Turquoise it is!

Recently announced: Pantone’s Color of 2010 is Turquoise!
(Which is one of my many favorite colors.)

Quoted from Pantone:

Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the color of the year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.


“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

In fashion, Turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, Turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men.


I recently clipped an article from Woman’s Day Magazine (February 17, 2010) called "Frankly Scarlet" which gave ideas on how to punch up rooms with the color red. After the Pantone forecast of turquoise came out, I revisited the article and thought, "Why not replace the red with turquoise?"

So here are 14 “Tips for Turquoise”:

1. Use turquoise accessories on side tables

Image from Pier1

2. In the pantry, use turquoise storage containers

Image from Amazon

3. Find turquoise picture frames and objects for bookshelves

Image from GraciousHome

4. On cabinetry, switch out old hardware for new turquoise hardware

Image from Anthropologie

5. In the bathroom, add a turquoise rug or towels

Image from Crate&Barrel

6. On the sofa, turquoise throw pillows, of course

Image from Crate&Barrel 

7. Hang artwork with hints of turquoise above a couch

Image from Martha Stewart 

8. Display turquoise candles on the mantle

Image from Pier1

9. Add a turquoise lamp or shade to your bedside table

Image from Crate&Barrel

10. In the family room, cover a sofa or chair with turquoise throw or slipcover

Image from Crate&Barrel 

11. Turquoise glass balls in a bowl or vase are perfect atop a coffee table

Image from Crate&Barrel

12. On a wall (or floor!) paint one accent wall or section with turquoise

Image from Marth Stewart

13. In the kitchen, display small turquoise appliances or a pitcher with utensils

Image from Amazon

14. Add a tieback or valance with turquoise trim to windows

Image from Joann

Surround yourself with colors you love

As the new year starts, I am anxiously awaiting the articles about new colors for 2010! As I looked over some articles I’ve enjoyed in the past, I came across one of my favorites from Martha Stewart Living Magazine, May 2009. It was written by Celia Barbour, with still-life palettes by Johnny Miller. Here are some clips from this article, titled “Living with Color”:

Typically, I have called the “safe” colors, like tans, beiges, grays, whites, sage greens, light blues and yellows, “Martha Stewart Colors,” but after seeing the wonderful color palettes on page 109 I’m changing my tune! I even love the names of the paint colors and can envision them being used in future kitchen and bath projects for myself and for my clients!

Take “Habanero Pepper, #1306” by Benjamin Moore or “Venetian Blue, #22-12” by Pratt & Lambert or Benjamin Moore’s “Chic Lime, #396” for example (shown below on guideline #1).

Those of you who know me or have been clients have experienced my love of color, especially the shades of lime green that are ever-present in my own clothing and accessories! “Fresh Tarragon” was one of the largest paint “blobs” on the page; it was vivid and it was one of Martha’s colors, MS298. You go, girl!


The rest of Martha’s colors on this sheet fit into my impression of “safe” colors, but I’m planning to get some of her other paint chips to see if I can discover any more VIVID colors that make me smile!

The rest of the article had some great guidelines to follow:

1. A new spin on primaries: Primary colors can be your starting point, however, reinterpreted colors work like this: red becomes salmon, yellow becomes chartreuse, blue becomes teal, and so on.

2. One color many shades: A monochromatic palette can be easy and carefree! The intense, saturated hues should be used for small objects while the larger surfaces can use the more neutral colors.

3. Color plus pattern: When using complementary colors, which can be very high-contrast, mix them together by using prints instead of solid colors.

4. Sophisticated pastels: Bring harmony to your pastel colors by using the same degree of intensity. Gold and glass can add extra sparkle!

I’m off to San Miguel de Allende for a couple of days and I know I will be inspired by the warm and enticing colors of the Mexican culture. I will continue to look for great articles to share with you about new colors for 2010!

*All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Living Magazine

“Paint to Sell” Best neutral colors to help sell your home

From Star Tribune, September 20,2009

1. Ground Ginger from Behr: “A pale olive that is not too overwhelming,” says house stager Monica Murphy of Preferred Staging in Loudoun County, VA.

2. Kilim Beige from Sherwin-Williams: “This khaki color makes the house more useful-looking, covers up flaws and has a very crisp look,” according to Lynn Chevalier with Staged Right in Falls Church, VA.

3. Marshmallow from Sherwin-Williams: Recommended by Lynn Chevalier of Staged Right in Falls Church, VA “for near-white paint trim.”

4. Pale Smoke from Benjamin Moore: “This is a soothing pale blue-gray that reflects well in photos and is good for bedrooms” says Leigh Newport of Staged by Design in Leesburg, VA.

5. Rain from Sherwin-Williams: Lyric Turner from Lyric Turner Red House Staging in Washington, DC recommends this smokey blue for bathrooms because “most homes have white bathroom fixtures.”


6. Rice Paddy from Duron: Deb Gorham, a real estate agent in Clifton, VA likes to use it on accent walls, especially “in kitchens above the sink area.” She says “celery green goes well with uba tuba granite counters.”


7. Wickham Gray from Benjamin Moore: “Use to cover up bright colors, especially red dining rooms which need to be neutralized,” says Buckalew of Omni Home Staging


8. Woodmont Cream from Benjamin Moore: “This pale, neutral color helps make rooms look brighter and airy, even in small spaces. It also goes well with oak cabinets,” says Cindy Fortin of Cynthia Anne Interiors in Loudoun County, VA.

Other tips:
*It’s OK to not re-paint children’s rooms, as this can be too upsetting to them
*Bathrooms can done in more whimsical colors, like pumpkin, deeper green or silver gray (according to Monica Murphey)