Pantone Color of the Year

N ow that we are well into 2013 I’d like to review Pantone’s color of the year, “EMERALD”, and how it’s being used. 

Chic Coles

Even as the perfect color for an economy that’s “on the mend”, I admit that this choice surprised me a bit this year. I was betting money on lilac based on it’s current popularity in design magazines.   Pantone considers more than design though when choosing this honor, and I’ll freely admit I didn’t make it to the auto shows this year.

Pantone (www.pantone.com) is the “world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries.”  They are responsible for most of what is available on the mass retail market by following high style, cutting edge visionaries in numerous industries and emerging trends.  Their system is ideal for assembling creative palettes and conceptual color schemes, as well as providing color communication and control in the manufacturing process. After distilling this information they publish forecasts, which are then bought by most companies (from graphic arts, fashion, home interior to industrial design and consumer markets) and used as a reference when making product decisions. 

Here’s what Pantone has to say about Emerald:

Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. Also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity, no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.

You can see more of their ideas for Emerald on the Pantone website.

Bossy Color Girls  

How should you use this information? Find a style that works for you – here are a few suggestions:

Emerald has lots of drama- pair it with other dark colors like midnight blue, charcoal and oxblood red.  Or “wear” it with ideas from Sephora.  You can create a modern space with a moody feel or channel the classic manor library.  You can find many ideas for using Emerald at home and furniture websites, this sofa is gorgeous, or use a fun pillow to incorporate the jewel tone.  Or just let me know what you’d like and I’ll help you find it!

Eclectic Living

Ode to Tile

“Green Tiled Roof”

Most of the tile designs are unique to the country, but with a closer look you can see influences from the Middle East and Africa as well as religious influences of Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. The colors are vibrant, bold and beautiful and were created by a process that the Spanish finally perfected in the 11th century when the Arabʼs invaded the Iberian peninsula. The style is so unique that hundreds of years later they are still readily recognized around the world. Recently they have regained favor and are found in mainstream design again.

 

“Tiled Columns”

Spain: Restrooms and Restaurants

I  can’t believe that it’s been almost a year since I visited Spain.  While the architecture and food were wonderful, one of the things that stand out the most in my mind is –THE BATHROOMS .  Can you believe it?  Here in the US, commercial design for bathrooms is often an afterthought.  Money is invested in the dining area and kitchens while the bathrooms “just need to be nice and clean”.

My husband laughs at me because everywhere we go, I like to check out the ladies room to size up the true design of the place.  Of course trips abroad are no exception, and I was pleasantly surprised with how wonderful the bathrooms were in Spain (as opposed to Greece).

To my husband’s horror, I had to take pictures (I got few stares from patrons too) of the best of the bunch.

Restroom Door with "tongue in cheek" graphics

This was a bathroom in Barcelona, which was in the basement so I was a little worried at what I would find inside.  I smiled at the tongue in check signs on the door but once inside, I laughed out loud.  Back at the table I begged my husband to go tell me what was in the men’s room but sadly he didn’t need to use the facilities!

This restroom was unexpected since it was set in a more traditional style restaurant. From the look of the door, you wouldn’t expect something so fun when you entered.  I loved the way the papers wrapped around on the floor and over to a modern wash area.