Every year there are multiple sources vying for “color of the year”.  Most paint companies choose one, designers tout them, retailers embrace them.  Pantone is an internationally recognized color source and every year they pick and promote their color of the year.

Color of the Year

This year?  A bold choice for sure, Tangerine Tango is the newest, freshest, hippest, hottest color in town!

According to Pantone, “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’m guessing their copywriters are paid well.  Pantone suggests mixing vivid with soft pastels for a pleasing palette.  As usual, this color will show up first in fashion (ready for a Tangerine dress or shoes?) and move to home decor later.This is definitely a high energy, no-shrinking-violet color that will scare many home decorators away.  But, you don’t have to be afraid!  (You may remember that last year’s color was also a bold choice, “Honeysuckle”, which is a bright hot pink.)

Decorate with Orange

Bold colors are an opportunity, not an obstacle.  This particular orange has LOTS of red in it, making it easy to blend with a host of other colors.  Colors that will blend well with this vibrant color are any shade of gray (a fabulous neutral) or beige or brown.  Shades of light blue or grayed blue would be beautiful since that’s the complement of orange.  Unless you want a super strong and visually stimulating room, avoid blues in the same strength (cobalt) and choose something softer.  Greens with a yellow base would work very well as a background for tangerine (think gardens).  In most cases, the colors I would avoid would include clear or dark purples, reds, and pinks (lighter or grayed tones might work).

Photo ApartmentTherapy.com

Contemporary New York Design contemporary dining room

Consider trying an accent wall before committing to painting a whole room.  Balancing it with lots of neutrals is a good idea, but contrasting it with the stark crisp white here actually increases its impact since the contrast is so high.

The best way to embrace a new color in your decor is to try it out in small doses.  Remember, accessories are your best friend and just one or two in a fresh new color will add interest and revive a room you’re growing tired of.  Try it, you’ll see!

Organic Contemporary with Whimsical Pops contemporary bedroom

Photo via DecorPad.com

 

Photo via Voge Living, Australia

Or, if the tangerine is just TOO bright, borrow the idea, but make it your own.  Tone down the color, make it softer, choose a different undertone….whatever makes the color more usable in your home.

Photo Color Made Easy book

The above photo uses a strong orange, and uses it everywhere, but it’s not quite as vibrant as the tangerine.  See how beautifully it pairs with cream and brown?

Zuniga Interiors contemporary living room

Photo via DecorPad.com

An imminently livable room, the orange has been grayed down dramatically, making it earthy, warm, and so easy to live with.

Leading Edge of Color

Are you ready to be the first in your neighborhood to embrace and showcase this luscious color?  Can you commit to full strenth, full on Tangerine?  If so, show us the results.  If not, show us how you do manage to incorporate splashes of orange in your home decor.  Either way, we’d love to hear from you.

As you start the new year and take a look at your home with tired eyes, if there’s a space that’s just got you flummoxed and you don’t know where to begin in decorating it, changing it, updating it, Cindy and I would love to help.  We offer consultations at a variety of rates so there’s something for everyone.  Read about your options here.

Be Sociable, Share!