Photo courtesy Thistlewood Farms
In December, Pantone announced its Color of the Yea, Marsala, a burgundy red with traces of coppery pink. “Rich and charismatic, Marsala tastefully fulfills with complex sophistication,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
What do you think? It’s been a debated choice.
But it’s not just Pantone that proclaims a Color of the Year (COTY), though its selection usually gets the most attention. Sherwin-Williams has a COTY, too. This year it’s Coral Reef, described as “upbeat and optimistic.” I agree. This confident and bright color is well suited to spring and summer decorating.
I love how designer and stylist KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farm uses Coral Reef on the paneled wall above. She shows off the color terrifically, pairing it with blue and white fabrics, traditional florals, white furniture and gold accessories — items and patterns you probably already have.
Benjamin Moore’s COTY for 2015 is Guilford Green. Surprisingly, it’s one of their longstanding Historical Colors. Ellen O'Neill, Benjamin Moore’s creative director, calls it “a neutral that's natural. A silvery green that works with, well, everything.”
Marsala’s allure
Marsala has a richness that’s not easily matched. Don’t reject it outright. A library or study would look marvelous and moody in it. So would a high gloss-painted front door.
A little Marsala can go a long way and is a great color for accessories. For the March issue of Richmond magazine I found a dozen items in this cool claret color. Check it out if you can. You’ll find dinnerware, a lamp, a mirror, chest and more.
Marsala pairs splendidly with turquoise, orange and pink — and, now that I think of it, Guilford Green.
