piece of furniture as a great accent piece. Or, for just a pop of color, bring this coral color into your décor with pillows, vases and other smaller accessories. This color works well with a black-and-white scheme and goes with other floral hues and lush greens. I love this color mixed with grays and yellows. For a vintage look, pair it with aged brass.
Green with envy
Benjamin Moore announced their color of the year, Guilford Green HC-116, a stunning silvery green that complements both modern and traditional styles in a seamless manner. It has been one of my favorites for historic homes. By the way, the “HC” in the color’s paint number means “historic color.”
“We chose Guilford Green as our 2015 Color of the Year because it can be the hero or the highlight in any room, enhancing the architectural identity of a space,” said Ellen O’Neill, creative director at Benjamin Moore. “Guilford Green is the perfect thread to connect nature, spaces and interiors with color schemes that signify fresh energy and growth.”
Taking cues from trends in fashion, textiles and the arts, the Benjamin Moore Color Studio team spotted the common thread of balanced palettes and a design sentiment that continued to reflect a sense of optimism. This color is perfect to pair with other greens, blues, blush and berry. It can be grouped with other colors for either a bold or pastel palette.
What is fun is that you will now recognize these colors appearing everywhere in stores and in the media. Color forecasts are a great way to find color inspiration for your next decorating project.
Have a colorful year!
Shoshanah Siegel provides color consulting as well as space planning, remodeling, upgrading and staging through her firm Your Color Diva. She can be contacted at (562) 427-0440 or at shoshanah.siegel@gmail.com . Samples of her work can be found at houzz.com/pro/shoshanahsiegel/your-color-diva. Siegel just received her second badge for “Customer Satisfaction” on Houzz, for the year 2014.