VERVE & VIGOUR are the key words describing the color trends of 2011. Color in Home and Fashion is about not only being inspirational BUT instilling a sense of confidence, boosting our courage and elevating the joy in our everyday lives (albeit with a bold kick). The BIG color of 2011 is Honeysuckle Pink. It is a rich and visual treat that expresses the maxim “Verve & Vigour” in spades. Honeysuckle is a dynamic reddish hued pink that while being bold is as well encouraging & uplifting, this is because Pink elevates our psyche and encourages us to meet the challenges of everyday life.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute expresses this concept better than anyone…“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating colour that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues. Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother colour red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

In the words of the immortal Kay Thompson (google or wikipedia her if you haven’t heard of her) “THINK PINK” …(you can sing the song while painting an accent wall in your home…your welcome).

The other key colors of this year include the stunning Blue Curacao (which I have used to SPECTACULAR effect in bold vertical stripes as a color accent in bathrooms), the luscious Coral Rose (a rich, vibrant, exotic and sexy Orange), Beeswax, Regatta, and Silver Cloud to name a few.

Remember when painting your home, apartment or room, you don’t need (or want) to paint an entire room in these colors, merely add them as an accent. Paint one wall Honeysuckle and then paint the other walls a soft white (such as Cloud White by Benjamin Moore) and your trim a crisp white (such as Oxford White by Benjamin Moore). If you were to opt for the rich orange route…I would suggest you go for Charlotte’s Locks by Farrow & Ball. A stunning orange color with a visual depth unmatched by almost any other paint manufacturer. I also completely adore Orchid Rose #S-G-110, Startling Orange #S-G-230, Lime Pop # S-G-400 by Behr Premium Plus paints and Lagoon #MSL125 by Martha Stewart Living paint (both available at The Home Depot).

Remember the key is to be BOLD. Try splashing some paint up, edit your space, freshen your environment and feel the power our homes have on our spirit and attitude. Most importantly…try it out, take some photos and send me them in to us.