It’s true that you can’t please all of the people all of the time, but when Pantone announced its choice for the 2015 Color of the Year, it seemed like they were not pleasing anyone. The backlash was quick and overwhelming. And on one hand, I can understand it. When you look at the swatch for the 2015 pick, Marsala, on its own, it looks eerily like a hotel tablecloth.
That unfortunate ‘90s dusty rose connection is what has led many people to say they would never use the color in their own home décor. Marsala really is a modern color, as I will demonstrate in the following Polyvore boards. All of the items below can be purchased, but some of the pieces, like pillows and artwork, can be DIY’d for less.
The interesting thing about Marsala is the way it pairs with other colors. Even though it is a warm color, it functions almost like a neutral; it’s a warm base tone that complements other colors. It seems like a majority of people were hoping for Pantone to instead choose an indigo or navy color for the Color of the Year. Well, perk up, lovers of the color blue! Marsala looks gorgeous with many different shades of blue. In this board, Marsala is the accent color in a jewel-toned living room. I added two other up-and-coming home décor trends into the piece as well: warm metals like copper and rose gold, and “natural stripes” like those found in marble and agate.
Marsala shows its sophisticated, romantic side when it is matched with grays. Tufting and fringe are also on the trend horizon, and those textures make this bedroom board extra luxurious.
Pantone’s color for 2015 can also be moody and masculine if it is used on pieces with strong, clean lines.
On the extreme other end of the spectrum, this bright and happy collection relies on Marsala to tone down the citrusy colors. Without the muted mauve in the rug, the bubblegum pink would be overwhelming.
If you keep an eye on the fashion runways, you have probably noticed some of the ‘60s’ “hippy” patterns sneaking into clothing and accessories. This Bohemian room looks more posh than patchouli thanks to its rich colors and strong textures.
Hopefully these design ideas have changed your mind a bit about using Marsala in your home. Check out ForRent.com for other great decorating ideas and tutorials.