It’s official: The Pantone Color of the Year 2015 is none other than the earthy Marsala!

No, we’re not talking about the wine – although we wouldn’t mind some of that either. We’re talking about the hearty yet stylish tone described as a “subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth” by none other than Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute herself.

“The red-brown roots in the shade is universally appealing, and translates easily into all aspects of design: from fashion and beauty to home furnishings and interiors. The impactful, full-bodied qualities for Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement colour when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colours.”

Or at least, that’s what Pantone said. The minute they announced the selection, people quickly voiced their opinions on social media – “it’s too boring”, “it’s dated”, “it reminds me of my grandma’s lipstick”…

Now, while we see their point, we’re ready to give Marsala a chance. Rather than ‘dated’, it could easily be ‘vintage’. And instead of calling it ‘boring’, you could use it as a ‘neutral’ to inject some subtle colour into a space.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at these ideas:

Living & Dining

Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, the colour lends itself to anything related to eating or appetite, making it an ideal tone for a dramatic dining room wall or kitchen accent.

Colour Code: S 4040-Y90R (source)

Colour Code: S 4040-Y90R (source)

Here’s a similar red-brown, not quite Marsala because there’s more of a rust tone to it. It works well as an accent wall against the feature TV block, however since the colour is so deep and dark, it needs plenty of white and natural light to keep the place upbeat.

Colour Code: S 3050-Y80R (source)

Bedroom

We couldn’t let the kitchens have all the fun now, could we? Luckily, this earthy rum-raisin hue could also work well In the bedroom, deep Marsala walls give a relaxed and soothing vibe, and it’s sophisticated, velvety quality adds a sumptuous look to bedroom linens.

Colour Code: S 4040-Y90R (source)

Even the dog approves! (source)

Bathrooms

Bold colours work particularly well in bathrooms and spare toilets along with other rooms that we only pass through occasionally. You can pull off a more unusual or intense colour in these spaces, since you hopefully won’t find yourself spending hour upon hour there.

Colour Code: S 3050-Y80R (source)

Office

This one’s a winner in our books. Far from boring – this is warm, determined and welcoming, just the right combination for a workspace. Minimal decorations and lots of bright, white furniture lend a crisp, clean feel, which is amplified by flooding the place in natural light. In short – this space means business, but it’s soft about it.

Colour Code: S 4040-Y90R (source)

Thinking of experimenting with the colour? We’d recommend starting with an accent wall, one that is either the largest in the room or that has an interesting architectural feature, such as a fireplace or a large piece of art, to ease into the boldness of it.

Whatever you do this year, we’d love to see it! Post your transformations on our Facebook page – let’s get inspired together.