Secret Garden Notes

Pantones Color of the Year - 2013

That's right everyone, Emerald is Pantones color of the year for 2013.  We will be seeing a lot of this color in fashion, home accessories, jewelry, fabric, paint colors, you name it!  I personally love the color green but I am envisioning this with so many other colors mixed in for interest and pop!

How did Pantone decide on this color to represent for 2013?  We're sure to hear many theories in the next few months but according to Women's Wear Daily emerald reminds us of simpler things such as grass and Mother Nature.  It also is the color of growth and signifies America in 2013.  The rich tone is all about luxury, just like jewels and money (sadly, many of us are a little low on both of those items right now!)

Whichever version you prefer, Pantone is describing the choice as, "Lively, Radiant, Lush...a color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.

That's nice but what does this mean for us?  Well it looks like it's time to visit the Emerald City.  Whether it is for your wardrobe, your kitchen or your bath, here are some tips for embracing and using emerald in your world :)

Lively and radiant:  Just like in nature, greens look good with so many different colors.  Pair it with bold yellows and oranges for a vibrant pop, or pale blue or pink a softer look.

Lush: Emerald is a jewel tone.  Take a hint from jewelry counters and mix it with rich purples, blues, red, blacks and golds.

Balance and harmony: Embrace the zen of emerald by pairing it with grays, whites and muted yellows

or blues.

And if you’re looking to find emerald for a bargain? Check out the after-Christmas sales, the red-and-green holiday is sure to leave lots of green up for grabs.  

Here are some more emerald images to get your creative juices flowing!