Great retro color combinations
Dec 19, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Who wouldn’t love this for color inspiration?
A New Year is sneaking up around the corner, and with it, comes the urge to renew. While you may be setting personal goals and planning trips, there’s another way to enhance your calm and refresh your perspective. With the 1968 “Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book” as our guide, we’ll focus on three great retro color combinations to help bring your home into the New Year with style and substance.
Don’t be a shrinking violet
This is one of the more daring options – it’s not easy to pull off the blue-red approach but it’s worth it! As the book advises, artists (like the genius van Gogh) appreciated these hues well before interior decorators hopped on the bandwagon. Play with the pastels or revel in the jewel tones. Just remember that the deeper the color, the more moderation should be applied. Mix in textures, details, and patterns. These accents will bring out purple’s vibrant nature. If you tend toward the lighter pastel end of the spectrum, pair confidently with blue, green, or gray.
We recommend Pantone 19-3438, Bright Violet & Pantone 15-3620, Lavendula
Debbie Reynolds’ Oz jacket – stunning!
It’s okay to be green with envy
Emerald green is a wonderful color – don’t you just adore this Oz outfit from Debbie Reynolds’ collection? Green is one of the more versatile tones on the wheel and (like purple) you can go cool or warm – it will play nice with a variety of other hues. Keep in mind that earthy greens are just as comfortable being center stage as they are playing a supporting role.
Green is a very regal option so if one of your New Year’s decor goals include elegance, look no further. To complete your new look, engage all the greens on the hue chart, complement with neutrals (white is a classic option), and choose some fun accessories.
We recommend Pantone 17-5841 TCX, Emerald (the 2013 color of the year) & Pantone 15-6437, Grass Green
When in doubt – keep it simple
My New Year’s ambitions usually revolve around organization. I am always on the lookout for new ways to simplify the chaos so I can focus on all the people and things I care about. Focusing on a neutral color scheme helps to keep your space feeling clean (and it makes any pop of color or fun piece of art really stand out). You can use a variety of neutrals to achieve a calm ambiance or you can go bold – black and white – to showcase the power of simplicity.
One of the most effective ways to bring together a black and white approach is to add in pattern or metals. You will want to trend toward a subtle metal tone – think brass. Gold also works, just consider the level of shine you’re looking for. Instead of black, go with a deep red to set off the neutral backdrop. By mixing a spoonful of sass with an ocean of serenity, in no time you should be finding the same balance in your day to day.
We recommend Pantone 13-1106, Sand Dollar & Pantone 14-0105, Overcast
Cause A Frockus would like to thank Better Homes & Gardens & Pantone.
For our readers: Are you re-painting or decorating your space to usher in the New Year? What colors are you going with?