2014 Color of the Year

Pantone recently announced that the 2014 Color of the Year is “Radiant Orchid.” Touted as expressive and exotic and blooming with confidence and warmth, Radiant Orchid is a captivating, magical and enigmatic purple.

 

Pantone chose Emerald for the 2013 Color of the Year which served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity. Radiant Orchid “reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark imagination,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

 

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.

 

I’ve always wondered who gets the interesting job of choosing names for paint colors and who actually has the authority to choose the Color of the Year for the world. The entire world of fashion, automobiles and interiors takes their cue from this company. They don’t take their job lightly. Thousands of hours of research and filtering are done to determine what the color of the year will be. Pantone has been the world's color authority for nearly 50 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers.

 

Try incorporating this great color as a statement piece, a small pop of color or all over.

Let’s keep our eyes peeled for color trends we see in fashion, interiors and automobiles to see if we can guess what the 2015 Color of the Year will be.

5 Things to Hire Out

Last time we talked through some items that could be tackled by the average homeowner. This week will will discuss five things that you should hire a professional for.

 

1.    Installing a gas range. One thing you don't want to be responsible for is blowing up your house or poisoning your family. Hire the plumber or appliance installer to take care of this for you.

 

2.   Tile work. The amount of tools, knowledge, back strength. You'll thank me later...When the shower doesn't leak or floor tile crack.

 

3.   Installing flooring. Again, the back strength. It's not just the floor to consider, there's trim, transition to other floor types, the underpayment. Hire the professional.

 

4.   Refinishing cabinets. Have you ever attempted this? Then you know. If you haven't, don't. Just not worth it. Hire the professional who will get it right in half the time and mess.

 

5.   Reglazing a tub. You really don't want to mess this up or do it twice.

 

Can you tell I am a huge proponent of hiring a professional to do the job right the first time? And it's not just because I am such a professional. I've tried it the other way and it just isn't worth the time, materials and frustration you go through. And you won't have your family members nagging you about an incomplete project or something that you did incorrectly. As always, hire someone with a good reputation, insurance and the necessary licenses. If you have any questions you would like addressed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com