Each year, Pantone – the self-proclaimed “authority on color and provider of color systems” – names the shade it anticipates as being most popular over coming months. For 2014, the experts recently announced Radiant Orchid as the color that they expect to see popping up everywhere this year, and had this to say about the hue:
“Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple – one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates joy, love and health.”
That’s quite the write up for something as seemingly simple as a color, but as designers and retailers know, selecting the correct hue can really make the difference when it comes to helping your space stand out. If you’re hoping for a radiant 2014, try out some of these ways to play with the color of the year:
Brighten the walls
No matter how popular a color is, you might not want your shop to scream of the shade by covering every inch of your store in Radiant Orchid. Still, there are more subtle ways to incorporate the palette. Consider options such as painting an accent wall. This look can be particularly appealing in boutique spaces, and it is a simple and quick alternative to dousing your store in the fuchsia tone. Select one wall and paint it in Radiant Orchid, or another hue of your choosing, and then leave all other walls a neutral shade like off-white, tan or beige. Pick out complementary accessories to go along the wall as well. For instance, a surface painted in Radiant Orchid would be stylishly matched by store fixtures in cream, such as wall-mounted shelves or a display table.
Accentuate with shade
If you don’t want Radiant Orchid to be such a focal point in your store, you can still opt for accents in that or another desired shade. One unique option is selecting items from the C3 Color collection, which can be customized to match your space. Look for mannequins in 2014’s most popular color, and intersperse them with jersey form models with covers in pale neutrals or black. You can also go for a more subtle appeal with pieces like neck blocks and an occasional apparel rack in your signature shade.
