So its a new year, out with the old and in with the new! Time for resolutions to be made (and of course broken!) and many new trends to emerge! Pantone, Inc who are leading color experts and have been in the color business for 45 years, announced the 2010 color of the year as 15-5519 Turquoise!  With 2009 being a bit stressful for many, it is exciting to have a strong color that evokes calmness and reminds many of us of the coast!

Here are some great thoughts from their press release:

“…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. Read more...”

When you really start looking there are some great products available in Turquoise! Here are some wonderful examples in lighting.  I especially love the idea of incorporating recycled elements like the old transformers and mason jars.  If you are feeling creative, you can simply make these pendants for a DIY project and add an instant conversation piece to the room!

(clockwise: chandelier and lamp from arteriors, ceramic table lamps from emissary, glass table lamp from arteriors, pendant light from Velocity)

(top: Antique Insulator pendant lights from Railroadware, Bottom: Blue Mason jar pendants from Reclaimed Lighting)

Splashes of color through accent pillows and bedding are an easy way to freshen up any space, both quickly and cost effectively.  Throw any of these vibrant pillows on a simple cream, tan, or gray sofa you have instantly changed the overall mood of the space.  Using splashes of color throughout a room this way, makes your palette very flexible.

(clockwise: habitat pillows from KoKo Company, Nautical Signal Flag accent pillow from Wisteria, Cirrus bedding from Anthropologie, accent pillow from Henry Road)

As we are still in January, it is a bit cold for outdoor planting, but here are some great ceramic glazed pots that will add some warmth to any interior space.  I also love the ceramic hangers – A few, functional accent for any entry way or closet.

(clockwise, decorative pots from Emissary, Ceramic Hanging Maties by Delong Ceramics, Brooklyn Bridge decorative tile by Delong Ceramics, Glazed ceramic pots from Emissary.)

This tone on tone room historic room, with a soft grayed aqua wall is the perfect compliment to the modern white accent furniture, especially with the vibrant turquoise elements.  I also love the white washed parqueted oak floor.
(from Think Color by Tricia Guild)

(Coastal Living)

Not only is using a decorative screen door for a pantry entry a wonderful idea, painting it a fun color adds a great accent to an all white space.
(Source Unknown)

(Old & New by Katherine Sorrell)

Turquoise is not only for interiors! I love using this color on shutters and even front doors.  It creates a sense of whimsy even on the most sophisticated home.
(Coastal Style by Sally Hayden &Alice Whately)

If you have any questions regarding any of the products shown, feel free to contact me for further information.