In the words of legendary interior designer and tastemaker Dorothy Draper, “The Drab Age is over. Color is coming into its own again…”  We couldn’t agree more. And, evidently, neither could Pantone–the global authority on color. 2014’s Color of the Year is a punchy purple, dubbed “Radiant Orchid”, which is said to “emanate great joy, love and health.” Yes, please!

It’s a little purple and a little fuchsia, with a dash of pink–it’s the perfect pop of color to liven up our beloved dark neutrals: black, charcoal, navy and chocolate brown. It plays well with other trendy colors, like chartreuse, turquoise, coral and indigo, and gives a jolt to whites, linens and creams. So, move over red! 2014 is the year for Radiant Orchid to reign supreme!

Purple Reign! 8 Ways to Rock 2014’s Color of The Year

1) Frame facelift: We all have a million picture frames lying around (or you can pick up some orphans from Goodwill)–why not give them a new life? This is a simple, inexpensive (and dare we say, fun!) way to brighten any room of your home. We recommend using an environmentally sound no-VOC paint, like Petal .04 or Petal .07 from YOLO Colorhouse.

2) Invest in a design classic: The “Savoy” vase by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, was designed in 1936 and is an icon of modern design. It’s safe to say it will never go out of style. Iitala is now offering this handmade glass beauty in a dark lilac–isn’t she lovely?

3) Magic carpet: Who doesn’t love the feel of a cozy rug underfoot? This is another simple way to get some color in your life: in the entryway, powder room, dining area or living room. This durable handwoven number is built to last and has the added bonus of a fashion-forward chevron.

4) Shop for a cause:  This woven jute grass and raffia tray is a perfect cross of function and fashion, and you’ll feel good about bringing it home, too. Made in Rwanda by Indego Africa, a non-profit organization made up of women-owned businesses and artist co-ops, this particular design was made exclusively for the incomparable Jonathan Adler.

 5) Enter the Earth: Agate home wares, primarily bookends and coasters, are popping up in interior design magazines left and right. We love this incredible pair of pink agate bookends–so majestic! The combination of polished and raw surfaces make for a wonderful textural juxtaposition.

6) Just your type: We’ve all grown so accustomed to the soft tapping of our laptop keyboards that we forget how utterly romantic the timbre of  a typewriter can be. That clipped, determined staccato is the outward song of thoughts and dreams hitting paper. This vintage 1979 Olivetti Lettera 12 will not only look incredible on your writing desk, but is practically guaranteed to help you write the next great American novel. (Or, at the very least, an anonymous note to your obnoxiously loud next door neighbor.)

7) Bright at your fingertips: Not ready to paint your entire house purple? Why not start by dipping your toes in? Eco-friendly cosmetic company Zoya, has devoted an entire page (42 polishes!) of their website to Radiant Orchid-esque shades. All of their polishes are toxin-free and all-natural, but never skimp on color or staying power.

8) Be literal: Buy an orchid, already! These gorgeous flowering plants require indirect sunlight and only light watering (read: they are hard to kill). Your care and patience with these lovelies is rewarded with blooms that last a month or more!

Related on EcoSalon

Flamingo Pink: The Color of the Year?

Emerald Green: 3 Ways to Add 2013′s Color the Year to Your Home Decor

Color by Numbers: Pantone Addicts Find a Suitable Hue

Photo credits: (top to bottom) The Tao of Dana,  My Sugar Blossom, Iitala, One Kings Lane, Jonathan Adler, Lawson Fenning, etsy seller ElGranero,Zoya, Bliss at Home, Elle Decor

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