2014 Pantone's colour of the year is just announced and it's.... Purple!? Radiant Orchid.

As Interior Designers, we're always on the hunt for something new and fresh.   Today Pantone unleashed it's colour of the year for 2014 which is.... drum roll please....PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid.

I must admit when I first saw this colour, I thought of fashion. I could see it in a gorgeous silk dress, or a man's tie, but can we use it in interior design?  Well, yes and no.

Andrea Anthony Brooks of Andrea Brooks Interiors.

The photo above shows gorgeous interior designer Andrea Anthony Brooks of  Andrea Brooks Interiors  .  She's rocking this colour in her office entry which is  Sherwin Williams - Wisteria.  

Do you see how she's made this strong colour work?  She's used lots of white to cool it down and has paired it with a dark grounding floor and that beautiful navy mirror. 

(Did you know her photo was published in the May Issue of At Home magazine, in Arkansas?  Way to go Andrea!!)
Look on page 30 to find out a little more.  Andrea is waaaaay ahead of the trends - as usual.  

What about Christmas décor?  I can see this colour used with lots of  white and silver and sparkle!  
Or perhaps toned down as in Sherwin Williams colour of the year - Exclusive Plum.

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Pantone's press release states, in part,

 " Radiant Orchid for Interiors:
Spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows. Likewise, the vibrant color is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergizes almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces."

Mood Board by interior designer Jil Sonia McDonald of www.JilSoniaInteriors.com

Hmmm, sounds similar to a teen aged girls room which I designed a few years ago.  The photo above shows the mood board I created for my client's bedroom.  I see this pinky/purple colour best when it's toned down with grays, dark charcoals, lots of white and balanced by a little soft green.  
Let's not plaster this colour all over our walls.  When used in moderation, and as little accent pieces, as in the ottoman above, I think it can be fantastic!

So, over to you my dear readers, what do you think about this 'new' colour for 2014?  Love it?  Hate it?  I'd love to know!