Marsala Pantone's Color of the Year 2015

In a move toward warmer shades and earth tones, influential color forecaster Pantone has announced Marsala 18-1438 as the color of the year for 2015. Marsala follows in the footsteps of some visibly brighter hues: radiant orchid – a splashy pink-purple – was the color of 2014, while emerald received the distinction for 2013

Marsala is a wine-like color named after the stuff that’s made outside of Sicily. It’s a “naturally robust and earthy wine red”.  In the company's annual announcement, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, described the reddish brown shade as a “tasteful hue that embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness.“ The color “enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” said Eiseman. Opulent and regal but still warm and inviting, the shade is easy to incorporate in your office in both small doses and large.

Read on to see some of our tips on how to ring in the new year with a splash of Marsala in your office.

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Walls
Because it echoes tones that are seen frequently in nature, it’s a soothing, comfortable color that is not startling to the human eye. Marsala can be used to paint an entire room, or an accent wall. It plays well with other hues, so mixing and matching is encouraged.  

Pantone recommends pairing it with neutrals like warmer taupes and grays, or amber, umber and golden yellows. For a more vibrant, modern effect, juxtapose Marsala against greens like turquoise and teal, or even blues. 

Here are seven different color pallets that incorporate the color Marsala.

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Furniture
Paint can be too big of a commitment for some, so there are plenty of other ways to incorporate Marsala into your office. Furniture can infuse your room with a shot of Marsala, and there are plenty of choices to pick from. Despite its new status as the 2015 Color of the Year, Marsala is actually a very timeless shade, so you don’t need to worry as much about pieces in this color going out of style. We have many fabrics available to customize chairs for your office.  Here are just a few of the swatches that incorporate the Marsala color

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Accessories
Incorporate this rich and welcoming hue in accent pieces, and accessories. Marsala’s plush characteristics are enhanced when the color is applied to textured surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rugs.  Desk accessories or new wall art can also an inexpensive way to bring a pop of Marsala color to your office décor.

Marsala may seem like an inherently earthy color, but a change in texture can change its feel completely. A matte finish highlights Marsala’s organic nature while adding a sheen conveys a completely different message of glamour and luxury Pairing it with a glossy finish gives it a modern twist that we love.

Please share your thoughts on Pantone’s color choice and how you will incorporate it into your office setting.