Tangerine is the number 1 color of 10 color predictions.
Not working this Columbus Day, then why not think ahead. As fashion and home design layouts for spring magazines start now, these may be some color predictions you may expect to see for 2012 — driven by the color authority, Pantone.

Going down the list below, I’m posting some of my favorite examples that caught my attention in separate posts but be sure to read Decorati’s interior design take on these colors– part 1 & part 2 — before they get absorbed into Gilt:
1) Tangerine 
I think I shocked my mother when I decided to paint my bedroom orange. Well, I was a rebellious teenager at the time but I’ve come to love this color and different variations of it. It has stuck with me over time as one of my favorites; I think because it leaves a lasting impression. It’s a strong color, however, and I welcome it in pops of brightness with its complementary light blue for balance as mentioned in Shawn Gauthier’s Houzz post, using Tobi Fairely’s interior design among other examples. I love those mirrors, btw!

It’s interesting to me to see that the present call for orange is not something new but comes in waves. With everything old lately becoming new, in this case 70’s hip being hot, no wonder certain colors like orange are becoming popular again. It was still considered an ultra modern color when Metropolitan Home touted tangerine in 2002 and even earlier in 2000.


And, House & Garden‘s take, another magazine I sadly miss.



But remember, orange has been used in interiors for centuries. Think of Pompeii and Tuscan Villas with their wonderful terracotta and faded orange color walls. I’m drawn to them because of their history and Old World charm. That’s why I love this next picture. It remains one of my favorites; although used in the 1980-90’s, I’m completely captivated by the orange because it has so many hues within it.
I also like this contemporary and creative way to frame a room’s entrance in orange and form a transitional bridge between adjoining rooms with equally bold-color counterparts.
And my room, as I said I kept it orange but have updated over the years as the guestroom with metallic colorwashes and the inspiration from this photo in an Uptown home, which reminds me so much of my hometown, New Orleans, and her many eclectic interiors that seem to combine old and new so effortlessly. This interior could easily be seen in the Vieux Carré as much as a Garden District home.


Here’s another bold orange colorwash I painted for a client. It works well framed by white.

If you like orange and either want to decorate with it permanently or seasonally, you can with Casart coverings removable wallcovering. We have many orange hues perfect for pumpkin picking and the colorful fall days ahead. Here are two examples, Oushak Orange from the Mary Douglas Drysdale Signature Colors and one from our Wallfinishes.


And if you want a fun pumpkin design to consider, try the unusual butterfly for a change — that’s why we like it. ![]()

— Ashley



Pantone officially announced that tangerine is the color of 2012.