Each year, Pantone, the self-described world-renowned authority on color, announces its color of the year – a carefully selected hue that is meant to influence fashion, home decor, design and more. In 2012, the company selected Tangerine Tango – a bold, reddish-orange shade. In 2013, the color of the year is deep, lush Emerald. 

"The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum," said Pantone Color Institute® executive director Leatrice Eiseman. "As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors."

According to The Washington Post's Home & Garden section, many interior designers were surprised by this selection, particularly since it is so much more sophisticated than Tangerine Tango. The source suggests that since green is the color of money and wealth, perhaps it is meant to symbolize the U.S. economy, which is making its way out of the most recent recession. 

Although it's typically used as an accent color, homeowners this year may want to consider incorporating green more abundantly into their rooms. Recently in this blog, we provided a few ideas for how to achieve this, but as always, these decisions are unique to what each individual is hoping to accomplish with his or her home decor.

For Milwaukee area residents hoping to incorporate some Emerald into their living spaces, Bazaar Home Decorating, a Milwaukee fabric store, is here to satisfy most interior design needs. We offer custom window coverings and bedding, as well as custom home organization solutions. If you're looking for some help decorating with the color of the year, our friendly staff is here to assist you.