Designers are kicking off 2012 with a hot new orange hue. Tangerine Tango has been named the new “it” shade by global color authority Pantone. See how to decorate with this fiery shade and which colors best complement the color of the year.
Tangerine Tango leads 2012 color trends
The color orange has been growing in popularity in both home design and fashion for the past several years. The Missoni Collection for Target that debuted in fall 2011 demonstrated how easily the color can add a punchy splash in vibrant prints.
“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s executive director. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”
While the 2011 Color of the Year Honeysuckle brought a spirited playfulness to home decor, with its punchy pops of pink, Tangerine Tango can provide a much-needed energetic boost to home accessories.
Complementary colors
Don’t be afraid to try such a bold color; Tangerine Tango works well with a variety of complementary hues. According to Eiseman, “It goes well with many colors that make for unexpected combinations. For example, pair it with an elegant wine color, such as Syrah or a Rhubarb Red. It’s great with a slightly greenish blue, like Vallarta or a hot pink called Cabaret for a retro look. Of course, it’s always great with warm, taupey tans like Tiger’s Eye, and a special favorite of mine is a deep yellow green called Winter Moss. And there is the summertime staple of White Alyssum and Tangerine Tango.”
Trying Tangerine Tango at home
Patterned home accessories
This trendy color can energize any room of the house by using it in a bold pattern. Brighten up a bedroom with this graphic Geo Bedding duvet cover from Z Gallerie ($150). A playful Zigzag printed rug from Urban Outfitters ($39-$74) will liven up any entryway and will pop with neutral surroundings. For those wanting to try this brilliant color in smaller doses, this Moroccan-inspired embroidered pillow from Home Decorators ($99) lets the design shine on a neutral linen background.
Electrify electronics
Swapping tired kitchen appliances can easily update and refresh your space when replaced with bold colors. Spice up the kitchen by adding a tangerine-hued KitchenAid mixer (Target, $212), blender (Bed Bath & Beyond, $100), or a DeLonghi espresso maker (Amazon, $300).
Unexpected pops of color
Rather than accessorizing an entire room in citrus hues, try incorporating an unexpected pop of the tangerine color trend. This owl canister from Anthropologie ($128) can add a whimsical punch to an otherwise neutral space. Just a splash of color livens up this vibrant vintage wooden sign without being overwhelming (Home Decorators collection, $59). Tangerine Tango even comes in pocket-sized proportions with this soft-cover journal from Pantone ($10).
Tell us
Let us know what you think about the 2012 color of the year Tangerine Tango. Will you embrace this year’s color trend or let it pass? Share in the comments section below!
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