Last week I shared with you the colors of the year for 2015 from Pantone (Marsala), Sherwin Williams (Coral Reef) and Benjamin Moore (Guilford Green). PPG (Pittsburgh Paint) chose a blue shade: Blue Paisley. It’s described as “a lavish, almost-but-not-quite royal shade of blue”. It’s bright and bold and the perfect accent color for pale shades of grey, yellow and green.

What do you think? Is this color in your decorating future?

It will be Valentine’s Day in a few weeks. Although I don’t decorate my house in the traditional sense for any holiday except Christmas, I do add a some touches. Instead of the usual heart decor, I like to use red in other ways. A stack of vintage red bound books on a shelf and a little red and white chair. It’s a Princess Petite chair complete with gold highlights and red velour upholstery. It’s from the late 1960s. Does anyone remember collecting Princess Petite? They made furniture for every room.

Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color, has chosen Marsala as the 2015 Color of the Year. According to Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute’s Executive Director,”Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.”

Pantone's Color of the Year 2015 Marsala

It’s name comes from a full-bodied red wine (Marsala). The reddish-brown hue is earthy, sophisticated and warm. It reminds me of curling up in front of the fireplace with a good book, a blanket and a glass of wine. It’s a winter color and would be a perfect accent to a variety of neutrals.

Marsala, 2015 color of the year

I love the contrast between Marsala and the blue-greys in this photo.

Sherwin Williams chose Coral Reef as their color of the year. Jackie Jordan, SW director of color marketing, said the “unexpected versatility (of Coral Reef) brings life to a range of design aesthetics, whether traditional, vintage, cottage or contemporary.”

Sherwin Williams Color of the Year Coral Reef

They are also pairing it with grey (what doesn’t go with grey?), pale yellow and green.

Benjamin Moore went in a different direction. They chose Guilford Green, a silvery shade of sage. Creative director Ellen O’Neill calls it “a neutral that’s natural.” I love it with the deep, purple walls in this bedroom.

Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2015 Guilford Green

BM 2015 Color of the Year Guilford Green

Which color do you like best? Would you use it to decorate your home?  I like Marsala (color and the wine!) and Guilford Green. I know I will NOT be using Coral Reef! Not a color I would ever use in home interiors or fashion.

I recently open my Etsy shop ~~ Vintage MEC Designs! I love flea  markets, (almost) anything old, antique or vintage and especially anything French. So on vacation last summer, I brought back some great old pieces I found at the Paris flea markets.

During the holiday season, I will also be adding Christmas decorations I design and make. So check back often to see what’s new.

I just listed this charming French enamelware lunch box ~ a panier-repas.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/209896809/vintage-french-enamel-lunch-box-green

I did another fashion show on Windy City Live ~ more Halloween Costume ideas. Every costume I made came from clothes and accessories I bought at Goodwill. You never know what you’ll find. It’s amazing!

Check out the video.

Windy City Live DIY Halloween Costume Ideas From Goodwill

This costume was so easy to make with a few items from Goodwill and the fabric store.

Can’t find saddle shoes? Make your own with white sneakers and a black Sharpie.

Windy City Live DIY Halloween Costume Ideas From Goodwill