Pantone's 2014 Colour of the Year: Radiant Orchid

Last week, Pantone announced 'Radiant Orchid' as the colour of the year for 2014.  Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says "It's a little different, it's a little off the beaten path, and it's not a primary colour," she explains. "It's an invitation to innovation. The purple family offers (an) opportunity to do creative things."  And, she said, that's what pop culture wants right now. "People associate purple with creativity and originality — and those are very valued today. We see words like that being used to describe technologies and products that are seen as innovative and with an approach you haven't tried before."

To be honest...I hate this colour!  It's not pink, it's not purple, I really don't know what to make of it.  It kind of reminds me of Pepto Bismol.  I know, a terrible thing to say but, that's why I write this blog.  The blogosphere seems to be abuzz over this colour...I just don't get it.

It's not a colour I would ever use on a wall as it would be very easy to get tired of.  Can you imagine standing in a room painted this colour?  It would make you look ill (a little harsh, I know). 

My overall impression...I like it as the colour for an orchid.  That's it!

Your thoughts?

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A Breath of Fresh Air - Benjamin Moore's Colour of 2014

Isn't it unbelievable that 2014 is nearly upon us?  And it's that time of year that paint companies come out with their trend colours for the upcoming year.  Benjamin Moore's 2014 colour of the year is "Breath of Fresh Air", a beautiful, ethereal blue, that's being called the "new neutral".  This colour is totally livable and functional with so many different styles.  Pastels are making a return to design, but not the pastels of the 80s, these are toned down with grey undertones.  Have a look:

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Here are some colour schemes that can make 'Breath of Fresh Air' work in your living space:

You can see that 'Breath of Fresh Air' is such a versatile colour as it can be married with cooler tones as in the first combination and with warmer tones of the second, making it a great neutral.

Here's a fun, more playful combination that could work well in a boy's bedroom or playroom.

 

 

I was inspired to put together some items for your home that reflect the trend.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

 

 

I think 'Breath of Fresh Air' is the perfect light blue and its name says a lot.  More and more people are looking for their homes to be a refuge from the everyday chaos.  This colour reminds us to breathe, slow down and enjoy the comforts and simplicity of home. 

 

If you would like help incorporating this colour into your décor, contact me.