2014 Color of the Year

As if this month wasn't full of enough excitement with the holidays right around the corner, each year Pantone slaps on more anticipation and excitement by choosing December to announce their pick for Color of the Year. This time last year Emerald Green was announced as the color of 2013. There's no doubt Emerald Green had a good run, but I've been itching for a new hue. From the moment the calendar rolled over to December 1st I've been waiting anxiously for the announcement, checking every day and finally the color has been revealed!

.....drum roll please......

Picture from Pantone's website.

That's right, Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year is Radiant Orchid 18-3224. 

In Pantone's statement about their choice they said, "An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm."

Ok, so I had this idea that I would be a super designer and paint my front door the Color of the Year each year. You know, really support the cause. But, after Tangerine Tango (people might mistake me for a VOLS fan) and now this purple pink, I think this idea might get me divorced. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm actually pretty excited about this color! Not for a front door but for a whole slew of other applications. As soon as the color popped up on my screen I instantly smiled. It's so bold and soft at the same time and full of personality. Some of you may be surprised to hear my excitement about this color, because of a little color prediction I made of my own back in September. But I'm not bitter, in fact being wrong never felt so right! 

Let's explore some ways you could integrate Radiant Orchid into your life in the coming months. 

The purple hue plays so well with the neutral backdrop and adds a pop of personality to the space. A pillow is the perfect option for those who love the color in the moment but know they don't necessarily want to stick with this color scheme for the long haul. A pillow never hurt anyone.

I love that this color is so versatile. It can be paired with a loud pair of pants and be considered an accent in the ensemble, or it could be worn with dark denim and be the pop. Interestingly, Pantone said, "Radiant Orchid's rosy undertones radiate on the skin, producing a healthy glow when worn by both me and women. A dazzling attention-getter, Radiant Orchid permeated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and is already making its way onto the red carpet." 

I can see this color adorning anything and everything including shoes, a clutch, statement necklaces, cell phone covers, nail polish, and rings...pop, pop, pop! 

I'm loving the Radiant Orchid paired with the yellow, red and white. This color combination really works and makes for a pretty room that's both bold and feminine.  

This room is all like, Hey, I'm neutral with fabulous texture (fuzzy stools) and then BAM...hello Radiant Orchid, don't you just make a statement. Art is always a commitment on some level, purple art, even more so. 

Oh, Radiant Orchid, I love you. You were a pleasant surprise and I can't wait to see you in abundance in the year to come! What do you guys think? Do you see yourself and Radiant Orchid teaming up in the coming year? Or do you want to sit back in your Emerald Green sweater and squeeze your Tangerine Tango pillow and pretend this announcement never happened? 

Unless otherwise noted all photos are from google search.