Usually the big news of the day at the Atlanta Gift Market held every January is the Pantone “color of the year” announcement along with the furniture, home décor and Christmas trends for the new year. This year, there seemed to be one even more noticeable trend: optimism.
This year’s Gift Market was awesome. There were lots of buyers that were very optimistic about future sales and proved it by purchasing new inventory for their gift stores, home décor stores, carpet and rug centers. All categories seemed busy shopping for the latest in kitchen wares, linens for the bedroom, even large ticket items like furniture and rugs, and decorations for the 2015 holiday season. Their enthusiasm was contagious.
The color of the year is…
The Pantone color of the year is a rich Marsala wine color and the mood is up. Pantone chose this color because, much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors. Marsala makes a wonderful grounding color in your home, whether in furniture or accents such as pillows, artwork or throws – or even in the boardroom and office.
As you might guess, along with the deep rich tones of the marsala wine color are lots of earthy colors, even in Christmas décor. The brighter hotter citrus colors along with pinks and turquoise are found mostly in personal accessories like scarves. And an earthy neutral sepia color was very noticeable in all categories.
Accessories are filled with high energy colors
If you are thinking spring, butterflies and starfish made a big splash this year, especially in scarves, home décor and even charming luncheon dishes and dinnerware intended for the beach lover whether you live in a high rise in Mid-town or a beach cottage in Key West. If you need boots for a winter storm or spring rain, the colors are fresh, new bold and bright – think citrus colors. (Pictures of many of these items are available here.)
If you thought you’d never see it again, be prepared, fringe is making a big comeback in purses, on flip-flops and even in home furnishings. If you loved fringe the first time around, you will enjoy the bold new colors of fringed purses. The flirty and fun movement of the fringe is sure to give you an energy boost even on the dreariest of days.
Harmonizing wall colors unveiled
If you are looking for new ideas for painting walls in your home, the corporate boardroom or your home office, one paint company offers perfect Feng Shui color energy for harmony. Although both Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore unveiled their 2015 color trends at the Atlanta Gift Show, Benjamin Moore’s “New Opulence” palette will give you colors that create an environment where you can be more productive and focused. Don’t let the name fool you. It is quiet, sophisticated and provides the perfect subtle energy that helps you get engaged and stay focused. Remember to use the grounding marsala color and bright bold spring colors for accent and an energy boost.
Christmas 2015 style
According to the floral industry experts at the Gift Market, Christmas and the 2015 holiday season will see trees and homes trimmed in one of the following categories: 1) Heartland, 2) Wine Country and 3) Country Club. The first features birdhouses, twigs and burlap. The second berries, lots of earthy colors like Marsala, with branches, vines and deer. The third was glitz all the way with lots of silver, white and bling.
Trending in both the home and Christmas decor are deer and antlers, connecting you with nature and providing an earthy component in color and feel. There was also a lot of juxtaposing of textures such as glitter on burlap Santas, natural cowhide upholstery on chrome legs and a sensual fringe-laden stool with metal legs.
There was something for everyone and much of it fits nicely within Feng Shui’s energy and harmony requirements. Just remember, use the new trending home décor items and personal accessories only if they provide you lots of positive energy.
© Pat Heydlauff, All Rights Reserved Pat Heydlauff, president of Energy Design, uses Feng Shui design principles to eliminate chaos and stress at home and within oneself. More than a Feng Shui expert, Pat is a consultant and speaker who helps remove clutter and negativity while encouraging personal growth, improved relationships and prosperity. Her new book, “Feng Shui: So Easy a Child Can Do It,” shows how to achieve a better tomorrow. For information on her consulting, speaking and artwork, call: 561-408-2708.