Get the look of the color of the year with these serenity and rose quartz looks.

The reviews have been mixed on Pantone’s pick for Color of Year for 2016. For the first time in its history the color forecasting giant chose two colors for 2016. Those colors are serenity, a soft blue, and rose quartz, an ethereal pink. The decision has seen somewhat mixed reviews, but like it or not the colors are here to stay. Pretty soon, they will be the colors you will find everywhere.

If you aren’t so sure about the colors, let us put it into perspective for you. In the way of fashion, Serenity and Rose Quartz are a huge improvement over the Marsala pick for 2015. Marsala is a fine color for a wall, but it’s more limiting in fashion. While Serenity and Rose Quartz prove flattering to many more skin tones, Marsala is a much more challenging color to pull off.

If you aren’t convinced, here are some of our favorite Serenity and Rose Quartz fashions to take you into the new year.

Color of the Year for 2016

Beatrice T-Strap Mid Heels from Boden, $134.40

Wear these rose gold metallic heels on New Year’s to ring in the new year in style.

Embroidered Chambray Peasant Blouse from NY & Co, $35

Dress this up or dress it down for on trend color of the year style.

Grace Dress from Boden, $118.80

A little sparkle goes a long way with this pretty party dress. Its straight skirt and fixed waistband gives the dress an easy yet refined edge.

Blue Zip Sweater from Dorothy Perkins, $35

Be on trend, yet warm and casual with this pretty sweater.

Colorblock Pleated Skirt from Kate Spade, $213

This colorblock skirt in rose, nude, black, and cream is perfect for work, or a dressier occasion.

Crop Top Skater Dress from Asos, $56.50

This embellished dress will get you ready for spring.

Kiera Pleated Cloche Hat from Accessorize, $38.60

Cover your noggin in style with this practical and sweet cloche.

Ballet Flats from Asos, $22

Ballet flats are just a necessity.

DKNY Crepe Blazer from Net-a-Porter, $223

This satin-trimmed blazer will make a wonderful addition to your closet for 2016.

Scalloped Silk Blouse from Banana Republic, $69.99

Pair this blouse with the blazer above to be on trend for 2016.

Belted Cashmere Sweater from Anthropologie, $28.40

Everyone needs a warm cashmere sweater, right?

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In a bold move, Pantone, the leader in forecasting color trends for decades, chose not one but two colors as the Pantone Color of the Year 2016. It also did an about-face from the deep and earthy Marsala from the Color of the Year for 2015 and chose to go softer for 2016 with Rose Quartz and Serenity.

It’s a brilliant color trend move and one that promotes balance. Rose Quartz is a gentle color that evokes compassion and composure. Serenity is an airier color that conveys a sense of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. While both colors are quite nice, neither color is all that earth shattering on their own, or worthy of the Color of the Year distinction, but when paired together the impact is truly sublime.

The selection is an admitted symbolic one that acts as a color snapshot of our changing culture. It also seeks to provide an antidote to our modern day stresses by promoting mindfulness and fulfilling our yearning for reassurance and security. Pantone’s color selection also attempts to show how gender lines are becoming blurred in fashion and color coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity.

“Joined together Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,”  Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute said in a statement.

You may not see much of these colors now (they are the forecast colors for 2016 after all), but pretty soon you will see them everywhere–from home decor to fashion. In the meantime, here are some pretty Color of the Year finds.

Offbeat Rose Quartz and Serenity Color of the Year Finds

Colorblock Color of the Year Pillow

Image: JillianReneDecor

Restless Photographic Print by Alicia Bock

Image: Pottery Barn

Metallic Placemats

Image: West Elm

Triangle Art Print

Image: MossAndTwigPrints

Octopus Nautical Art

Image: AdamsAleArtPrints

Serenity and Rose Quartz Merino Wool Yarn

Image: Zanetto

Color of the Year KitchenAid Mixers

Image: KtchenAid

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Image: Pantone

The post Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2016 is Not One But TWO Colors! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Add color to your space this spring with these awesome spring color trends 2015.

The conventional thinking about spring color trends is that they are overwhelming pastel, but according to Pantone, the leader in forecasting color trends for decades, the spring color trends 2015 run to the cooler and softer end of the spectrum. Pantone has put together a forecast of 16 different colors for spring that are a pretty mix of understated brights, some pale pastels and nature-inspired neutrals.

The color names for this year’s Pantone forecasted spring color trends 2015 include: Aquamarine, Scuba Blue, Lucite Green, Classic blue, Toasted Almond, Strawberry Ice, Tangerine, Custard, Marsala, Glacier Gray, Dusk Blue, Treetop, Woodbine, Sandstone, Titanium, and Lavender Herb. There is a definite nod to retro and folkloric-inspired colors as well some natural influence with a splash of tropical inspiration. Pantone is calling the collection en plein air, which is French for “in the open air” and refers to the act of painting outdoors.

The spring color trends 2015 is definitely more muted than in past years, which is not a bad thing. It’s a nice mix of muted and brighter colors that is definitely easier to incorporate into your home decor. If you like these colors, here are some ways you can incorporate them into your home.

 9 Home Decor Spring Color Trends 2015

1.  Marsala – These Marsala throw pillows are a way to incorporate both the Marsala color trend and the Hellenic motif trend.
2. Strawberry Ice – This ombre painted dresser is a cool example of the Strawberry Ice color.
3. Tangerine – There are definitely a lot of food-themed colors in this year’s spring forecast. This clock is one way to add some Tangerine to your walls and in a practical way.
4. Scuba Blue – Add a duvet cover in scuba blue to change the whole focus of your bedroom.
5. Lucite Green – Or go with a pretty Lucite Green duvet cover for a different perspective.
6. Custard – Add some Custard with this retro-inspired woven geometric throw rug.
7. Toasted Almond – Use these digital canvasses for making DIY home decor projects to decorate your home.
8. Treetop – Add some natural color with this forest-inspired Treetop fabric shower curtain.
9. Lavender Herb – Add these Lavender Herb colorblock pillows for a pop of lovely lavender.

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In case you haven’t yet heard the new Marsala red has been named the “Color of the Year” for 2015.

Pantone has named Marsala as the color for 2015. Pantone has been a leader in color matching, color identification and color communication for decades providing clear color profiles for the industrial and creative arts. For over 50 years it have been a decision-maker in what colors become popular and trendy in the world of fashion and home decor, and this year Pantone forecasts Marsala will be the color of the year.

For those who aren’t quite sure, Marsala is a deep and earthy wine red. It’s equally elegant, warm and seductive. Marsala is the kind of color that plays well as both an evening gown and as a table covering. The natural brown-red of Marsala is not a flighty color, but it’s earthiness comes of as rich and sophisticated.

How to Add the Color of the Year for 2015 to Your Home

1. Marsala Subway Tile – If you are looking to redo your kitchen or bathroom, consider using this Marsala red subway tile for your project.
2. Marsala Duvet Cover – Marsala doesn’t just have to be for the living and kitchen, add some Marsala spice to the bedroom.
3. Gauze Curtains – Add some Marsala red boho chic to your room with some gauzy curtains.
4. Square Arm Sofa – For those in the market for a new sofa, one in Marsala red would make a strong impression on any room.
5. ZigZag Rug – Adding a rug is often the easiest way to incorporate a new color into your decor.
6. Shimmer Garland – For a bit of fun, consider adding a shimmery gold and Marsala garland.
7. Throw Pillows – Another super easy way to add a new color trend is with throw pillows. These color-block pillows are both elegant and on trend.
8. Marsala Dishes – Little touches, like coffee mugs and other dishes, can be a fun way to add a bit of Marsala to your home.
9. Marsala Red Lamp – Get the color of the year with this pretty lamp.

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Spring has sprung! No matter if we get another winter storm, Mother Nature cannot hide from the calendar for long. And while it still may be too early for sundresses and sandals, it’s only a matter of time. Now is the time to make way from the spring color trends of 2014.

Color trends change with the season, and for good reason. We are reflections of (and intrinsic to) nature. When the season is bursting with bright flowers, fruits and vegetables, so does our taste for those colors.

Pantone has deemed Spring 2014 as the year of balance–they call it “a season of colorful equilibrium” and their Spring 2014 Color Report is full of pastels and vivid colors alike. And if you don’t like Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s 2014 Color of the Year, there are plenty of other pretty pastels and vibrant colors for you from which to choose. Use these colors for everything from your nail color to your sofa color (and for everything in between) to be on trend for spring 2014.

Here are some of our favorite spring color trends.

Image: Lampsplus

Hemlock is fresh pastel green that lies somewhere between sage and mint green. It’s a refreshing versatile green that can take center stage or can also work as a neutral. Hemlock is a color that can work well as a base color for the walls, flooring or sofa, but can also work as a pretty accent color too.

Image: Zazzle

Placid Blue is a soft blue that is reminiscent of the sky or a pool. It’s a calm, peaceful , tranquil blue that is perfect for walls. This blue is almost the color of your favorite faded Chambray shirt. It will be seen in everything from pain to nail colors this spring. It’s going to be the mint green of past color trends.

Image: RoveStudio

Cayenne, as the name implies is a spicy red that adds a bit of drama to the spring colors. It is the color of a southwestern or southern Californian sunset–one part orange and one part red. If you want to go bold use cayenne on an accent wall or for window treatments. Cayenne is spring 2014’s statement red.

Image: JillianReneDecor

Freesia is a floral color that is a cross between the color of daffodils or goldenrod.  It’s a bright, bold yellow that will be found gracing spring maxi dresses and bright, tropical-inspired interiors this spring. Use freesia to invigorate any room!

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Pantone declared green the color of 2013. Do you know how to use it?

Are you wondering how to incorporate emerald green, the Color of the Year according to Pantone, in your home decor? I have some fabulous ideas for you.

Emerald green is an energizing jewel-tone that’s both luxurious and earthy at the same time. Green is actually the most abundant hue in nature and the human eye is also able to see more green than any other color in the spectrum. Of course, there’s also emeralds, which derive their hue from the elements chromium or vanadium. The color bespeaks both elegance and verdancy, a wonderful combination that is rare in the color world.

I love emerald green–it’s bright, refreshing, evocative of nature and signifies renewal and rebirth–but I wasn’t actually sure how to decorate with it when Pantone announced it as the color of 2013. That’s when I went on a quest to figure out how to bring it into my home to help brighten, freshen and add a sophisticated flair to my decor. And what  I discovered was that whether using it in the kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom or the office, emerald green is a wonderful way to add some rejuvenating lushness to your home. Check out these emerald green decor ideas:

1. Plants as Decor

One of the easiest ways to add emerald flair to your home is with plants. Plants can add a bit of lushness and hominess in one fell swoop. They can also help detoxify your home too! It’s a good idea to start with low-maintenance house plants if you’re new to indoor plants.

2. Paint Color Ideas

Don’t be afraid to go bold with emerald green. While a whole room painted in emerald might be a bit much, try painting just one wall with it. Or try color-blocking or an ombre effect–two trendy painting techniques. A painted emerald floor with white walls would also make a refreshingly bold statement. Remember to choose greener paints though no matter what your painting project.

*Tip – Behr Premium Plus, which is low-VOC and low-odor, has two emerald shades: Emerald Lake and Emerald Coast.

3. DIY Home Decor Projects

Of course, one of the easiest ways to bring any color into your home is with decor. Add some throw pillows, a few colored vases, a new rug and curtains and voila, you’ve changed the whole vibe of your home.

Here are few do-it-yourself project ideas to help you emerald ‘green’ your home:

• Wine Bottle Chandelier
• Emerald Green Chevron Chest
• Tie Dye Pillows
• Painted Wooden Storage Box
• Fern Art
• Succulent Cork Art

Image: JillianReneDecor

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Last week I shared my thoughts (in a nutshell) about shelter trends for the eleventh year of the new millennium. Flamingo pink is one of the unavoidable elements of 2011. Here’s why.

The 2011 Pantone color of the year is Honeysuckle. The color reminds me of plastic pink flamingo lawn ornaments after two years of sun bleaching and fading from the iconic Florida sun. Apparently, the global authority on color thinks the hue of faded flamingos will infiltrate 2011 fashion, interiors, products, packaging, and every color-bearing surface in our world.

Here’s an excerpt from the experts at Pantone:

“Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing ‘everyday’ about it.”

As a move of self-fulfilling prophecy, you can already get a Pantone-endorsed credit card boasting the blissful tone of honeysuckle – just in case you cannot bear the thought of purchasing honeysuckle goods without the company of honeysuckle financial irresponsibility (and, yes, despite the cynicism I cannot help but want one of these handsome pieces of plastic, preferably in beeswax).

Are you having a hard time picturing this youthful and loud (some would say obnoxious) color coating inanimate objects everywhere? Not so fast, last year Pantone chose turquoise as the hue of choice. And it was everywhere.  If the color of fresh, juicy bubblegum doesn’t make your heart flutter, you’re not alone.

Maybe honeysuckle will grow on you? If not, there are plenty of other trends to love this year.

(This vivid photography is from the portfolio of Irina Graewe; her talented lens captures bold color with grace.)

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