MY COLOR CRUSH WITH BLUSH

Happy Thursday blogger friends!  Let's discuss my crush . . .  the hue blush color I'm seeing advertised.  Even though we are still in the winter season (ugh), I thought I would cheer myself (and others) up by talking about this light, wispy color. 

This color doesn't scream masculine (sorry fellas).  But this pastel color and its soft tones, adds such a pretty and sophisticated touch to any neutral space. 

One could argue, you could get away with this color for both a male and female shared space; if the blush was subtle and paired with male inspired fabrics for accent pillows and black & white photography or cityscape artwork.  You can also pair it with darker colors, like navy, black, brown or grey. 

For me, it's the finishing touch that completes the look of the space.  Honestly, I would probably lose this argument (lol).  Mr. D would torture me and demand to put a male item to his liking in the space; like a hockey poster or something horrific!  But, to all you masculine guys out there who are sporting pink and lavender shirts, you understand me, right??

Other pastel colors, like blues, yellows, creams and greens and light greys are also gaining popularity.   Take a look at the inspiration pics.  So pretty!

Basset Furniture.  I'm loving this room.  I'd probably paint the walls a lighter shade of blush.

Sarah Richardson design - LOVE!

This blush headboard really makes a statement in this bedroom . . . CALM and SOPHISTICATED

Restoration Hardware

Crate and Barrel Hue Blush dinnerware

Image via Domain Home

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2014

 

 

Radiant Orchid

image via Pantone

A new year welcomes new beginnings.  For me, Pantone’s new color for 2014, Radiant Orchid (Pantone 18-3224) is surely something new to discuss.  I was a bit surprised by their color choice.  It got me thinking . . . why this color? 

Pantone LLC, (subsidiary of X-Rite, Inc.), is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries.  Pantone studies how color influences human thought process, emotions and physical reactions.  They help professionals get a better understanding of color and to use color more effectively. 

Pantone is a company that influences industries such as fashion, home and industrial design.  They influence product development and purchasing decisions.  The color, Radiant Orchid has already been seen on runway fashion shows for Spring 2014.

So, let’s talk about this color.  Radiant Orchid is described by Pantone as, “An enchanting harmony of fushia, 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.” http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=21128&ca=10

Picking a color of the year is no easy process. It takes careful consideration and influences from all over the world.  A press release article from Pantone talked about the color of the year.  This is what was said:

“The color of the year selection requires careful consideration and, to arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.”

My color scheme for home tends to be in monotone colors (soft colors).  My fashion choice in colors tend to be your basic colors of black, white, navy, gray and beige.  But, as I was searching for inspiration pictures of Radiant Orchid, I can see myself adding this color as an accent color.  Maybe a new nail polish, a scarf, a blouse, a flower arrangement or a home accessory.  It’s a bold yet soft color but not overpowering.

Here are some of my favorite inspriation pictures using the 2014 color of the year.




Accent color used in this room adds just the right amount of pop (image source)

Z Gallerie artwork

Mara Hoffman Maxi Dress




image via lover.ly

One word . . . Cartier.



Marc Jacobs runway fashion show (image source)



Etta suede pumps - J Crew





Estee Lauder Pure Vivid Shine lipstick in Mirrored Orchid



Paddywax Black Fig & Vanilla candle

image source
 



Anthropologie blouse with hints of the purple and pink undertones



This artwork makes a statement in the neutral room (Sally Wheat Interiors)

xo