I recently talked about the PANTONE® 2014 color of the year, Radiant Orchid, but you know what color I can’t get enough of? Orange!
Orange has remained a popular accent color since Pantone named Tangerine Tango its color of the year in 2012, and we’re a little bit obsessed.
Can’t get past the color of the fruit? Think of a sunset! There are many hues to choose from. Orange in the correct shade can pair with any color. Not only does orange look great with neutrals like gray, brown, or beige, it also pairs well with other accent colors such as mint, turquoise or navy blue. It can be a sweet pastel like an orange Creamsicle®, earthy like autumn in a shade of pumpkin, or it can be striking in a bright, modern hue! The versatility of orange may surprise you.
As an ASID interior designer who works with clients in every price range, I understand how we cannot redecorate our home as soon as the trends change every year. I believe it is fun to have an item or items that are easy to transition as colors change.
For example, I spray paint my picture frames as the trends change. It is an easy, inexpensive and breathes new life into anything. Adding pillows or a throw blanket in the same color will enhance and instantly update and change the feel of the room.
DIY Picture Frames from InsideWays
It is much simpler to change out your colors if you have fantastic neutral drapes and furniture. One of my principles of design is to keep the large assets neutral – flooring, window coverings, and furniture – and change out the accessories as colors trends, seasons or my mood changes.
Just because an item is neutral colored, it does not have to be boring. I love to mix tone on tone patterns and textures when working with neutrals. Just like when utilizing an all-white décor.
Living in San Diego, many of my clients love the look of natural woven wood shades. Not only do they add an organic element, they also add a lot of great texture and interest to any room that pairs well with any accent color – like orange!
Mixing textures and sheen of your orange accents can create a more vivid and eye-catching ensemble. You may want to paint one big orange wall, but to offset its power, create some other, smaller focal points throughout the room. You may choose to tuck away a shiny orange vase in the opposite corner of the wall, or add less vibrant orange in with a new throw rug.
Unless it is your style of choice, you may want to avoid pairing orange with the neutral black, or else you may become the owner of a bewitchingly Halloween-inspired abode!
I love orange for its adaptability and freshness, and anyone can make small changes to incorporate trendy tangerine into their spaces. Even when you would rather not redecorate, a vase with fresh orange blooms can spice things up in an instant.
What’s your color obsession?
