2015 Pantone Color of the Year–Marsala

 Today is day 22 of my 30 Days of Holidays series but I just had to change the focus a bit from all the Christmas themed post to share the 2015 Color of the Year with you along with my thoughts on the color.

Pantone, the leading color indicator in the areas of design, interior and fashion names a color of the year each December.  The unveiling of the color is a big deal and is usually greeted with great applause.  For 2015 Pantone has selected a color called Marsala that is getting mixed and not so favorable reviews.  Count me in with those that were shocked and aren’t embracing the color.

Here’s how Pantone describes Marsala…

The impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors.

A TASTEFUL HUE 

Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

A HEARTY YET STYLISH TONE

Add elegance to any room by incorporating this rich and welcoming hue in accent pieces, accessories and paint. Marsala’s plush characteristics are enhanced when the color is applied to textured surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rugs and upholstered living room furniture.

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Here’s my take on Marsala…

 A FASHION CHALLENGE

I actually love Marsala as a fashion color but think there is a limited group of people who can pull this color off and actually look good in it.  Luckily I can wear just about any color and I like that Marsala great with fashion staples like black, cream and grey which make it more wearable in my book.

A BEAUTY BREAK

I wear a lot of red nail polish and lipstick and whenever I want a break from that hue I tend to go with color similar to Marsala. It’s not red but if you can pull off red this color will probably work for you.  I tend to I wear more during the fall and winter but I can see how this color will look great during the summer months with tan or darker skin tones.

A PARTY PALETTE

After seeing lots of bold purples being used for party decor over the last few years, I actually love Marsala as a color palette for a wedding or party. Naturally  Marsala will be a color that will be used a lot during the fall months because it is rich and deep, and has the feeling of fall, but it is also a color that can easily mix with pastel and jewel tones to create a beautiful theme other times of the year.

A DESIGN DELIMMA

Ok, this is really where the Pantone color of the year has me unfavorable.  As a home decor I think Marsala is a incredibly tough color to work with.  It’s undertone is muddy and dull and if used in a room with poor lighting or dark wood details the room can go sour.

Marsala does work in a room with lots of white trim and molding and where accessories are more vibrant and energetic.

I do like Marsala in small doses as an accent in a room and when surrounded by softer colors it doesn’t appear flat and lifeless.

I love Marsala used in drapes (especially when the walls are white)

Marsala is great in a rug and adds a lot of depth to a room.

In the right places, Marsala on the walls can work (it’s a little muddy in this setting but the white cabinets save it)!

And since it’s Christmas time, let’s see how Marsala looks in holiday decor.

So how you do you feel about the 2015 color of the year?