Decorating with the 2014 Pantone Color of the Year: 6 Simple Tricks
Pantone has been designating colors to capture the essence of the coming year since 2000. Every year, they choose “a color that will resonate around the world…a reflection of what people are looking for, what they feel they need that color can help to answer. Not necessarily the hot fashion color of the moment, but a color crossing all areas of design which is an expression of a mood, an attitude, on the part of the consumers.” (via Pantone’s website)
For 2014, the Pantone Color of the Year is Radiant Orchid — a vibrant and enigmatic purple. Pantone’s reasoning behind their choice? It’s modern and versatile, and offers an invitation to innovation. The rosy undertones emanate joy, love and health. Radiant Orchid is also known to encourage creativity and originality — a DIY-er’s dream come true! Here are some simple tricks for incorporating Radiant Orchid into your home decor.
1. Think small
You may not have the budget, time or even desire to completely overhaul your space. But the good news is YOU DON’T NEED TO! Easy, small changes can make a big difference. Big ticket items don’t need to be changed — even if they aren’t a specifically neutral color. Orchid is a great color that’s versatile and meshes well with many other pallets. Just remember to keep your pallet to two or three colors, and one or two neutrals (with one extra pop of color if you want). This may mean you have to rearrange a few things — take some items to storage or find a new place for them if the pallet gets too busy. Then just add Radiant Orchid to the existing pallet a little at a time.
2. Consider impermanent options
Think about adding to or switching out your current storage items with temporary or portable options. Bar carts, small shelves, or DIY storage options can be found in orchid (like this awesome industrial style cart from Fermob) or painted with your favorite Radiant Orchid hued paint. You could paint just the inside back of a shelving unit, leaving the shelves themselves the original color. Take a look at this fantastic DIY tables turned shelves designed and executed by Isabel Quiroga or just use crates stacked together as shelves, which would be easy to paint any color.
3. Don’t ignore the floor
Rugs are a great way to add visual interest to a space! They ground seating arrangements, add layers and textures, and are easy to change to meet your current decor needs. It can be a very budget-friendly way to add a bright pop of color to any room. Take this super eco-friendly, modern Blue Dot Last Newspaper Rug in bright purple. Perfect!
4. Get warm and cozy
Just about the easiest (and most affordable) way to add new colors or switch colors from time-to-time is through your textiles. So don’t forget about throws, blankets (which can be folded and stacked, draped over furniture, rolled in baskets or hung on racks) and throw pillows. This super affordable orchid throw with its subtle pattern is great, or if you like a more plush blanket, try this one. As for pillows, you can find them in just about any design and fabric at most department or home decor stores for a very reasonable price. Check out this velvet stripe pillow. And don’t underestimate the advantages of making your own pillows, too! Another textile that can easily be changed is your curtains. This can have a dramatic effect as the eye is naturally pulled to windows, doorways and archways. These soft and airy curtains are neutral with pops of Radiant Orchid in them. You can even DIY your own curtains by painting them.
5. Get artistic
Dress your walls up with spray painted frames. Buy some inexpensive paintings, posters or photographs or make your own art. Then, put items together in a Radiant Orchid inspired gallery wall. Create custom plates in the right hue and design a fun plate wall. Wreaths can also add a fresh and fun look. You can make them from just about anything from feathers, to yarn, to fabric, or even paper!
6. Think thrifty
If you’re afraid of investing a lot of money into a color you may not like or keep around forever, think about buying trinkets and decor at thrift stores or garage sales and then simply spray painting them the perfect purple shade. Krylon “Rich Plum” or Rustoleum “Gloss Grape” are two good options.
Kimberly Mueller is the “me” over at bugaboo, mini, mr & me, a blog that highlights her creative endeavors. She especially likes to share kid crafts, sewing attempts, recipes, upcycled projects, photography and free printable gift tags/cards. When she’s not enjoying being married to her best friend, chasing after the natives (AKA her three kids) and attempting to keep the house in one piece, you can find her with a glue gun in one hand and spray paint in the other. Aside from DIY pursuits, she also enjoys writing, reading, music, singing (mostly in the shower) and the color yellow. Kimberly recently published a craft book entitled Modern Mod Podge. You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin’ and Instagram. Email her at: bugabooblog(at)yahoo.com
Kimberly Mueller is the “me” over at bugaboo, mini, mr & me, a blog that highlights her creative endeavors. She especially likes to share kid crafts, sewing attempts, recipes, upcycled projects, photography and free printable gift tags/cards. When she’s not enjoying being married to her best friend, chasing after the natives (AKA her three kids) and attempting to keep the house in one piece, you can find her with a glue gun in one hand and spray paint in the other. Aside from DIY pursuits, she also enjoys writing, reading, music, singing (mostly in the shower) and the color yellow. Kimberly recently published a craft book entitled Modern Mod Podge. You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin’ and Instagram.
