Turquoise 2010 Color of the Year

Turquoise

Pantone, a leading color forecaster, recently declared Turquoise the 2010 Color of the Year.

Turquoise is a beautiful, clean, and tranquil hue that will color the interior, graphic, and fashion world throughout 2010.

Panatone's press release December 8, 2009 discusses the color in the following excerpt:

"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.”

"... 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."

Keep in mind current trends are thrilling. However, when choosing a color palette, it should be based on existing surroundings and the colors you love. The goal is to create a beautiful space that is timeless and meaningful to you. Not necessarily trendy!

I am loving this color. It is inspirational. When used in the right context, Turquoise will charm you with a cheerful serenity, kind of like the magic of the Caribbean Sea.

Here are some stunning examples:











Veranda Showcase House at Greystone Mansion designed by Elizabeth Dinkel









Veranda Showcase House at Greystone Mansion
designed by Elizabeth Dinkel
















Veranda Showcase House at Greystone designed
by Elizabeth Dinkel

Colorful Cottage with Benjamin Moore Monroe Bisque & Pismo Dunes

A colleague and friend of mine moved into a beautiful cottage in Greenwich Connecticut.

Although she is a successful fashion designer, she needed my professional help to translate her color sense from people to walls.

I chose one of my favorite Benjamin Moore historical colors, Monroe Bisque, to compliment her rich antiques and decor.

Monroe Bisque is a cheerful and sophisticated beige with yellow undertones. The color is rich and complex and goes with just about anything. I have put it in living rooms, bedrooms, halls, and bathrooms. Consider using this color when you must paint before you have your furnishings picked out.

In the bedroom I recommended another one of my favorite colors, Benjamin Moores Pismo Dunes, to compliment the chocolate rug and white and brown bedding. It looks beautiful with the Monroe Bisque.

Pismo Dunes is a warm brown taupe-beige that works well with cream, off white, and white accents.

We worked as a team, and before long her country cottage was transformed into a beautiful palette of warm rich colors that made her feel special and happily at home!

Color Paint Boards at Home Show

As colorful costumes enchanted the streets on Halloween weekend, I was busy showing off my painted color boards at the Westchester County Center Home Show.

I have hundreds of painted 12" x 12" boards for ease of color selection.

Small paint chips are helpful in choosing a scheme, but color must be viewed in larger doses in order to understand the colorful result.

How many times have you picked a paint color from a small chip to be shocked after the entire wall was painted!

Relax. You are not alone. There is nothing wrong with your eyes. It is a visual and scientific fact.

Color is alive.

Color is dynamic and must be seen in context with everything else.
As nature evolves and adapts, so does color.

Color changes through the day, and is affected by many variables such as lighting, texture, reflections, and other color and design elements.

So when I pick out paint colors, I always work with actual paint boards on site. The boards are viewed in the day, night, at different heights, and on different walls.

Combining this process with my design expertise takes all the stress out of color selection, and it becomes an artistic and exciting experience.

My boards were a hit at the Home Show! I loved watching people grab their favorite color, get delighted, and smile.

If you are interested in coloring your world with beautiful designs and meaningful spaces, I am available at Cathleen Davidson Design Studio Inc.

Remember, color has the power to individualize your surroundings, reflect your personality, and make your home ... extraordinary.