working with :: radiant orchid

Last week, Pantone announced "Radiant Orchid" as the 2014 Color of the Year. The company, who is the world-wide authority on color, describes this year's selection as "an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones" that "inspires confident and emanates great joy, love and health."

This is a strong color and translates easily in the fashion and beauty industries. We're all comfortable seeing pink and purple tones in cocktail dresses and eye shadows...but how do you utilize this shade in your home? Just like any other color, I like to take inspiration from nature. Here are three directions to take:

:: from the sea ::

sea urchins
image courtesy of Steve Jurvetson

The orchid color is found in these sea urchin shells and is complemented with lighter pink, sandy tones and shades of white. Here are some Benjamin Moore colors that would be beautiful and I envision a lovely, restful sitting room with a moderately feminine feel:

Pink Raspberry is a slightly lighter shade and an excellent jumping off point. I'd pepper it throughout the room in the artwork, trims and accents.

Newborn Pink would be beautiful in luxurious silk pillows or maybe on a pair of slipper chairs.

Used on the walls, April Pink is a pale shade that has brown undertones and would read as a neutral. Underfoot, I found a great pink ikat rug that blends the pink and orchid tones and introduces a modern pattern to the space.

Phoenix Wool Dhurrie 8X10 $384 (on sale!!) :: West Elm 

I loved the curvy, inviting shape of this sofa from Crate & Barrel and the linen color is the perfect for moderating all of the other pink tones.

Pennie Sofa in Linen color $899 :: Crate & Barrel

:: from the garden ::

orchids
image courtesy of ImagesBackgrounds

Acid green is the perfect counterpoint to this rich hue and balanced with heavy doses of white, I'm inspired to create a clean, modern dining room.

Go all in and saturate the walls with Pre-dawn Sky. I might even take it a little further and have it applied in a high-gloss lacquer like finish. Definitely dramatic, but why not??

The clear, bright tone of Hibiscus hits the mark as a great contrast to the orchid. This parsons dining table is a classic design that will forever be on my list of favorite furniture. The sleek white lacquered finish works well to give the eye a rest and helps make your table setting the star.

White Lacquered Parsons Dining Table $399 :: West Elm

Speaking of table settings, I think this green china from Martha Stewart for Wedgewood is a great accent and adds a little traditional design to this otherwise modern space.

Martha Stewart Moss Garland :: Martha Stewart Weddings

:: from the sky ::

stunning sunset
image courtesy of FineArt America

Breathtaking sunset like these with their saturated color combinations are often a source of inspiration. I'm taking this color story into the bedroom and using the orchid as an accent instead of the main event.

I love a restful color in a bedroom and Patriotic White provides a hint of blue that is calm and airy.

We all know how nicely rich browns, like Clinton Brown, and light blues work together, but you may not think to combine brown and fuchsia. However, the trio is really beautiful when used in the right proportions. I would use this deep brown in velvet on a settee, on the bedding and in a pattern on the drapes.

Crushed Berries is another excellent option when interpreting the "radiant orchid" trend. I would use it in fabric accents and maybe lacquer a side table to really bring out the richness. I'd love to see how you're planning to include this shade in your home...