Pantone revealed the Colour of the Year for 2015 as Marsala, an elegant, earthy wine red hue.
Hearty yet stylish, Pantone describes Marsala as embodying the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding, red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. Pantone adds that Marsala is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.
Pantone’s annual colour of choice is motivated by a variety of influences such as the entertainment industry, travelling art collections, new textures, nature, technology, popular travel destinations and prevailing socio-economic conditions. Evidently Marsala best represents the current status quo.
“I really love this colour as it can be used in almost any room. It’s elegant, rich and welcoming and can be used as a primary colour or subtly infused into a space through accent pieces and accessories,” says Debra Retief marketing manager at Tile Africa.
There are several ways Marsala can be incorporated into the bathroom. If you want to make a statement, consider installing a bold, Marsala coloured tiled accent wall. The tiles can be shiny or matt, depending on the look you would like to achieve.
“A more subtle, yet striking effect can also be created with Marsala coloured metro tiles and borders,” says Retief. Metro tiles are timeless and work well as accents behind basins and baths while Marsala coloured borders can add a touch of elegance without overpowering a space. Borders can be thin or wide and can be incorporated in the form of shimmering glass, metal or stone mosaics, beautiful listelli or solid coloured tiles cut into narrow strips. Square tiles can also be cut in half or thirds to create brick-like patterns or vertical borders to give the illusion of height.
Bathroom ware and taps have evolved and pops of colour are now being introduced in tap handles. If you are looking for something new and unique, consider introducing Marsala to your tap handles and team it up with accessories such as towels, bath mats, soap dispensers and candles.
Marsala, with its natural and fulfilling qualities, also works well in other rooms such as the kitchen, dining room and bedroom. The same principles used in the bathroom apply in these areas to a large degree.
If you want to go big with Marsala in these areas, incorporate a tiled wall behind key focus points such as the basin, stove or bed. For a more toned down look, incorporate Marsala coloured accessories, appliances, borders, and mosaics.
“Whether in a flat or textured material, a gloss or matte finish, Marsala combines well with neutrals such as taupe and grey and can be used as a unifying element with amber, umber, golden yellows, turquoise, teal and vibrant blues,” says Retief.
Homeowners need not feel obliged to adhere to Marsala as per Pantone’s definition as there are numerous variations of the colour. Marsala is a fantastic, dynamic colour which can be easily incorporated and can liven up a space without overpowering it.
“While Pantone draws its colour choice from society and its various facets, so too does society draw inspiration from the colour. Over the years, purveyors of fashion, beauty products and interior design alike have taken their cues from Pantone’s Colour of the Year. No doubt 2015 will prove no different,” says Debra Retief marketing manager at Tile Africa.
For more information on Tile Africa’s Marsala coloured products, visit www.tileafrica.co.za or contact Tile Africa on 0800 002 783.
