Celebrate colour with this Pantone infographic

Choctone - possibly the yummiest Pantone chart ever!

Our love of Pantone colour chart food mash-ups continues with this new deliciousness from photographer  Ramses Schweizer. It's called the Choctone and we think it's the tasty Pantone chart by far. In case your wondering: C is for chocolate, N: for nuts, H: for Honey and G for Grape.

Infographic: The Psychology of Colour

Expecting a bundle of joy sometime soon? Then you may want to steer clear of yellow. If you're not sure why then you had better scroll down to the infographic below where you'll discover the true power of colour and a bit of inspiration too. 

Pantone Colour of the Year 2013: Emerald 17-5641

Pantone, the global authority on colour and provider of professional colour standards to design industries, has announced that PANTONE® 17-5641 Emerald, a lively, radiant, lush green, is the Colour of the Year for 2013.

The Colour of the Year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for colour influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, travelling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact colour, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

This year's pick, Emerald, is a vivid, verdant green, that enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony. 

Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the colour of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the colour of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other colour conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other colour in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

Emerald for Fashion

The prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons, especially in the fashion and couture markets, and even on the red carpet. Appropriate for every occasion, Emerald’s classic elegance makes for striking and irresistible women’s formal and everyday wear as well as accessories. Emerald also makes a strong statement in men’s sportswear, knitwear and ties. Balanced yet sophisticated, Emerald enlivens all colours in the spectrum and will continue to make a statement beyond spring and summer into fall and winter.

Emerald for Beauty

Equally harmonious on the cosmetic colour wheel, Emerald dramatizes all eye colours as it beautifully enhances green eyes, is compatible to blue eyes, emphasizes the green undertone in hazel eyes and intensifies brown eyes to make them appear deeper. Emerald is also a perfect complement to peaches, pinks, roses, ruby reds and aubergines – offering a variety of lipstick and blush options. For those who want to sparkle and stand out, Emerald is the perfect punctuation point in nail colour because of its complementary nature.

Emerald for Interiors

Enhance your sense of well-being at home by rejuvenating the interior with Emerald paint, accents and accessories. This jewel-like hue will create a luxurious feel in an entryway, powder room, dining room or study, and bring life to a living room as an accent wall. Add a splash of colour to the kitchen and dining room areas with Emerald dinnerware, stem-ware and appliances.

*Adapted from the "Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2013" Press Release available here.

Converting Coloured Pencils in Colourful Accessories

The occasional ray of sunlight has reminded us that it is indeed summer and that it’s time to add a splash of colour to brighten of our wardrobe. Which is why we’re bringing you this fantastic tutorial from our long-time fav Brit + Co.

You’ll need:

-          coloured pencils

-          sand paper

-          drill with tiny drill bit

-          hand saw

-          chain

-          ring pads

-          glue

-          jewelry wire

Instructions:

The Pencil Ring

Simply cut off 2-inch length of pencil (with a sharpened end). Sand down the sawed off end so it’s smooth. Use a ring pad and curve it with needle nose pliers, creating the perfect setting for your pencil. Use a multipurpose adhesive to glue, and you’re all set!

The Flower Pencil Ring

Our second ring is great for those teeny tiny coloured pencils you’ve got kicking around the craft drawer. Cut off a few ends (7 work best), sand so that they’re smooth.

Glue together on wax paper using wood glue and let set overnight. Once the glue has set, sand off any excess glue so that you have a smooth pencil flower. Glue onto a ring pad and you’re done!

The Hanging Pencil Necklace

Select three colours you like, and cut them down using a saw. Sharpen so that the pencils are functional, and drill at the top of each pencil. String a chain right through and you’ve got writing utensils whenever you need ‘em.

Click here for more ideas for your new jewelry collection.

Plascon Colour Forecast 2013

Paint powerhouse Plascon officially announced their Colour Forecast for 2013 at Decorex SA this year.

“Colour trends are influenced by the mood of society; we are drawn to colours that reflect how we feel. When stressed, we are drawn to gentle blues, greens and neutral colours and when we need a bit of motivation and energy, we crave more energetic reds and oranges. Our uncertain and changing environment has us seeking some balance and harmony in our lives and this led to the forecast theme being called “Balance”.

The forecast consists of four palettes – Simplicity, Contrast, Pause and Dare. The colours in these palettes are designed to help you bring balance and harmony in your home.

Simplicity

SIMPLICITY

This is an honest palette. A base of chalky whites and neutrals appeals to our desire for calm and an uncluttered space – a space where we can relax and refresh our soul. The addition of green links us to nature and the metallics provide a lift and add to the sophistication of this palette.

Key Influences: Everyday escape, understated elegance, raw textures, copper, antique gold and silver, safari chic, modern sanctuary spaces.

Contrast

CONTRAST

This palette sees the continuation of deep blues and greys that have been so popular this year. Light and dark denim blues are also included in the palette. This palette is given an energy boost with the inclusion of high-contrast optimistic, bright yellow and fuchsia pink.

Key influences: 50s urban chic, colour defined spaces, vintage brights, sophisticated energy, optimism.

Pause

PAUSE

Pastel colours have been a highlight of many designer collections on the catwalk, including Ralph Lauren (inspired by The Great Gatsby), Louis Vuitton, Prada and Fendi. These soft washes of colour look as beautiful on walls as they do on the catwalk. This palette of pastels is calming and uplifting and can be easily introduced to a scheme, as they work well with neutrals and greys.

Key Influences: Icy tones, Great Gatsby, 1920s, shimmer and sparkle, nostalgia, soft and subtle.

Dare

DARE

Time for us to shift gears and move out of our comfort zones! These zinc toned brights are energy-boosting, without being manic and are great for colour-blocking and feature walls.

Key Influences: Afro-chic, colour-blocked geometrics, folk-inspired art and craft, retro brights, bold minimalism”

Get your hands on a 2013 Plascon Forecast brochure from your nearest Plascon stockist. More inspiration and information on the forecast is also available in the new issue of Plascon Spaces magazine and the Plascon website.