New Year, New Hue

Happy 2012!! I know you are all geared up for a new year, a clean slate and a fresh start but are you ready for this years color of the year announcement? Seriously, you may need to sit down for this one...

Allow me to introduce Pantone's 2012 Color Of The Year:

Photo from Pantone's website. Tangerine Tango

In a press release in early December Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute said, " Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."

 I liked this description but with all the colors in this world how do they come up with one?

I did some research and found Pantone arrives at their selection each year by searching the world looking for color influences. These influences include the entertainment industry, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. That's great and all but how do real people like us incorporate this color into our lives? I mean realistically we are not going to choose Tangerine Tango for our cabinet or countertop color, so  I did some research and look what I found...

Photo from KitchenAid's website. This is the KitchenAid's stand mixer, Model #: KSM150PSTG Color: Tangerine This is a slightly lighter hue of orange but it's orange all the same and could really pop on the countertop of a cool toned kitchen.

This photo is from West Elm's website. Again, the napkin and flowery branch in this photo are not spot on with the Tangerine Tango but they are in the same family and add an appealing contrast to this black & white setting.

This photo is from a google search. In this example an accent wall was painted in the Tangerine Tango- ish hue. It really works here and is an interesting way to incorporate the color without going overboard (or is painting a whole wall in your house overboard? hmhm to each their own...)

 As you consider ways to incorporate this color into your home remember you don't want to invest a lot of money into this trend because come 2013, while still 12 months away, a new color will hit the scene.  Smart ways to have fun with this trend include adding fun pops of the color with items and settings you already have. For example the napkin/ flowery branch idea  (from the photos above) paired with your existing tableware. Or adding a pillow or throw to your couch or bed . A vase for your  mantle or a photo frame in this color could add just the right amount of freshness to your space.

Keep in mind with all things, but ESPECIALLY this color, a little bit goes a longgg way!