People either love orange - or they severely dislike it – or, at least they think they do. Sometimes, if you just say the name, you can see a scrunched up nose, in response. Before you pass over this post, let’s open your mind to the possibilities!
I do have to say, orange, in my opinion, has received a bad reputation. So many people associate it with its use in: industrial safety, a color used in a prominent home improvement store, the color code for the 2nd highest level of alert for terrorism by Homeland Security, or a not so healthy alert for the ozone levels. Even in some studies on packaging and labeling, orange has been considered a color to be used by discount variety stores and it changes the perception of the consumer as to the level of product quality.
There is just the right balance of white to offset the jolt of a citrus splash, in this room. Can you say “Dreamsicle”?
Photo and wallpaper, courtesy of Thibaut – Pattern: Bandanase
As a designer, I have never really had a true dislike for any color – maybe just the tones and tints or combinations. I think if I remember orange, in a less favorable way, it’s because I’ve associated it with the era of burnt orange, olive green and harvest gold and the advent of some pretty scratchy synthetic fibers, which went along with the whole theme. (Grandmother B. thought this would be a bullet-proof solution to her family room sofa. I get hives recollecting the texture!) I have developed a love of the introduction of a newer, cleaner and clearer palette of orange. I’ll bet, after seeing some beautiful examples, if you are an orange naysayer, we will see that scrunched nose transform to a rounded, mouthed “ooooh”!
The right combination, of a color compliment, can take this hue to a whole new level!
Courtesy of Thibaut – Papaya Pattern – Sure to stimulate the appetite.
Courtesy of Colefax & Fowler – There would be no gray days in this room!
Just look at what this touch of coppertone paint adds to the ceiling. When considering painting the “fifth” wall, keep eco-friendly paints in mind, like Benjamin Moore’s Aura. Not only will you have a a happy palette, your house will be happy, too!
Having a low energy day? A bunch of orange Dahlias might help. Orange increases oxygen to the brain and stimulates mental activity.
Even gold is considered a member of the orange family. Gold often symbolizes high quality. That must be why I “heart” this Kate Spade bag, so much!
Okay, let’s say you are “warming” up to the palette but can’t get past the name, o-r-a-n-g-e. Peche, coral, tangerine – you call it as you see it and just maybe it will be your new BFF!
Cheers to you! - Wanda
