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A new year … a new colour of the year. Pantone, the global authority on colour, recently announced 18-3224 Radiant Orchid as their ‘2014 Color of the Year’. Radiant Orchid is described as “expressive and exotic” and a “captivating, magical, enigmatic purple” … and it’s no wonder. One glance and it awakens your senses and sparks your imagination. Suddenly spring days don’t seem so far away…
How can you add Radiant Orchid to your home?
The most obvious way to bring Radiant Orchid to your home is paint. Combining fuchsia, pink and purple undertones, it is fresh and crisp – perfect for a bathroom or powder room. Try matching your trim to your walls (another trend for 2014) but in a satin or gloss finish. Or how about an accent wall in Radiant Orchid? It instantly livens up grays, taupes and beiges.
Of course, there’s no reason to limit yourself to just walls with Radiant Orchid. A metal, industrial light fixture against the softness of a Radiant Orchid ceiling would be stunning. Or why not take a leap and paint that bench or old dresser in Radiant Orchid? Or perhaps a picture frame? Or maybe two kitchen chairs at either end of your table? Sometimes the unexpected is the perfect choice.
Complementary colours to Radiant Orchid
Radiant Orchid is a complement to colours on the opposite of the colour wheel – olive and deep hunter greens. It also blends nicely with turquoise, teal and light yellow. Try partnering it with these colours, or use it to uplift just about any neutral.
Accessories and Other Ideas
Details. If you’re a little shy to go “purple” on your walls, don’t worry! You’ll see this colour everywhere in the coming season – lamp shades, cushions, bed linens, decor items, dishware, vases, etc. Add a little or a lot to your neutral room and it’s an instant facelift. (Speaking of which, did I mention that pink/purple walls make your skin glow?)
Rug. Maybe you can find a Radiant Orchid rug – wouldn’t that make a dramatic statement? The trick is to consider something outside your comfort zone. A little decor risk can pay off in a unique and enchanting living space!
Fabric. Another super idea is to buy fabric (solid or patterned) in this energetic shade and make your own accessories – pillow covers, a table runner, napkins, curtains – or be more daring and upholster a chair in Radiant Orchid! Feminine accent chairs are “in” and this colour would be wonderfully on trend.
Flowers! And let’s not forget perhaps the very best way to add Radiant Orchid to your home…the flower itself! Orchids are readily available these days and quite affordable. I like the idea of a grouping – 3 or 4 in rugged clay pots. Be sure to find the right space for them as they can be fussy about their environment.
Pantone is an X-Rite company and the global authority on colour. PANTONE® and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. © 2013. All rights reserved.
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