Pantone color of the year for 2015: Marsala

Time to say goodbye to Radiant Orchid.

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.

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.”

Michael Murphy, interior design and trends producer for Lamps Plus said the move toward brown reflects current trends in the design world. “This change to a warmer, rooted tone is on trend with what we have been seeing, both at furniture markets, and in the world of fashion,” Murphy said. “The color is elegant yet warm, exactly the way you would want your home to feel. Marsala offers a free bohemian vibe that people will gravitate toward because it’s so easy to complement.”

What does the annual forecast mean for consumers? Expect to see Marsala hues on walls and upholstery, Marsala pillows, Marsala lamps, even makeup. Marsala was already on view in spring fashion collections by Daniel Silverstain, Hervé Léger by Max Azria and Dennis Basso.

And in one of the most reliable ways to judge a color has arrived, you can bet on wine colored gowns on the Oscars red carpet in February.

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