The highly anticipated Colour of the Year for 2014 has been announced to be… Pantone 18-3224 Radiant Orchid, described as “a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple”.
“An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute. “It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.”
Since 2000, Pantone has annually hailed a colour to encapsulate a year – the first was an enigmatic blue, cerulean. Over the years, anticipation and significance of the announcement has grown and these days Pantone’s Colour of the Year has become highly influential in product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.
Says Leatrice: “While the 2013 colour of the year, Pantone 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the colour wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination.”
In terms of decor, Pantone suggests that we “spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows.”
“Likewise,” they go on: “the vibrant colour is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergises almost any colour palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces.”
