Named after the fortified wine from Sicily of the same name, the rich shade of Marsala is 2015’s star colour, according to Pantone. “Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth,” Beatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute has said. “Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” she added. Whether you agree with that or not, it does bring warmth to interiors, and we have to agree with Pantone that it pairs beautifully with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. “Because of its burnished undertones, sultry Marsala is highly compatible with amber, umber and golden yellows, greens in both turquoise and teal, and blues in the more vibrant range,” say the experts at Pantone.
Here are some gorgeous ways to add decor and accessories that evoke this hue to your home.
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2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Bedding
Add a hint of rich red in a bedroom by picking a patterned bedding set that matches this colour with crisp white. With blues and taupes dominating in the bedroom for what seems like decades, this red-based colour is at once sexy and unexpected. Lucca comforter and shams, Pottery Barn, from $43.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Bedding
Add a hint of rich red in a bedroom by picking a patterned bedding set that matches this colour with crisp white. With blues and taupes dominating in the bedroom for what seems like decades, this red-based colour is at once sexy and unexpected. Lucca comforter and shams, Pottery Barn, from $43.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Floor pillow
Marsala serves as the graphic element against orange-red in this playful cotton floor pillow that’s perfect for a colourful playroom or informal family room. It’s handwoven on a traditional punja kilim loom by a skilled artisan. Jalana Floor Pillow, Design Within Reach, $300 USD.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Area rug
Wide stripes make this rug both appealingly casual and cozily modern. Mimicking the varied hues of a paint strip, it pairs well with grays and wood tones, such as hardwood floors and gray furnishings or walls. Bold Red Stripe Rug, Crate and Barrel, from $129.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Armchair
There is something so romantic about a tufted armchair in a burgundy red. It’s quite a practical colour too, as the darker colour will be less prone to fading compared to brights or staining as compared to beiges and off-whites. Tufted Emilie Armchair, Anthropologie, $800 USD.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Throw pillows
The classical Greek key pattern is still going strong, and this year it will look fresh in this reddish brown called Cayenne that riffs on Marsala’s burnished tones. It can be paired with other Marsala-inflected throw pillows, or contrasted against blues and grays. Crewel Key Pillow Cover in Cayenne, West Elm, $48.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Drapes
Elegant velvet drapes in a rich wine colour: What could be more luxurious? Full floor-length drapes do a fantastic job of blocking drafts in the winter as well. Vintage Velvet drapery panels in Port, Restoration Hardware, from $209 USD.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Glassware
Simple coloured glassware is always in style, so you need not worry about Marsala-hued barware going out of style anytime soon. These can be added to your existing collection of clear wine glasses and drinkware and mixed in beautifully at a table setting. Colourful Red Glass Barware sets of 4, Pottery Barn, from $62.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Shower curtain
If you love deep red, but only sparingly, and you love modern takes on floral prints, then this shower curtain will appeal to you. It’s designed by Michelle Morin, a designer, painter and gardener. Morning Blossom Shower Curtain, Anthroplogie, $88 USD.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Ottoman
An ottoman is a versatile workhorse in the living room, it does the obvious by propping up weary feet, but can also serve as extra seating and as an impromptu coffee table. It can be a focal point too when it’s in a memorable colour like this red wine shade. Velvet Petite Kensington ottoman in Port, Restoration Hardware, from $550 USD.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Bedside table
A low set of drawers is another flexible piece: Of course a bedroom is the usual place for a bedside table, but these petite drawers come in handy in hallways and even bathrooms. This beautiful subdued red finish won’t compete for attention either. Darcy Bedside Dresser, Pottery Barn, $740.
2015 Pantone colour of the year: Marsala
Throw cushions
A selection of throw cushions is the lowest-commitment way to include the 2015 colour of the year, Marsala, in your existing decor scheme. Coral has become a classic design element and offers a fresh take on a nautical theme in this darker reddish version of it. Pillows, Williams-Sonoma, from $88.
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