pantone color of the year 2015

Design by & Photo via Laura U Interiors.com

“Marsala definitely lends itself well to texture,” explains Lee Eiseman, the Executive Director at the Pantone Color Institute. “Because of the strong undertone of brown, you have all kinds of variation going on within the color, so a textured fabric will play all kinds of wonderful tricks with the eye.” Go for grasscloths, velvets, linens and more for a dimensional look.

Design by Allan Malouf Studio; Photo via Houzz.com

Pantone describes Marsala as a “tasteful hue that embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal,” so the dining room is an obvious spot to use the color. The shade looks gorgeous in candlelight and makes skin look luminous. Mix it with warm golds for a sophisticated space that is a feast for the eyes.

Designed by Alessandra Branca; Photo via branca.com

Marsala’s rich, robust hue lends itself to the French-inspired look. We love the chic toile and stripes featuring the hue in this classic bedroom. Check out Fabricut’s French General collection for more patterns featuring Marsala.

Design by Kathy Best; Photo by Matthew Millman

Marsala’s balance between dramatic and grounded makes it versatile enough for men, too! Acting as a rich neutral, it can be used in masculine settings with the right styling. Try it in houndstooth, herringbone, plaid and paisley.

Related Articles:

Marsala – Pantone Color of the year 2015

Pantone Color of the Year 2015 Is Marsala

15 Images Inspired by Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year

Marsala: Pantone 18-1428 — 2015 Color of the Year

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala! Check out these four color pairings that will help you decorate with the hue like a pro.

Turquoise lies on the opposite side of the color wheel from Marsala, which makes it a complementary hue to the Color of the Year. The two can be used equally throughout a room. Think turquoise walls with a marsala sofa and area rug, which is done so well in this living room.

Photos via lonny.com

Get a Similar Look:

Duralee Fabrics

Surya Pillow

Kravet Fabric

Clarke & Clarke Fabric

Marsala lends itself well to the monochromatic color palette due to its subdued, rich and warm qualities. Layer different textures like velvet, leather and suede together, and vary solids and prints to break up the look. Switching up the shade of the color brings a little more depth to the space, too.

Photos via chiaradebernardi.com

Get a Similar Look:

Duralee Fabrics

Kravet Fabric

Ryan Studio Pillow

Ralph Lauren Wallpaper

Rust and umber colors, both in matte and metallic versions, lend a spiciness to Marsala. “Anything that has the brown, coppery feel is obviously going to be a natural–it’s closely related to Marsala, but different enough.” says Lee Eiseman, Executive Director at Pantone Color Institute.

Photos via housebeautiful.com

Get a Similar Look:

Thanks to Marsala’s strong brown undertones, it can actually play as a neutral. When used as an accent, it works well with a combination of many colors and prints. Choose a pattern containing all of the colors you’d like to use in your room (including marsala) and then reiterate those hues in other pieces.