Pantone Color of the Year 2015

The color specialists at Pantone have chosen Marsala 18-1483 the color of 2015, a rich reddish brown they say will be reflected in fashion, home decor and graphic and industrial design trends next year.

“While Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability.” –Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

Vintage-y, earthy and hinting at the dregs of a bottle of wine, the shade will pair well with the grays and blues from past seasons. The color works with other neutrals such as black and beige.

Eye-catching but not overwhelming, Marsala is a color that seems to pop up every twenty years or so. What makes this color different from the burgundy’s of the 70’s and 90’s is a departure from being a dominating color towards an updated sophistication that gives this deep blush a feeling of balanced harmony.

The stainless backsplash and white cabinets keep the bright Marsala wall from being too overwhelming in this example.

This is such a gorgeous art wall and is a great example of the harmony Marsala possesses.

According to Pantone, Marsala will be popular in home accessories such as rugs and botanical prints.

I almost chose an image that was they more typical varying shades of dusty pink with green foliage but then I thought; “where’s the inspiration in that?” I hope you like this image better.

Marsala is a favorite among Bohemian and Moorish Inspired interiors. Paired with Golds and Turquoise this color can be soothing and rich.

I had a difficult time finding pictures that were close in color to the Pantone Marsala. Many were too Pink or Purple or too dark and more Burgundy. It’s important to me for the images to be close because otherwise I’m writing about a different color and not the Color of the Year. I’m looking forward to the makeup collection Sephora should be coming out with soon. If you’re like me and everyone else I’ve talked to you are counting down the days until you can debut your gorgeous pout.

For more images, visit my Color Trends board on Pinterest.

November 30, 2014

Pittsburgh Paints Color of the Year 2015

One of the major color transitions in interiors has been a shift towards blue. So it’s not too surprising PPG Pittsburgh Paints named Blue Paisley as its 2015 Color of the Year.

Paisley Blue (PPG-1238-6) is a vibrant color with bold, inky undertones. It is enthusiastically positive and represents where design is headed in the coming year.

Homeowners will appreciate the reliability of this blue and incorporate it into their decor to positively influence their lives.

Blue Paisley looks terrific as an accent wall and can be balanced with neutral gray.

Combine a playful mix of hues and Blue Paisley feels more bohemian.

As the trend for warm alloys continues, expect to see other materials becoming richer and more luxurious in color and feel.

Blue Paisley is perfectly at home in a Coastal Interior. Small vessels are great way to add an accent color without making an expensive change in your home.

Blue Paisley is dramatic and will be noticed wherever you put it.

World travel will influence interiors in 2015 and Blue Paisley pairs exceptionally well with colors you’d expect to see at a Souk in Morocco.

As we approach Summer 2015, expect to see Blue Paisley follow the fashion industry and be paired with vibrant coral hues.

For more color inspiration, visit my Pinterest Page.

November 2, 2014

Sculptural Stair Inspiration

It’s been a hectic week for all I’m sure and since it’s my Birthday I’m going to present a simple post that I hope you find inspiring. These beautiful sculptural stairs by Arquitectura en Movimiento Workshop join two levels of a Mumbai apartment. Treads of engineered walnut form the bottom portion of the staircase and ascend up as a continuous elements to create the upper steps. The wood is formed around a metal structure that is anchored to the walls on both sides. Vertical steel cables that help support the upper portion of the structure also form a balustrade.

Specifically in the SDM apartment, after a talk with each member of the family, we got a well defined program based on the customs of each user and each space, the staircase located at the center of the apartment. It was designed as a sculpture in the space with more light and natural ventilation; with very subtle lines but protagonist of the space, it can be seen almost from anywhere in the public areas, it becomes the articulator of spaces and is replicated in other architectural elements such as blinds and ceiling; every space, every detail meets a special character of the users, every color, every picture, every kitchen utensil, every linen was specifically chosen to complete this project and to make it unique.

The workshop used models and renderings to mock up the large sculptural piece for the client.

About Arquitectura en Movimiento Workshop:

Arquitectura en Movimiento Workshop is formed by young architects, graduates of different universities in Mexico, EEUU and Spain, founded in 1996. Their professional practice has led them to realization of projects of public and private character in different Geographic latitudes and parallels.

October 26, 2014

Aquariums – Then and Now

A few years back when Custom Home Builders and Architects in Naples were working at the height of the Real Estate Boom there were a ton of custom aquariums being built into kitchens, bars, fireplaces and room dividers.

It’s amazing how quickly these built-ins look dated. The second picture is more transitional than the first since its free of the carved moldings designer and architects were so especially fond of.

Care for these large aquariums can be quite costly which is probably one reason they fell out of favor during the recession. But if you have the space and the budget, a beautiful aquarium that is on trend is possible.

Photo Credit: Mike Butler Photography

I really like this tall family room aquarium. The built-in itself is quite clean and would easily tie into a future remodel if the homeowners decided to change the style of the room.

For the ultimate in luxurious interior design consider this kitchen island aquarium by Dutch designer Robert Koleik. The Ocean Kitchen (Ocean ‘Keuken’) was custom designed by Koleik’s firm Eco Chic Design and can be commissioned in limited quantities.

The aquarium island features a small sink, a linear cooktop, filter, automatic feeding system and a hydraulic lift that raises the countertop – plumbing and gas line intact – for access to the aquarium below.

I can’t believe the top doesn’t bow under its own weight as the single lift raises the top. I’ve read that the top is made of acrylic (Corian) but I’m not sure that’s correct since the gas hobs are installed directly in it. Regardless, it still has to be heavy.

I do like how the mirrored back makes this large aquarium look even bigger and makes you forget there is cabinetry on the back.

Category: Interior Design

Pantone Color of the Year 2015

“While Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability.” –Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

Pittsburgh Paints Color of the Year 2015

Sculptural Stair Inspiration

About Arquitectura en Movimiento Workshop:

Aquariums – Then and Now